The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value for money. Choosing between the Redmi Note 11R and the Redmi Note 12S can be tricky, as both offer compelling features. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12S edges out the 11R thanks to its faster charging, slightly improved camera capabilities, and more modern design. While the 11R is still a solid choice, the 12S offers a more refined experience for a small price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 30 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 30 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Gray | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | 22095RA98C | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 160 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R
- Slightly better raw performance
- Good value for money
- Smooth 90Hz display
- Slower charging (18W)
- Less impressive camera
- Older design
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Faster charging (33W)
- Better camera (108MP main)
- More modern design
- Slightly better color accuracy
- Slightly lower raw performance than 11R
- Helio G96 can be less efficient in some scenarios
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Note 12S might have slightly better color accuracy due to potential software optimizations, but the difference is minimal. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S boasts a 108MP main camera, a significant upgrade over the 50MP sensor in the 11R. While megapixels aren't everything, the 12S generally captures more detailed photos, especially in good lighting. Both phones offer decent ultrawide and macro lenses, but the 12S's main camera is the clear winner.
Performance
The Dimensity 700 in the 11R generally offers slightly better raw performance than the Helio G96 in the 12S, particularly in GPU-intensive tasks. However, the Helio G96 is more efficient, leading to comparable real-world performance. Both handle everyday tasks and moderate gaming well.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the Note 12S's 33W fast charging is a considerable advantage over the 11R's 18W charging, significantly reducing charging times.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R is a good option for budget-conscious users who prioritize a smooth, everyday experience and don't need the fastest charging. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is ideal for those who want a better camera, faster charging, and a more modern design without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12S worth the extra money?
If you value faster charging and a better camera, the Redmi Note 12S is definitely worth the small price increase. However, if you're on a tight budget and don't need those features, the 11R remains a capable device.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Redmi Note 11R with the Dimensity 700 generally offers slightly better gaming performance, especially in graphically demanding games. However, both phones can handle most games at medium settings.
