Xiaomi's Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value for money. The Redmi Note 11T 5G and Redmi Note 12S are two popular contenders in this space, but which one offers the best experience? We'll break down their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 11T 5G edges out the 12S thanks to its superior chipset and faster charging. While the 12S boasts a slightly improved camera, the 11T 5G's overall performance and 5G connectivity make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| 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, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 30 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 07 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.44 x 2.98 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 | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, 119˚, (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | - |
| 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@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | 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, BDS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 60 min | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aquamarine Blue, Stardust White, Matte Black | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | 21091116AI | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 220 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11T 5G
- Faster chipset (Dimensity 810)
- 5G connectivity
- Faster 33W charging
- Good overall performance
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Camera slightly less impressive than 12S
- Design is a bit more generic
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Higher resolution 108MP camera
- Slightly improved color accuracy on display
- Refined design
- Good value for money
- Slower chipset (Helio G96)
- No 5G connectivity
- Slower charging speed
- Performance can lag with demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The 12S might have slightly better color accuracy, but the difference is minimal. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S features a 108MP main camera, while the 11T 5G has a 64MP main camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the 12S generally captures slightly more detailed photos in good lighting. Low-light performance is comparable. Both phones offer decent ultrawide and macro lenses.
Performance
The Dimensity 810 in the 11T 5G is significantly more powerful than the Helio G96 in the 12S. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 11T 5G. The 12S can handle everyday tasks, but will struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. However, the 11T 5G's 33W fast charging allows it to charge 100% in approximately 60 minutes, while the 12S takes slightly longer.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11T 5G is ideal for users prioritizing performance, 5G connectivity, and fast charging. The Redmi Note 12S is a good option for those who value camera quality and a slightly more refined design, but are less concerned about raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 11T 5G worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance and 5G connectivity are important to you. The Dimensity 810 offers a noticeable upgrade over the Helio G96.
❓ Which phone has better low-light camera performance?
Low-light performance is comparable between the two phones, but the 12S's higher resolution sensor *might* capture slightly more detail in very dark conditions.
