The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value for money. But with new models arriving, choosing the right one can be tricky. We're pitting the Redmi Note 12 4G against the Redmi Note 11S to see which phone offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 11S edges out the Note 12 4G thanks to its slightly better battery life and faster charging. While the Note 12 4G boasts a newer chipset, the 11S's overall package provides a more compelling value proposition for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 23 | 2022, January 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 30 | Available. Released 2022, February 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 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 | 183.5 g (6.49 oz) | 179 g (6.31 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 (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 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 | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Onyx Gray, Mint Green, Ice Blue | Graphite Gray, Pearl White, Twilight Blue |
| Models | 23021RAAEG, 23021RAA2Y, 23027RAD4I, 23028RA60L | 2201117SG, 2201117SI, 2201117SY, 2201117SL |
| Price | £ 189.99 / € 107.98 / ₹ 9,998 | € 136.99 |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 0.89 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.59 W/kg (head) 0.88 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 117h
|
Endurance rating 133h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
-25.4 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 319219 (v9)
GeekBench: 1797 (v5.1), 1341 (v6)
GFXBench: 7.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 251201 (v8), 308741 (v9)
GeekBench: 1873 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
- Slightly newer chipset (Snapdragon 685)
- Potentially more refined software
- Good display quality
- Shorter battery life
- Slower charging
- Camera slightly less vibrant
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S
- Longer battery life
- Faster charging (PD3.0, QC3)
- Vibrant camera output
- Excellent value
- Older chipset (Helio G96)
- Slightly less efficient
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 744 nits. Color accuracy and viewing angles are excellent on both. The contrast ratio is nominally infinite, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors. There's little to differentiate them here.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple-camera setup with a 108MP main sensor. The Note 11S often produces slightly more saturated and vibrant images, while the Note 12 4G aims for more realistic colors. Video recording capabilities are similar on both, offering 1080p at 30fps. Low-light performance is adequate on both, but not exceptional.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12 4G utilizes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm), while the Redmi Note 11S uses a Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm). The Snapdragon 685 generally offers slightly better efficiency and a small performance boost in everyday tasks. However, both chips are capable of handling most apps and games smoothly, though demanding titles may require lower graphics settings. The 685's 6nm process should translate to slightly better thermals.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 11S holds a slight advantage in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 133 hours compared to the Note 12 4G's 117 hours. The Note 11S also features faster charging at 33W with PD3.0 and QC3 support, allowing for a full charge in approximately 58 minutes, while the Note 12 4G is limited to standard 33W charging.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is a good choice for users prioritizing a slightly newer chipset and a potentially more refined software experience. The Redmi Note 11S is ideal for those seeking longer battery life, faster charging, and a well-rounded package at a competitive price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 685 significantly faster than the Helio G96?
While the Snapdragon 685 offers a slight performance edge, the difference is not substantial for everyday use. Both chips are capable of handling most tasks smoothly.
❓ Which phone has better low-light camera performance?
Both phones offer adequate low-light performance, but neither excels in this area. Expect some noise and softness in dimly lit conditions.
