The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value for money. The Redmi Note 12S and Redmi Note 11 are two popular contenders in this lineup, 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 12S boasts a slightly more powerful chipset and potentially improved camera capabilities. However, the Note 11 shines with its exceptional battery life and efficient Snapdragon processor. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities: performance or endurance.
| 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 | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 06 | 2022, January 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 26 | Available. Released 2022, February 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 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 | 176 g (6.21 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 13, MIUI 14 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| 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@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, recording | FM radio |
| 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 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 60 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green | Graphite Gray, Twilight Blue, Star Blue |
| Models | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L | 2201117TG, 2201117TI, 2201117TY, 2201117TL |
| Price | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 | £ 95.00 / € 97.99 / ₹ 11,950 |
| SAR | - | 0.97 W/kg (head) 0.93 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 126h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.8 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 228044 (v8), 244526 (v9)
GeekBench: 1662 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 6.8fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Potentially better camera
- Slightly more powerful chipset
- Modern design
- Likely shorter battery life
- Chipset efficiency may be lower
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
- Exceptional battery life
- Efficient Snapdragon 680
- Bright display
- Less powerful chipset
- Potentially older design
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 11 has a measured peak brightness of 736 nits, offering excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the Note 12S display details are less readily available, it's likely to be a good quality AMOLED panel. The Note 11's 'infinite' contrast ratio suggests deep blacks and vibrant colors, though this is a nominal value. Expect both to offer a pleasant viewing experience, but the Note 11 has a slight edge in brightness.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S is expected to have a more advanced camera system, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. While both phones offer Photo/Video capabilities, the Note 12S likely delivers better image quality, especially in low light. Specific camera specs (megapixels, aperture) would be needed for a more precise comparison.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12S utilizes a Mediatek Helio G96, which generally provides a noticeable performance boost over the Snapdragon 680 in the Note 11, especially in graphics-intensive tasks. The Note 11's Snapdragon 680, while less powerful, is known for its efficiency and smooth everyday performance. The Note 12S's Cortex-A76 cores offer higher peak performance, but the Note 11's Kryo 265 cores are well-optimized.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 11's standout feature is its exceptional battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 126 hours. This is significantly better than most smartphones. The Redmi Note 12S, while having a decent battery, is unlikely to match the Note 11's longevity due to the more power-hungry chipset.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is ideal for users who prioritize smoother performance for gaming and demanding apps. The Redmi Note 11 is a great choice for those who need a phone that can last for days on a single charge and value efficient power management.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12S worth the upgrade from the Redmi Note 11?
If you prioritize performance and camera improvements, the Note 12S is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if battery life is your top concern, the Note 11 remains an excellent choice.
❓ Which chipset is better, Helio G96 or Snapdragon 680?
The Helio G96 generally offers better raw performance, especially for gaming. The Snapdragon 680 is more efficient and provides smoother everyday performance with longer battery life.
