Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
Starting at

Refurbished price:108.00

Versus €249.99 new

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Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:114.00

Versus €399.00 new

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Ratings

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro are two smartphones from Xiaomi's popular Redmi Note series, released in consecutive years. The Redmi Note 11, launched in January 2022, offers a balanced set of features for everyday use, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro, introduced in January 2023, brings enhancements in display technology, camera capabilities, and charging speed. Both devices run on the Android operating system, customized with Xiaomi's MIUI interface, but differ in their core hardware and some key user experiences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support play a significant role.

  • Release Timeline: The Redmi Note 11 was released in January 2022, making it a year older than the Redmi Note 12 Pro, which launched in January 2023. This age difference inherently means the Redmi Note 12 Pro will likely receive software updates for a longer period.
  • OS Support Duration: The Redmi Note 11 launched with Android 11 and has received updates to Android 13 with MIUI 14. The Redmi Note 12 Pro launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive further Android updates, potentially extending its functional lifespan for users who prioritize the latest software features and security patches.
  • Practical Lifespan: Both devices feature an IP53 rating for dust and splash resistance, offering a degree of protection against everyday elements. The Redmi Note 11 features Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for display protection, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro often comes with Gorilla Glass 5, offering slightly enhanced scratch and drop resistance.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

No

OS

Android

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.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Redmi Note 11 is equipped with a processor designed for efficient daily tasks and moderate usage, handling common applications and light gaming without significant issues. The Redmi Note 12 Pro features a more capable processor, which translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more fluid experience with demanding applications and graphics-intensive games.
  • System Responsiveness: Users of the Redmi Note 12 Pro generally report a more responsive and snappier feel during navigation and app switching, attributed to its newer processor and higher refresh rate display. While the Redmi Note 11 provides a competent experience, the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a noticeable step up for those who value speed and efficiency.
  • Storage and RAM: Both models offer various configurations of RAM and internal storage. The Redmi Note 11 typically comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of storage, with microSD expansion available. The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers higher RAM options, including 6GB, 8GB, and 12GB, with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, though it generally lacks a microSD card slot for expansion.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct viewing experiences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Redmi Note 11 features a 6.43-inch AMOLED display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Redmi Note 12 Pro steps up to a larger 6.67-inch OLED display, which also delivers excellent contrast and color reproduction. The larger screen on the Note 12 Pro provides a more expansive viewing area for media consumption and productivity.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Redmi Note 11 offers a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother scrolling experience compared to standard 60Hz displays. The Redmi Note 12 Pro further enhances this with a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in even more fluid animations and a more responsive feel, particularly noticeable during gaming or fast-paced content.
  • Brightness and Clarity: Both phones offer Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 pixels), ensuring sharp visuals. The Redmi Note 11 can reach a peak brightness of 1000 nits, making it suitable for outdoor use. The Redmi Note 12 Pro also offers strong brightness, with a peak of around 900 nits, and supports HDR and Dolby Vision for an enhanced viewing experience with compatible content.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2400

Screen type

AMOLED

AMOLED

Audiovisual

For many users, camera performance is a key differentiator, and these two models present different photographic capabilities.

  • Main Camera System: The Redmi Note 11 features a quad-camera setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor, accompanied by an 8-megapixel ultrawide, and two 2-megapixel sensors for macro and depth. The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a triple-camera system, also with a 50-megapixel main sensor, but notably includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for clearer shots, especially in challenging conditions, along with an 8-megapixel ultrawide and a 2-megapixel macro lens.
  • Photography Performance: The inclusion of OIS in the Redmi Note 12 Pro's main camera can lead to sharper photos, particularly in low light or when capturing moving subjects, and more stable video recording. While both offer decent everyday photography, the Redmi Note 12 Pro generally provides an advantage in image stability and low-light performance due to OIS.
  • Front Camera and Video: The Redmi Note 11 is equipped with a 13-megapixel front camera. The Redmi Note 12 Pro features a slightly higher resolution 16-megapixel front camera. Both devices are capable of recording 1080p video, with the Redmi Note 12 Pro offering more stable video capture due to OIS on its main sensor.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

16 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Redmi Note 11 supports 4G LTE networks, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0. The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers more advanced connectivity with 5G support, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, providing faster data speeds and more stable wireless connections. Both devices include a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, and notably, both retain a 3.5mm headphone jack and an IR blaster.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: Both smartphones feature a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. They also include standard sensors such as an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, and proximity sensor.
  • Design and Build: The Redmi Note 11 has dimensions of 159.87 x 73.87 x 8.09mm and weighs 179g. The Redmi Note 12 Pro is slightly larger and heavier at 162.90 x 76.00 x 7.90 mm and 187g, but it is also thinner. The Redmi Note 12 Pro often features a glass back, offering a more premium feel compared to the plastic back of the Redmi Note 11.

Weight

179 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.43

6.67

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Choosing between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the Redmi Note 12 Pro depends on individual priorities and usage patterns. The Redmi Note 11, released earlier, remains a solid option for users seeking a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks, social media, and casual photography. Its AMOLED display, decent battery life, and expandable storage are notable advantages. Users who prioritize a slightly more compact device and the flexibility of a microSD card slot might find the Redmi Note 11 well-suited to their needs.

On the other hand, the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a more refined experience, particularly for those who value a smoother display, enhanced camera capabilities with OIS, faster charging, and future-proof 5G connectivity. Its more powerful processor makes it a better choice for demanding applications, multitasking, and mobile gaming. Users who consume a lot of media, take many photos and videos, or require faster network speeds will likely lean towards the Redmi Note 12 Pro.

Common user feedback suggests that while the Redmi Note 11 provides good value, some users have noted its performance can feel less fluid compared to newer models, especially with heavier use. The Redmi Note 12 Pro generally receives praise for its display and camera, though some discussions touch upon the absence of expandable storage as a potential drawback for certain users.

Both devices represent capable options within their respective segments. For those looking for a quality-assured refurbished option, both the Redmi Note 11 and Redmi Note 12 Pro are available, offering a sustainable choice for consumers.

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