Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Huawei nova 11 Pro. I'm going to break it down in a way that is both technically accurate and easy to understand, focusing on what really matters for everyday use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 164.3 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm | Xiaomi 12 is more compact, Huawei is taller & wider, may impact one-handed use. |
| Weight | 179g | 188g | Xiaomi 12 is lighter, slightly more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Glass & Metal | Glass & Metal | Premium feel on both devices |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.78" | Huawei has a larger display, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1200x2652 | Huawei offers sharper, more detailed visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 429 PPI | Both are very sharp, no practical difference |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both produce vibrant colours and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 950 nits | Xiaomi 12 has better visibility under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 778G 4G (6nm) | Xiaomi offers significantly faster processing and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 592,297 | Xiaomi is nearly twice as fast, smoother app loading, multitasking and intensive games. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 642L | Xiaomi will handle graphically demanding games at higher settings without issue. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56") | 50MP (f/1.9) | Xiaomi 12 has a slightly wider aperture & bigger sensor for better low light performance |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (1/3.14") | 60MP (f/2.4, 1/2.8") | Huawei will likely capture more detail with a larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP | No | Xiaomi provides more versatility with its wide-angle lens for expansive shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | No | Xiaomi allows detailed close-up shots. |
| Wide/Macro Lens | No | 8MP (f/2.2) | Huawei gives versatility with ultra wide and close-up shots |
| Video Resolution | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 720p@960fps | Xiaomi captures professional-grade video, much higher quality than the Huawei. |
| Slow-motion Video | 1920 fps | 960 fps | Xiaomi captures more frames for more detailed slow motion videos |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 113 (Photo:118, Video:121) | Not Tested | Xiaomi's camera has been professionally tested and scores very well. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both will offer similar battery capacity |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Huawei charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W, 10W Reverse Charge | No | Xiaomi's wireless charging offers added convenience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Xiaomi’s Android offers a familiar, user-friendly platform. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both phones support fast WiFi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Both offer robust Bluetooth capabilities |
| GPS | Advanced positioning | Advanced positioning | Both have accurate GPS for precise navigation, though they use different standards. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both offer the flexibility of two phone numbers in a single device. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Huawei gives more storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8/12 GB | Both offer ample RAM for multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi has higher quality audio features |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both devices offer basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi's display is more protected against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensor Suite | Accelerometer, Gyro, Compass, Proximity, RGB, Ultrasonic Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyro, Compass, Proximity, Gravity | Xiaomi has more sensors for advanced features & gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Raw Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip provides significantly better performance, making it the clear choice for gamers or heavy users.
- Superior Camera Experience: Better video quality, versatile camera setup and a professionally tested camera.
- Display Visibility: Brighter display offers better outdoor visibility.
- Additional Features: Wireless charging, extra audio features, and better build quality.
Huawei nova 11 Pro Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.78" screen offers more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking.
- Fast Charging: The 100W charging is incredibly fast and efficient, significantly reducing downtime.
- More Storage Options: Offers up to 512 GB of internal storage, beneficial for heavy media users.
- Selfie Camera: Higher resolution with a larger sensor on its selfie camera.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12: Smaller display, lacks the fastest charging.
- Huawei nova 11 Pro: Significantly lower performance chipset, basic video recording capabilities, lacks wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 is ideal for:
- Power Users: Who need top-tier performance for gaming and demanding applications.
- Media Creators: Who require excellent video recording capabilities and good screen visibility in bright conditions.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Who value the latest features and robust performance.
Huawei nova 11 Pro is ideal for:
- Multimedia Lovers: Who prioritize a large, immersive display and long battery life.
- Social Media Users: Who rely on selfies and good camera in general.
- Users Seeking Fast Charging: Who appreciate minimal downtime and efficient power-ups.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide:
- How important is raw performance and gaming to you? If it is critical, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner.
- Do you value display size and fast charging over high-end performance? If yes, the Huawei nova 11 Pro is a better fit.
- What do you use your phone camera for? If you want to take great photos, 4k/8k videos and use a good quality camera app you should choose the Xiaomi. If you are a selfie lover the Huawei is the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gamer/Heavy User: Xiaomi 12. The significantly better processor and GPU will make all the difference.
- Content Creator: Xiaomi 12. The higher resolution video recording capabilities, audio recording, and the superior video features will allow you to achieve better content.
- Casual User: Huawei nova 11 Pro. The larger display and fast charging will be sufficient for everyday tasks.
- Media Enthusiast: Huawei nova 11 Pro. The large display will offer a superior viewing experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi 12. My decision is based on a few key factors:
- Performance: As someone who enjoys gaming and uses my phone for demanding applications, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor in the Xiaomi 12 is a must-have. The significantly better performance will make a huge difference in overall responsiveness.
- Camera: While the Huawei has a better selfie camera, I am more interested in the main camera performance, the versatility and overall video recording, which the Xiaomi 12 excels at.
- Additional Features: I would like the versatility of Wireless charging which the Xiaomi offers.
While the Huawei Nova 11 Pro's larger screen and faster charging are appealing, the raw power and superior camera of the Xiaomi 12 align better with my needs as a tech journalist and everyday user.
