The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value, but choosing between the latest models can be tricky. We're pitting the Redmi Note 11S against the Redmi Note 12 4G to determine which phone offers the best overall experience for your money. Let's dive in!
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 4G edges out the 11S thanks to its more efficient Snapdragon 685 chipset, resulting in slightly better battery life and potentially smoother performance. While both offer similar displays and charging speeds, the Note 12 4G's modern processor gives it a slight advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 26 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 09 | Available. Released 2023, March 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, glass back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 183.5 g (6.49 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 58 min | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Gray, Pearl White, Twilight Blue | Onyx Gray, Mint Green, Ice Blue |
| Models | 2201117SG, 2201117SI, 2201117SY, 2201117SL | 23021RAAEG, 23021RAA2Y, 23027RAD4I, 23028RA60L |
| Price | € 136.99 | £ 189.99 / € 107.98 / ₹ 9,998 |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 0.89 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.59 W/kg (head) 0.88 W/kg (body) | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 133h
|
Endurance rating 117h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-25.4 LUFS (Very good)
|
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 251201 (v8), 308741 (v9)
GeekBench: 1873 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 319219 (v9)
GeekBench: 1797 (v5.1), 1341 (v6)
GFXBench: 7.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S
- Slightly more powerful chipset (Helio G96)
- Good display brightness
- Fast charging (33W)
- Less efficient chipset
- Potentially lower real-world battery life
- Camera performance may be slightly behind
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
- More efficient chipset (Snapdragon 685)
- Potentially longer real-world battery life
- Modern processor
- Slightly lower endurance rating
- Performance may not be as high for demanding games
- 33W charging only
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a bright 744 nits max brightness display, ensuring good visibility even in sunlight. The contrast ratio is listed as 'Infinite' (nominal), suggesting excellent blacks and vibrant colors. While both offer a similar visual experience, the Note 12 4G might have slightly improved color accuracy due to its newer panel, though this is difficult to confirm without further testing.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar between the two devices, both featuring standard camera setups. Both phones likely offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. Specific camera specs (megapixel counts, aperture) are missing, making a definitive comparison difficult. User reviews suggest the Note 12 4G might have slightly improved image processing.
Performance
The Redmi Note 11S utilizes a Mediatek Helio G96, while the Note 12 4G boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 685. The Snapdragon 685, built on a more efficient 6nm process, generally offers better performance per watt. Expect smoother multitasking and potentially better gaming performance on the Note 12 4G, especially in the long run. The Note 11S's Helio G96 is still capable, but the Snapdragon 685 holds a slight edge.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 11S boasts a slightly higher endurance rating of 133h compared to the Note 12 4G's 117h. However, the Snapdragon 685's efficiency means the Note 12 4G will likely offer longer real-world battery life despite the lower rating. Both phones support 33W wired charging, allowing for relatively quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is a great choice for users prioritizing a slightly more powerful chipset for gaming and demanding tasks. The Redmi Note 12 4G is ideal for everyday users who value battery efficiency and a modern processor without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 4G worth upgrading from the Redmi Note 11S?
If battery life and a slightly smoother experience are important to you, then yes. The Snapdragon 685 offers a noticeable improvement in efficiency. However, if you're a heavy gamer and the 11S's chipset meets your needs, the upgrade might not be necessary.
❓ Which phone has better low-light camera performance?
Based on available information, neither phone excels in low-light photography. Both likely struggle in challenging lighting conditions. Third-party reviews would be needed for a more definitive comparison.
