Xiaomi just unveiled the Redmi Note 12 series, which includes four new affordable smartphones. The four devices are aimed at different pricing points, giving consumers the option of selecting the best model for their needs. The Redmi Note 12 series includes a standard Redmi Note 12, a more powerful Redmi Note 12 Pro, a premium Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus, and a limited-edition Redmi Note 12 Explorer Edition. In a recent comparison, we reviewed the complete Redmi Note 12 range, as well as how the new vanilla Redmi Note 12 compares to its predecessor. But, for the sake of this analysis, let’s compare the Redmi Note 12 Pro to the Redmi Note 11 Pro.
The Redmi Note 12 Pro features a new Dimensity 1080 chipset, which replaces the Dimensity 920 processor featured in the Redmi Note 11 Pro in China. The new model is both lighter and slimmer than its predecessor, making it easier for users to carry the gadget with one hand. The phone also improves the memory arrangement, with up to 12GB of RAM inside.
Related: Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G Review – One of the Best Affordable 5G Phones?
Table of Contents
Design
The Redmi Note 12 Pro follows suit with a straightforward layout of its triple camera array, the same as how the vanilla Redmi Note 12 model cleaned away the clutter at the rear with only two cameras. In comparison, the Redmi Note 11 Pro’s rectangular camera module had a complicated network of sensors at the rear. There’s little denying that the new design is more sophisticated and appealing than its predecessor.
The Redmi Note 12 Pro is slimmer at 7.9mm compared to 8.3mm on the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G variant. The new model is also lighter, weighing only 187 grams. Notably, the Note 12 is both smaller and slimmer than its predecessor, making it more compact.
Both versions are IP53 rated, which means they are dust and splash-proof. The Redmi Note 12 Pro is available in Black, Blue White, and a unique Violet color option, whereas the Redmi Note 11 Pro was available in Mysterious Black, Forest Green, Timeless Purple, and Milky Way Blue.
Display
The Redmi Note 12 Pro variant has a 6.67-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080p, a refresh rate of 120Hz, and a brightness of 900 nits HBM. In comparison, the earlier model has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080p and a refresh rate of 120Hz. Surprisingly, when compared to the new Note 12 Pro, the older model boasts a brighter display screen at 1200 nits. However, the Redmi Note 12 Pro does support HDR10+ certification.
Camera
On the new Redmi Note 12 Pro variant, Redmi has dropped the high-resolution 108MP sensor. As a result, it has a smaller 50MP primary camera with an f/1.9 aperture, as well as the same two secondary sensors, an 8MP f/1.9 ultra-wide shooter, and a 2MP macro shooter, as its predecessor. To be fair, the Redmi Note 11 Pro’s drop from the 108MP sensor may not result in a significant change in camera quality. Redmi has not made any improvements to the new model. As a result, both phones have identical 16MP selfie and video call cameras.
Specs & Performance
The Redmi Note 12 Pro is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor running at 2.6GHz. In comparison, the Redmi Note 11 Pro comes with a 2.5GHz Dimensity 920 CPU. Both of these processors support 5G networks and should provide adequate performance for their pricing range.
Both versions begin with 6GB RAM and 128GB of ROM, but only the new Redmi Note 12 Pro goes up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The earlier Redmi Note 11 Pro has a maximum of 8GB RAM.
The Redmi Note 12 Pro comes pre-installed with Android 12 and MIUI 13. In comparison, the Redmi Note 11 Pro runs MIUI 12.5 on top of Android 11.
Battery
There are some minor adjustments in the battery sector on the new model, as there are in the camera section. The Redmi Note 12 Pro comes with a 5000mAh battery that supports 67W rapid charging. This battery capacity is somewhat lower than the Note 11 Pro model’s 5000mAh capacity. Notably, the charging pace stays unchanged from the previous model.
Price & Availability
The Redmi Note 12 Pro variant is available in China for an official starting price of roughly $240 (Php13,941), although it will be offered at a higher price elsewhere. In comparison, the Redmi Note 11 Pro costs PHP 15,999. Which one would you choose, given the price difference?
