1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 8.1 mm | iPhone 12 is more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. Realme 11 is larger and may be less comfortable for some. |
| Weight | 164g | 190g | iPhone 12 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 11 has a more durable screen, reducing the risk of scratches and cracks. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.72" | Realme 11 offers a more immersive viewing experience for videos and games. iPhone 12 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2400 | iPhone 12 has a sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 460 PPI | 392 PPI | The iPhone 12's higher PPI will result in a visibly sharper image. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | iPhone 12 has better contrast, color accuracy, and deeper blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 11 has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1000 nits | iPhone 12 is easier to see in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | iPhone 12 offers significantly faster performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,083,947 | 389,600 | iPhone 12 will feel much snappier and responsive in most tasks. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G57 MC2 | iPhone 12 has superior graphics performance, better for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Realme 11 can handle more apps running in the background without slowing down. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 64MP | Realme 11 captures more detailed photos in good lighting conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.79 | iPhone 12 performs better in low light conditions. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/2" | Realme 11 captures more light, improving low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes | No | iPhone 12 can capture wider scenes. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | No | Yes | Realme 11 can take portrait shots with a blurred background. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | iPhone 12 can record higher quality videos with better detail and clarity. |
| Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) | Yes | No | iPhone 12 produces smoother videos and sharper photos, especially in low light. |
| Digital Image Stabilization | No | Yes | Realme 11 can help stabilize videos, but may not be as effective as OIS |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 117 | N/A | iPhone 12 provides superior camera image quality |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 132 | N/A | iPhone 12 offers clearer and more detailed selfies |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 11 offers significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Realme 11 charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (MagSafe & Qi) | No | iPhone 12 can be charged wirelessly. |
Software
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS 14.1 (Upgradable to iOS 18) | Android 13 | Different user interface and ecosystem. iOS is known for its ease of use and tight integration with Apple services. Android offers more customization options. |
Other
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | iPhone 12 offers a more immersive and higher-quality audio experience. |
| Security | Basic security features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Realme 11 offers a convenient and secure way to unlock the phone. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via microSD card. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip offers significantly faster processing and graphics capabilities. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
- Better Display: The OLED display provides better contrast, color accuracy, and viewing angles. The higher pixel density results in a sharper image.
- Better Camera: The iPhone 12's camera excels in video recording quality (4K vs 1080p), low-light performance, and overall image processing. It also features OIS.
- Wireless Charging: Supports both MagSafe and Qi wireless charging standards for added convenience.
- Premium Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support offer a superior audio experience.
- Ecosystem Integration: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.
Realme 11 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides significantly longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging replenishes the battery more quickly.
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 120Hz display provides smoother scrolling and animations.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Captures more detailed photos in well-lit conditions.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a convenient and secure way to unlock the phone.
- More RAM: More RAM (8 GB or 12 GB) is available with the Realme 11.
- Wider Display: Larger screen size provides a more immersive viewing experience.
Trade-offs:
- Choosing the iPhone 12 means sacrificing battery life and a fingerprint sensor for performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Choosing the Realme 11 means sacrificing performance and camera quality for significantly better battery life, a smoother display, and a fingerprint sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. Also ideal for those deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming: Demanding games run smoother with the A14 Bionic chip.
- Photography and Videography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos, especially in low light.
- Content Creation: Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Productivity: Multitasking between demanding apps.
Realme 11:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life and a smooth display experience and value a fingerprint sensor.
- Use Cases:
- All-Day Use: Users who need their phone to last through a full day of heavy use.
- Media Consumption: Watching videos and browsing social media on the larger, smoother display.
- Casual Gaming: Playing less demanding games.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Looking for good value for their money.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for buyers to consider:
- What is your budget? Consider the prices of each phone relative to your budget.
- How important is battery life to you? If all-day battery life is a must-have, the Realme 11 is the clear choice.
- What do you primarily use your phone for? If you prioritize gaming, photography, and video editing, the iPhone 12 is better. If you prioritize media consumption and general use, the Realme 11 might be sufficient.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User/Content Creator - Choose the iPhone 12. The superior performance, display, and camera are worth the trade-off in battery life.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User/Media Consumer - Choose the Realme 11. The larger battery, smoother display, and fingerprint sensor provide a more enjoyable everyday experience.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Gamer - Choose the iPhone 12. Even though it's older, the superior performance still outperforms the Realme 11 in gaming. You may just need to be closer to an outlet than normal.
My Choice
I would choose the Apple iPhone 12. While the Realme 11's battery life and 120Hz display are attractive, the iPhone 12's superior performance, camera, and overall user experience are more important to me. As someone who uses their phone for demanding tasks like photo editing, video recording, and occasional gaming, the A14 Bionic chip provides a noticeable advantage. Additionally, I value the iPhone's ecosystem integration and the quality of its OLED display. While the battery life isn't as good as the Realme 11, I'm willing to compromise on that aspect for the other benefits.
