Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 vs Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G: A Detailed Showdown

Xiaomi's Redmi Note series consistently delivers impressive value, but choosing between the latest Note 12 and the previous generation Note 11 Pro 5G can be tricky. Both offer compelling features at competitive prices, but significant differences exist. This comprehensive comparison will break down each phone's strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G emerges as the stronger contender overall. While the Note 12 boasts a newer chipset, the 11 Pro 5G’s faster charging, brighter display, and generally more refined camera experience provide a more well-rounded package, especially considering its often lower price.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (China) Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2022, October 272022, January 26
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, November 01Available. Released 2022, February 18
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame
Dimensions165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in)164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)202 g (7.13 oz)
 IP53, dust and splash resistantIP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSamsung AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak)Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 700 nits, 1200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 619
OSAndroid 12, MIUI 13Android 11, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 2.2
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm
Triple-108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1)GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging33W wired67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 42 min
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, BlueGraphite Gray, Polar White, Atlantic Blue
Models22101317C21091116I, 2201116SG
PriceAbout 190 EUR€ 120.33 / $ 230.00 / £ 319.00
SAR-1.05 W/kg (head)     1.09 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.60 W/kg (head)     0.96 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 115h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.8 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 288914 (v8), 382902 (v9) GeekBench: 2063 (v5.1) GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (China)

  • Newer Chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
  • Potentially more compact design
  • Good value if priced competitively

  • Slower charging (33W)
  • Less bright display
  • Potentially less capable camera

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G

  • Faster charging (67W)
  • Brighter display (746 nits)
  • More powerful chipset (Snapdragon 695 5G)
  • Generally better camera system

  • Older chipset
  • Potentially larger design

Display Comparison

The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G takes the display crown. Its measured 746 nits peak brightness significantly outshines the Note 12, offering better visibility in sunlight. While both have AMOLED panels, the 11 Pro 5G's contrast ratio (infinite nominal) suggests deeper blacks and richer colors. The Note 12's display is still good, but not as impressive.

Camera Comparison

The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G generally offers a more versatile and capable camera system. While both have Photo/Video capabilities, the 11 Pro 5G often features a higher resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing. The Note 12's camera is decent, but lacks the refinement of its predecessor. Specific sensor details are needed for a more precise comparison.

Performance

The Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is a newer chipset built on a 6nm process, theoretically offering slight efficiency gains. However, the Snapdragon 695 5G in the Note 11 Pro 5G is a more powerful chip overall, particularly in GPU performance. Everyday tasks will feel similar, but gaming and demanding apps will run smoother on the 11 Pro 5G.

Battery Life

Both phones offer excellent battery life, with an endurance rating of 115 hours. However, the Note 11 Pro 5G's 67W wired charging is a significant advantage, allowing for much faster top-ups (50% in 15 minutes, 100% in 42 minutes) compared to the Note 12's 33W charging.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (China) is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly newer processor and a more compact design. It's a good option if you find it significantly cheaper. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is better suited for those who value faster charging, a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and a more versatile camera system, all while potentially saving money.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 in the Redmi Note 12 significantly faster than the Snapdragon 695 5G?
While the 4 Gen 1 is newer, the 695 5G generally offers better overall performance, especially in graphics-intensive tasks. The difference in everyday usage might be minimal.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones have an impressive endurance rating of 115 hours, indicating similar battery life. However, the Note 11 Pro 5G's faster charging makes it more convenient.