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 (China) against the Redmi Note 11R to see which offers the best features and performance for your budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 (China) edges out the 11R thanks to its significantly faster charging and more modern chipset. While the 11R remains a solid choice, the Note 12's performance and charging speed make it the better overall pick 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 27 | 2022, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 01 | Available. Released 2022, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Samsung AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1) | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Blue | Black, Blue, Gray |
| Models | 22101317C | 22095RA98C |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (China)
- Faster Charging (33W)
- More Modern Chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- Potentially Better Performance
- Likely Improved Efficiency
- China Variant - Software/Regional Restrictions Possible
- Availability May Be Limited Outside China
- Potential for slightly higher price
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R
- More Affordable
- Good Battery Life
- Decent Camera Performance
- Widely Available
- Slower Charging (18W)
- Older Chipset (Dimensity 700)
- Lower Performance
- Less Efficient
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely AMOLED or IPS LCD) with a resolution around FHD+. The Note 12 might have a slightly brighter display or a higher refresh rate (potentially 90Hz or 120Hz) for smoother scrolling, though this is not confirmed for the China variant. Expect similar color accuracy and viewing angles on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones featuring a main sensor around 50MP. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. The Note 12's newer chipset *could* allow for slightly better image processing and low-light performance, but this is not guaranteed. Both will likely offer decent results for casual photography.
Performance
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 in the Note 12 holds a clear advantage over the Dimensity 700 in the Note 11R. The 4 Gen 1's newer architecture and 6nm process offer better efficiency and performance, resulting in snappier app loading and smoother multitasking. Gaming performance will also be noticeably better on the Note 12.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life. However, the Note 12's 33W charging is a significant upgrade over the 11R's 18W charging, allowing for much faster top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (China) is ideal for users prioritizing faster charging, smoother performance for everyday tasks, and a slightly more modern processor. The Redmi Note 11R is a good option for those on a tighter budget who don't need the absolute latest specs and are okay with slower charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 (China) worth the extra cost?
If you value faster charging and improved performance, the Note 12 is worth the investment. However, if you're on a strict budget and don't need the latest features, the Note 11R remains a capable device.
❓ What are the software differences between the two phones?
The Redmi Note 12 (China) will likely ship with MIUI China, which may have different features and apps compared to the global MIUI version on the Note 11R. Consider this if you require specific Google services or prefer a more familiar user interface.
