1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 161.7 × 73.9 × 8.2 mm | Realme 11 Pro is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. iPhone 12 Pro is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 189g | 183g | Negligible difference in weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | Realme 11 Pro offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2412 | iPhone 12 Pro has a sharper display with more detail. |
| PPI | 460 | 394 | iPhone 12 Pro's higher pixel density results in sharper text and images. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. The difference is minimal in practical terms. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 11 Pro's 120Hz display provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 950 nits | iPhone 12 Pro is easier to see in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Apple A14 Bionic is significantly faster, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,082,644 | 540,800 | The iPhone 12 Pro will handle demanding tasks much better. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G68 MC4 | Apple GPU offers superior graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.6 | 100MP f/1.75 | Realme 11 Pro's 100MP sensor captures more detail in good lighting, but the iPhone 12 Pro's larger aperture may perform better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.45 | Realme 11 Pro captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP f/2.0 | None | iPhone 12 Pro offers optical zoom for better zoomed-in photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.4 | None | iPhone 12 Pro can capture wider scenes. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Realme 11 Pro can take close-up photos of small objects. Quality is not the best at 2MP. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | iPhone 12 Pro offers higher frame rates for smoother video. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 11 Pro offers significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W | 67W | Realme 11 Pro charges much faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe/7.5W Qi | None | iPhone 12 Pro offers convenient wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 (Upgradable to 18) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 15) | Different ecosystems. iOS is known for its simplicity and tight integration, while Android offers more customization. |
| Other | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Realme 11 Pro has newer Bluetooth version. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | iPhone 12 Pro supports eSIM for easy switching between carriers. |
| Security | Face ID | Fingerprint sensor | Different biometric authentication methods. Some prefer fingerprint, others prefer face unlock. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The A14 Bionic chip provides a much smoother and faster experience, especially in demanding applications and games.
- Superior Camera System: Features a versatile triple-camera system with telephoto and ultrawide lenses, offering more creative options and better zoom capabilities.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density results in a noticeably sharper and more detailed display.
- Wireless Charging: Supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging for added convenience.
- Premium Build Quality and Features: Generally considered to have a more premium feel.
Realme 11 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Longer Battery Life: The larger battery provides much better endurance, lasting through a full day of heavy use.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Larger Display: Offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz display provides smoother scrolling and animations.
- More RAM (Depending on Configuration): Can have up to 12GB of RAM.
- Macro Lens: Can take close-up photos (but low quality at 2MP).
Trade-offs:
- Choosing the iPhone 12 Pro means sacrificing battery life and a larger screen for superior performance and camera versatility.
- Choosing the Realme 11 Pro means sacrificing raw performance for significantly longer battery life and a smoother display experience (120Hz).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who need a fast and responsive phone for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value camera versatility and image quality, particularly zoom capabilities.
- Ecosystem Users: Those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem and prefer iOS.
Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming: Demanding games run smoother and look better on the iPhone 12 Pro.
- Professional Photography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos with the versatile camera system.
- Video Editing: Editing videos on the go with the powerful A14 Bionic chip.
Realme 11 Pro Ideal Users:
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Those who need a phone that can last all day on a single charge.
- Media Consumers: Those who enjoy watching videos and playing games on a larger screen with smooth animations.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a feature-rich phone at a more affordable price point.
Use Cases:
- All-Day Usage: Lasting through a full day of heavy use without needing to recharge.
- Media Consumption: Enjoying movies, TV shows, and games on the large, smooth display.
- Everyday Photography: Capturing detailed photos in good lighting conditions.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider:
- How important is raw performance to you? If you need a phone for demanding tasks, the iPhone 12 Pro is the clear winner. If you prioritize battery life and a smooth display, the Realme 11 Pro is a better choice.
- How important is battery life? If you hate charging your phone multiple times a day, the Realme 11 Pro is the obvious choice.
- Which ecosystem do you prefer? If you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 12 Pro offers seamless integration. If you prefer Android's customization options, the Realme 11 Pro is a better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer - Choose the iPhone 12 Pro for its superior performance and graphics capabilities.
- Scenario 2: All-Day Worker - Choose the Realme 11 Pro for its outstanding battery life.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Media Consumer - Choose the Realme 11 Pro for its large, smooth display and affordable price.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Apple iPhone 12 Pro.
Here's why:
- Performance: I prioritize performance and responsiveness. The A14 Bionic chip is significantly faster and smoother than the Mediatek Dimensity 7050. I often use my phone for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking, and the iPhone 12 Pro would handle these tasks much better.
- Camera System: I value camera versatility and image quality. The iPhone 12 Pro's triple-camera system, including the telephoto and ultrawide lenses, offers more creative options and better zoom capabilities. While the Realme 11 Pro has a higher megapixel count on its main camera, the overall quality and versatility of the iPhone 12 Pro's camera system are more appealing to me.
- Ecosystem: I am already invested in the Apple ecosystem, and the iPhone 12 Pro offers seamless integration with my other Apple devices.
While the Realme 11 Pro has some advantages, such as longer battery life and a larger display, the iPhone 12 Pro's superior performance, camera system, and ecosystem integration make it the better choice for my needs.
