The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value for money. The Note 12S and Note 11S are both strong contenders in the mid-range market, but which one offers the best experience? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12S offers incremental improvements, primarily in camera capabilities and potentially software updates. However, the Note 11S remains a compelling choice, especially if you prioritize exceptional battery life and a slightly lower price point. It's a close call, leaning slightly towards the 12S 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 | 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 |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, glass back |
| 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 (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, MIUI 14 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | 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 | 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) | 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, 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 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green | Graphite Gray, Pearl White, Twilight Blue |
| Models | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L | 2201117SG, 2201117SI, 2201117SY, 2201117SL |
| Price | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 | € 136.99 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 0.88 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 133h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.4 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 251201 (v8), 308741 (v9)
GeekBench: 1873 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Potentially improved camera quality
- Possible longer software support
- Slightly newer design
- Slightly shorter battery life than 11S
- Price may be slightly higher
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S
- Exceptional battery life
- Slightly brighter display (measured)
- Often available at a lower price
- Camera may be slightly less impressive than 12S
- Potentially shorter software support
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Note 11S boasts a measured peak brightness of 744 nits, which is slightly higher than what's typically reported for the 12S. While both offer excellent viewing experiences, the Note 11S might have a slight edge in outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S is expected to have a slightly improved camera system, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor (likely 108MP vs. 108MP on the 11S, though this can vary by region). While both offer decent camera performance, the 12S should offer better detail and low-light capabilities. Video recording capabilities are likely comparable.
Performance
Both devices share the same Mediatek Helio G96 chipset and CPU configuration. Performance will be very similar in everyday tasks and most games. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but both phones are capable of handling most common applications smoothly. Software optimization might differ slightly, potentially impacting perceived responsiveness.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 11S shines in this category, boasting an endurance rating of 133 hours. The Redmi Note 12S's battery life is expected to be slightly less, although still respectable. Both phones support 33W wired charging, taking roughly the same time to fully charge (around 1 hour 15 minutes). The Note 11S also supports PD3.0, QC3 charging standards.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S? Users prioritizing improved camera quality and potentially longer software support. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S? Budget-conscious buyers seeking outstanding battery life and a proven, reliable device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12S worth the upgrade from the Note 11S?
It depends on your priorities. If camera quality is crucial, the 12S is a worthwhile upgrade. Otherwise, the 11S remains a strong contender, especially if you value battery life and a lower price.
❓ What is the difference in software support between the two phones?
The Redmi Note 12S, being newer, is likely to receive software updates for a longer period. However, Xiaomi's update schedule can vary.
