Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 mini vs. Xiaomi 11T Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Xiaomi 11T Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 164.1 × 76.9 × 8.8 mm | The 11T Pro is significantly larger, making the 12 mini much easier to handle one-handed and more pocketable. |
| Weight | 135g | 204g | The 12 mini is considerably lighter, enhancing comfort for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.67" | The 11T Pro offers a much larger display, better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. The 12 mini offers easier one-hand operation. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2400 | Both have very similar resolutions, so sharpness is quite comparable despite differences in PPI. |
| PPI | 476 | 395 | The 12 mini has a sharper display due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, with minimal differences in visual quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The 11T Pro's 120Hz refresh rate provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1000 nits | The 12 mini is slightly more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G | The A14 Bionic is more powerful based on benchmarks, providing a snappier feel and potentially better longevity. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 863,489 | The 12 mini shows superior performance in benchmarks, translating to faster app loading and smoother performance |
| GPU | Apple 4-core GPU | Adreno 660 | Both offer good gaming performance, but the A14 Bionic generally provides better sustained performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 108MP | The 11T Pro captures more detail, potentially enabling larger prints and greater cropping flexibility. The 12 mini has larger pixels for better low-light sensitivity. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.75 | The 12 mini has a wider aperture, allowing more light for better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/1.52" | The 11T Pro's larger sensor allows it to capture more light and details overall, but with smaller individual pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 16MP | The 11T Pro's front camera may capture slightly more detailed selfies due to higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | The 12 mini's front camera performs better in low-light situations due to the wider aperture |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 12MP | 8MP | The 12 mini captures more detailed wide-angle shots, but its sensor is smaller. |
| Wide Angle Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | The 11T Pro captures slightly more light due to its slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | No | 5MP | The 11T Pro includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, while the 12 mini lacks this feature. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps HDR | Up to 8K 30fps HDR | The 11T Pro supports a higher video resolution for professional use. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 117 | 108 | The 12 mini has better overall camera scores than 11T Pro. |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 132 | 121 | The 12 mini has better overall selfie camera scores than the 11T Pro. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2227mAh | 5000mAh | The 11T Pro offers significantly longer battery life due to its much larger capacity. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | The 11T Pro charges much faster, enabling quick top-ups. |
| Wireless Charging | MagSafe 15W, Qi 7.5W | None | The 12 mini supports convenient wireless charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 (upgradable to iOS 18) | Android 11 (upgradable to Android 13) | iOS is known for simplicity and ecosystem integration, while Android offers greater customization. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | The 12 mini offers greater internal storage options |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8/12 GB | The 11T Pro offers smoother multitasking with significantly more RAM |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Compact Size and Lightweight: Significantly easier to handle and pocket, ideal for one-handed use.
- Higher Display Sharpness: Noticeably sharper visuals due to higher pixel density.
- Stronger Performance: The A14 Bionic offers slightly faster processing speed, potentially smoother experience and longevity.
- Superior Camera Performance (DXOMark): Higher scores in both main and selfie camera categories indicating better photo and video quality.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient MagSafe and Qi wireless charging options.
- Better low light photos: Wider apertures on the main and selfie camera.
Xiaomi 11T Pro Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for a more fluid visual experience.
- Significantly Longer Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery provides extended usage time.
- Ultra-Fast Charging: 120W charging fills the battery in minutes.
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: Captures more detail in photos.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Allows for close-up photography.
- More RAM: Enables better multitasking and is ideal for gaming.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Better compatibility for newer accessories.
- More satellite systems for GPS: Better location accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 mini: Smaller battery, no expandable storage, smaller screen.
- Xiaomi 11T Pro: Larger and heavier, lower display sharpness, slightly lower benchmark performance, slightly lower scores in camera performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 mini:
- Ideal User: Those who value a compact phone with high performance, excellent cameras, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Users who prioritise one-handed usage and portability.
- Use Cases: Everyday use, photography, and video recording. Works well as a secondary phone or for individuals with smaller hands. Great for individuals who prefer simplicity and ease of use.
- Price-to-Value: Priced higher due to the Apple ecosystem and branding. Offers premium features in a small package.
Xiaomi 11T Pro:
- Ideal User: Individuals who need a large screen for media consumption, gamers who want a smooth display, and users who value long battery life and fast charging. Those looking for a feature-rich device with great value.
- Use Cases: Gaming, watching videos, browsing, heavy social media use. Good for individuals who are often away from a power outlet, and want fast charging.
- Price-to-Value: Provides high-end features at a more competitive price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Size and Portability: Do you prioritize a compact phone that's easy to handle, or a large screen for media and gaming?
- Battery Life: How important is all-day battery life? Are you often away from power outlets?
- Ecosystem: Do you prefer iOS (simplicity) or Android (customization)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Active User, Small Hands: If you need a compact device that is easy to carry around, with a great camera, and don't mind charging every night, the iPhone 12 mini is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Media Enthusiast: If you watch a lot of movies, play games, and need a larger screen with better battery life, the Xiaomi 11T Pro is the preferred option.
- Scenario 3: Value Seeker: If you are on a budget, and prefer a high performing phone, the Xiaomi 11T Pro provides excellent value with its fast charging, large screen, and good performance.
- Scenario 4: Apple Ecosystem User: If you value the Apple ecosystem or other Apple products, the iPhone 12 mini would be a better choice.
- Scenario 5: Camera Enthusiast: If you prioritize overall camera image quality, the iPhone 12 mini will be the better choice due to its higher dxomark scores.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would personally pick the Xiaomi 11T Pro. While I appreciate the compact size and excellent camera of the iPhone 12 mini, my daily usage leans heavily toward media consumption, multitasking, and gaming. The 11T Pro's significantly larger screen, smoother 120Hz display, and much larger battery are key factors for my needs. Additionally, the ultra-fast 120W charging is a game-changer for me. I also prefer the additional customization that comes with Android compared to the restrictions of iOS. Despite the smaller camera sensor, the pictures are adequate for my daily needs, and the larger screen wins me over. However, I acknowledge that the iPhone 12 mini might be a better choice for those with a strong preference for portability and the Apple ecosystem, and it does have a significantly higher overall camera score. The ideal choice depends entirely on individual needs and priorities.
