Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Realme 11 Pro+. As a tech journalist, I'm excited to break down these two very capable phones and see which one comes out on top for different users. I'll keep it real, focusing on how the specs translate to your daily life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and Realme 11 Pro+, including real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Realme 11 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm | 161.6 x 73.9 x 8.2 mm | Xiaomi is slightly taller, but both are very similar in hand, thin at 8.2mm thickness. |
| Weight | 204g | 183g | Realme feels lighter, making it better for longer use. 21g makes a noticable difference |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.7" | Both screens are large, great for media consumption; negligible difference of 0.03" |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2412 | Xiaomi's display is noticeably sharper and more detailed. Higher Pixel Density |
| PPI | 521 | 394 | Xiaomi provides crisper visuals and text due to 127 PPI difference |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 950 nits | Xiaomi is brighter, excelling in direct sunlight. Better Outdoor Visibility |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Dimensity 7050 | Xiaomi is far more powerful, offering faster performance for demanding tasks like gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 540,800 | Xiaomi scores almost double, indicating a huge difference in speed and multitasking capability. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Xiaomi's GPU provides better graphics performance for gaming and intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28", Sony IMX707 | 200MP, f/1.69, 1/1.4", Samsung ISOCELL HP3 | Realme's main sensor captures more detail on paper with a bigger resolution of 200MP but Xiaomi has a larger sensor so low light performance may differ. |
| Rear Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355 | Xiaomi captures far more detailed wide-angle shots with a 50MP vs 8MP lens. |
| Rear Portrait | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | None | Xiaomi has dedicated portrait mode lens, better for depth effect |
| Rear Macro | None | 2MP, f/2.3, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Realme has a dedicated macro lens for closeup shots. |
| Front Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14", Samsung JD1 | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/2.74", Sony IMX615 | Realme's selfie camera has larger sensor, capturing more light compared to Xiaomi. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | Xiaomi offers higher resolution for video recording and has more video recording options than Realme. |
| DxOMark | 129 (Mobile) | N/A | Xiaomi's camera has a better score in DxOMark than Realme's. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Realme's bigger battery may offer slightly longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 120W wired, 50W wireless, 10W reverse | 100W wired | Xiaomi charges faster, with added wireless and reverse charging features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 (Upgradable to 15) | Realme has a newer version of Android with more updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both have the same level of WiFi standard, suitable for high speed internet usage |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | Realme has a newer version of Bluetooth for better energy efficiency and connectivity. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Realme offers up to 1TB storage, great for storing loads of photos and media files. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/12GB | Both devices have enough RAM for multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, plan accordingly. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Xiaomi offers Hi-Res audio while Realme offers noise cancellation. Both devices offer great audio quality with stereo speakers |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers significantly higher performance, making it ideal for heavy multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
- Display Excellence: The higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness create a sharper, more vibrant viewing experience, especially in bright conditions.
- Advanced Camera System: Its triple 50MP camera setup, with a dedicated portrait camera and higher wide angle resolution, produces better photos, offering flexibility with its video and photo capabilities
- Faster and Versatile Charging: The 120W fast charging and the added 50W wireless and 10W reverse charging capabilities are convenient and time-saving.
Realme 11 Pro+ Strengths:
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 13 (upgradeable to 15), offering the latest features, updates, and security patches.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides a slightly better battery life.
- Higher Storage Option: The 1TB internal storage is great for users who need massive storage space.
- Lighter Design: A lighter build makes it more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Main Camera Resolution: 200MP main camera with a great aperture of f/1.69
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Might be more expensive, less battery capacity, and can run hotter under heavy load due to it's chipset.
- Realme 11 Pro+: Significantly lower performance, lower display resolution, and less versatile camera options compared to Xiaomi.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro is Best For:
- Power Users and Gamers: Those who need top-tier performance for demanding tasks and graphics-intensive games.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who want a crisp, vibrant display with excellent brightness.
- Photography Buffs: Users who desire a versatile camera system with more flexibility for photo and video creation.
- Users who need Fast Charging and Wireless charging capabilities
Realme 11 Pro+ is Best For:
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize battery life, newer software, and a comfortable, lighter design.
- Casual Photographers: Users who are mainly interested in the main camera performance for general photography with large storage capacity.
- Price-conscious Buyers: Users who want a reliable phone with all the essentials but at a more affordable price point.
- Users who require large storage capabilities for pictures, videos and files
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
Do you need peak performance for gaming and demanding tasks? If yes, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the obvious choice. If you're a moderate user, the Realme will be sufficient.
Do you prioritize camera versatility and display quality or battery and storage? If camera and display quality are more important, the Xiaomi is superior. If you need long battery and high storage capacity, go with the Realme.
What is your budget? The Xiaomi is more expensive but also more powerful. If the price point of the Realme is more attractive to you, then that may be the best bet for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer/Power User
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12 Pro. Its superior chipset and GPU will deliver the best gaming experience and handle heavy workloads with ease.
Scenario 2: Casual User/Everyday Photography
- Recommendation: Realme 11 Pro+. Its focus on battery, storage and a great main camera will meet the needs of casual users, while its lighter design is great for extended use.
Scenario 3: Media Consumption/Outdoor Usage
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12 Pro. The vibrant display with higher brightness ensures great visibility outdoors and more enjoyable media viewing.
My Personal Choice
If I were in the market for a new phone, I would choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. While the Realme 11 Pro+ is a very solid device with a larger battery and the latest version of Android, the Xiaomi 12 Pro’s superior performance and exceptional display make it the winner for me. As a tech journalist, I often push devices to their limits, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 delivers a noticeable advantage. Also, the ability to take great photos using different lenses and the added bonus of wireless charging is a must have for me. I value the top end performance and camera system more than a slightly better battery and added storage.
This breakdown should help you make a more informed decision based on your specific needs and priorities. Let me know if you have any other questions!
