iPhone 12 mini Vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 11

iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at

Refurbished price:146.50

Versus €689.00 new

See options
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
Starting at

Refurbished price:108.00

Versus €249.99 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 12 Mini (2020) and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (2022) are smartphones designed for different user priorities. While the iPhone 12 Mini offers a compact form factor with a premium operating system, the Redmi Note 11 provides a larger display and extensive battery capacity within the Android ecosystem. Both devices aim to deliver a capable smartphone experience, but they diverge significantly in their design philosophy and feature sets.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors. The iPhone 12 Mini, released in late 2020, typically receives major iOS updates for approximately five to seven years from its launch, with security updates often extending beyond that. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11, launched in early 2022, runs on Android and generally receives major OS updates for a shorter period, typically two to three years, though security patches may continue for longer. This difference means the iPhone 12 Mini is likely to receive software feature updates for a longer duration from its release date.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 12 Mini is expected to receive iOS updates until around 2027, offering a longer period of new features and system enhancements. The Redmi Note 11, while newer, will likely see fewer major Android version updates.
  • Repairability: The iPhone 12 Mini has an iFixit repairability score of 6 out of 10, noted for modular components that simplify display and battery replacements, though its glass back can be fragile. The Redmi Note 11 (4G variant) has a repairability index score of 6.5 out of 10, indicating good access for common repairs like screen and battery replacement.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features will find the iPhone 12 Mini supported for a longer period. Both devices offer reasonable repairability for extending their practical lifespan through component replacement, making them suitable as quality-assured refurbished options.

Year of Release

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

OS

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone impacts how smoothly applications run, how quickly tasks are completed, and the overall responsiveness of the user interface. These two devices offer different levels of processing power and memory configurations.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The iPhone 12 Mini handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a fluid user experience for daily tasks and more intensive operations. Users generally report consistent performance across various apps.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Redmi Note 11 is available with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, which supports general multitasking and app usage. It also offers expandable storage up to 1TB via a microSD card, providing flexibility for users who need significant space for media and files. The iPhone 12 Mini comes with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage, without expansion options.
  • Battery Behavior: The Redmi Note 11 features a substantial 5000mAh battery, which typically provides extended usage times, with users often reporting it lasts through a full day of moderate to heavy use. The iPhone 12 Mini has a smaller battery capacity, and some users have noted that it may require more frequent charging, especially with heavy usage.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, influencing everything from media consumption to daily interactions. Both devices offer distinct screen technologies and characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 12 Mini features a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which delivers deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors, with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels resulting in a sharp 476 pixels per inch. The Redmi Note 11 comes with a larger 6.43-inch AMOLED DotDisplay, offering a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels at 409 pixels per inch, also providing rich colors and good contrast.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 12 Mini offers a typical brightness of 625 nits, peaking at 1200 nits for HDR content, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Redmi Note 11 has a typical brightness of 700 nits and can reach a peak brightness of 1000 nits, which helps maintain screen clarity even in bright daylight.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The iPhone 12 Mini has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. In contrast, the Redmi Note 11 features a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides a smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations, particularly noticeable during gaming or browsing.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

AMOLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are often a significant consideration for smartphone users, and both the iPhone 12 Mini and the Redmi Note 11 offer different photographic experiences.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 12 Mini is equipped with a dual 12MP camera system, including a wide lens with a ƒ/1.6 aperture and an ultra-wide lens with a ƒ/2.4 aperture and a 120° field of view. This setup is known for its consistent image quality and strong low-light performance. The Redmi Note 11 features a quad-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with a ƒ/1.8 aperture, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and two 2MP sensors for macro and depth.
  • Photography Features: The iPhone 12 Mini includes features like Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3, which enhance image quality across different scenarios, particularly in challenging lighting. The Redmi Note 11's 50MP main sensor uses pixel-binning technology to capture detailed images, and its ultrawide lens is suitable for expansive shots.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The iPhone 12 Mini supports HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 30 frames per second, and standard 4K video up to 60 frames per second, along with a 12MP front-facing camera capable of 4K video. The Redmi Note 11 records video at 1080p at 30 frames per second and has a 13MP front camera.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

13 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The iPhone 12 Mini supports 5G connectivity, including both sub-6 GHz and mmWave bands, and features Wi-Fi 6. It uses a Lightning port for charging and data transfer. The Redmi Note 11 supports 4G connectivity and Wi-Fi 802.11ac, and includes a USB Type-C port for charging, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security and Other Sensors: The iPhone 12 Mini relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The Redmi Note 11 features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. The Redmi Note 11 also includes an infrared (IR) blaster, allowing it to function as a universal remote control for home appliances.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 12 Mini is notably compact and lightweight, measuring 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm and weighing 135 grams, making it easy for one-handed use. It features a Ceramic Shield front cover for enhanced durability. The Redmi Note 11 is larger and heavier at 159.87 x 73.87 x 8.09 mm and 179 grams, offering a more expansive screen experience.

Weight

135 g

179 g

Screen size (in)

5.4

6.43

Network

5G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the iPhone 12 Mini frequently highlights its compact size and powerful performance as key advantages, making it a preferred choice for those who value portability without significant compromise on speed. Criticisms often center on its battery life, which some users find to be shorter than larger iPhone models. The camera system is generally praised for its consistent quality and advanced features like Dolby Vision video recording.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is commonly lauded for its vibrant AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, its long-lasting 5000mAh battery, and the inclusion of practical features such as a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage. Common concerns among users include its processor, which, while capable for everyday use, may not satisfy heavy mobile gamers, and the absence of 5G connectivity.

Users prioritizing a highly portable device with a premium operating system, strong camera capabilities, and longer software support may find the iPhone 12 Mini well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who prefer a larger, smoother display, extended battery life, and the flexibility of expandable storage and a headphone jack might lean towards the Redmi Note 11. Both devices offer distinct advantages, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either can be an eco-friendly alternative for informed purchasing decisions.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons