Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro vs. 11 Pro – Is it worth switching to the Redmi Note?

Xiaomi smartphones have gained a level of recognition and positioning in the market very quickly, since, in its beginnings, it was a brand with a lower cost association. Today, Xiaomi has diversified to the point of launching several ranges, each with a different type of smartphone. Today we want to show you a comparison between what, for us, are the best Xiaomi so far: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro.

At least for value for money. Both belong to the Xiaomi Redmi range, which is positioned as the upper-middle range of phones from the Asian brand. Therefore, they attract a lot of attention from users who are looking for a better balance between mobile phones with advanced features and an affordable price. We already anticipate that, after having analyzed the benefits and the price of both smartphones, we have received more surprises than we expected.

A priori, we see that the price of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is higher, which leads us to think that it improves most of the specifications of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro. But, will it be enough to make it worth changing? one model to another? And, in case you don’t have either of them, which Xiaomi smartphone is the most recommended?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro – Comparison Table

In this table you can see all the specifications of each of the two Xiaomi that we have focused on, so that you can have a first general photo:

What changes in terms of design?

The design of the smartphone is the first thing we notice when we see it, and in this case, there are some differences to take into account. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro is somewhat larger than the 12 Pro, and it is available in colors that have some variation, although the base colors are the same. We also notice that the cameras are arranged differently. In the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro, the main camera clearly stands out over the others, which have a smaller size ratio. For its part, in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro, the cameras are located in line and have a more similar size.

The screen, same size with different brightness

Secondly, we look at the screen, and this has been one of the first surprises that we have had. Because? Because both smartphones have the same screen size, 6.67 inches, and the same resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels). Instead, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro has a maximum brightness of 900 nits, while on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro it is 1200 nits.

Of course, the screen of the 12 Pro has a more flexible design because it has Flow AMOLED technology, although, to tell the truth, it is a feature that is less noticeable. In addition, both screens have Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.

Processor and operating system upgrade

In addition to the screen, another of the key pieces in a smartphone is the processor. The operation and overall performance of the phone depends on it. Both Xiaomi have a MediaTek processor, although one is more up to date than the other. The overall performance of the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 is higher, mainly because the CPU is more advanced and has a higher capacity, at 2.6 GHz, compared to 2.05 GHz on the Helio G96.

Consequently, the Redmi Note 12 Pro has the MIUI 14 operating system, which is more updated than the MIUI 13 of the Redmi Note 11 Pro.

Chambers: from 4 to 3

Another of the surprises that we have taken between the two Xiaomi smartphones has to do with the cameras, since the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro has four cameras, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro, although it is newer, has three cameras. . And not only that, but the main camera of the Redmi Note 11 Pro has a resolution of 108 MP, compared to the 50 MP that the main camera of the Redmi Note 12 Pro has. In addition, the 11 Pron adds a depth camera of the that the Redmi Note 12 Pro lacks. Therefore, Xiaomi has taken a step back when it comes to the resolution of the cameras. Instead, both models have the same front camera, 16 MP. 

Are there differences in the battery?

Few really. The two smartphones have a 5000 mAh capacity battery and a 67 W fast charge, with which they complete it in just 40 minutes. As for its duration, it depends on the type of use we make of the smartphone, although there are not many differences in this regard.

Sensors and connectivity

The set of sensors that each smartphone has is key to determining its most technologically advanced functional performance. And, in this sense, both Redmi Notes have the same sensors. We highlight the fingerprint sensor and the AI-based facial recognition sensor, in addition to the usual ones (proximity, ambient light, gyroscope, accelerometer, etc.).

Speaking of connectivity, there are two important differences. On the one hand, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is compatible with Bluetooth version 5.2, while its rival stays at version 5.1. Not that this has big implications, to tell the truth. On the other hand, only the Note 11 Pro has the possibility of incorporating a microSD card to increase the memory capacity of the phone, an option that is not in the 12 Pro.

The audio system and the degree of resistance do not change either.

Another aspect that we can look at is the sound system, which is the same in both models. In fact, both the Redmi Note 12 Pro and the Redmi Note 11 Pro have dual speakers compatible with Dolby Atmos, so that the synchronization between the image and the audio is total.

Finally, both smartphones have the same resistance level: IP53. This means that it is more resistant to dust than to water.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro: Shall we upgrade to the new model?

The big question we asked ourselves at the beginning of the comparison was whether or not it is worth switching from the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro to the 12 Pro. After having compared them, we drew a clear conclusion. If you have the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro, we don’t think it’s worth upgrading to the new one.

Although the 12 Pro improves on some features, there are other important ones in which it has taken a step back, such as the cameras. We do not quite understand why Xiaomi has removed one of the four cameras in the new model, and has lowered the maximum resolution of the main camera. It is not that the Redmi Note 12 Pro has poor photo quality, but the 11 Pro is better.

Instead, the 12 Pro improves processor performance, by having a more up-to-date chip, and that also makes it based on a more advanced operating system. Also, the battery is practically the same in both cases. For this reason, if you do not have either of the two smartphones, it may be interesting to opt for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro if you prioritize processor performance. But, if you already have the 11 Pro, don’t worry, because it is one of the smartphones with the best value for money in the range.