Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Realme 11 Pro+. These are two very different beasts, and while they might appear similar on paper, their strengths lie in very different areas. Let's break it down, shall we?
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at their key specifications and what they mean for real-world use:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Realme 11 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm, 179g | 161.6 × 73.9 × 8.2 mm, 183g | Xiaomi 12 is more compact and slightly lighter, better for one-handed use, while Realme is taller and a bit wider. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus Screen | Unknown Screen Protection | Xiaomi 12 offers better scratch and drop protection for the screen. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.7" | Realme 11 Pro+ provides a larger screen for more immersive media viewing and better multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Very similar clarity; both are sharp enough for daily tasks. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 419 | 394 | Xiaomi 12 has a slightly sharper display due to a higher pixel density, although the difference isn't a significant factor |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and great viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both are smooth and responsive, especially for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 950 nits | Xiaomi 12's display is brighter and more readable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Xiaomi 12's chipset is significantly more powerful, offering faster overall performance and better gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 540,800 | Xiaomi 12 offers nearly double the performance, making it noticeably faster for demanding tasks and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Xiaomi 12's GPU is more capable for graphically intensive tasks and high-end gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 200MP, f/1.69, 1/1.4" Samsung HP3 | Realme 11 Pro+ boasts much higher resolution and larger sensor, theoretically better for capturing detailed photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1 | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/2.74" Sony IMX615 | Realme 11 Pro+ has a slightly larger sensor for potentially better low-light selfies, but both have similar resolution |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355 | Xiaomi 12 has higher resolution while the Realme 11 Pro+ has a wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.3, 1/5" GC02M1 | Xiaomi 12 has higher resolution, but Realme 11 Pro+ has wider aperture. |
| Video | Up to 8K @24fps | Up to 4K @ 30fps | Xiaomi 12 supports up to 8K video for professional content creation, while Realme is limited to 4K. |
| DxOMark | 113 (Main), 118 (Photo), 121 (Video) | - | Xiaomi 12 has a verified DxOMark score. |
| Features | 8K Video, RAW, Manual focus | UIS, UIS Max, Noise reduction | Both offer OIS, EIS and a variety of features for photography. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 11 Pro+ has a larger battery, likely resulting in better battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless | 100W Fast Charging | Realme 11 Pro+ charges significantly faster wired. Xiaomi 12 includes wireless charging. |
| Battery Features | 10W Reverse Charging | 2x2500mAh | Xiaomi 12 offers reverse charging capabilities. Realme 11 Pro+ has a dual-cell design. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Realme 11 Pro+ has a more recent Android version and is expected to receive 2 more upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Realme 11 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth version offering a more stable and efficient connection. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024GB | Realme 11 Pro+ offers substantially more storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/12GB | Both provide ample RAM for seamless multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides superior processing power, leading to smoother performance in demanding apps, multitasking, and especially in gaming.
- Brighter Display: The 1100 nits display ensures excellent outdoor visibility, making it great for using under bright sunlight.
- Premium Video Recording: 8K video capture at 24fps allows for professional-grade content creation, ideal for videographers and content creators.
- Faster Wireless Charging: Xiaomi 12 supports 50W fast wireless charging, a feature not found in the Realme 11 Pro+.
- Verified Camera Performance: The Xiaomi 12 has a verified DxOMark score, which provides a reliable metric for its camera performance.
Realme 11 Pro+ Strengths:
- Camera Champ: The 200MP main camera with a large sensor offers high detail, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize photography.
- Battery and Charging King: The larger battery and 100W fast charging ensure all-day use and rapid replenishment.
- Larger Display: The bigger screen is perfect for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
- More Storage Options: With options up to 1TB of internal storage, it's ideal for storing lots of photos, videos, and large files.
- Newer Software: The Realme 11 Pro+ ships with Android 13 and will be supported until Android 15.
Trade-Offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12 compromises on battery size and may not last as long as the Realme 11 Pro+ on a single charge. Its main camera also features a much smaller sensor than the Realme.
- Realme 11 Pro+ sacrifices a bit on performance, with a less powerful chipset compared to the Xiaomi 12. This means it won't be quite as snappy when handling very demanding tasks. The lack of a verified DxOMark also makes it less trustworthy.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12:
- Gamers: Benefit from the more powerful chipset and GPU.
- Performance Enthusiasts: Value a fast and smooth experience.
- Content Creators: Make the most of 8K video recording and a brighter display.
- Users who need reverse and wireless charging: The only phone between the two that offers wireless and reverse charging.
Realme 11 Pro+:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Appreciate the high-resolution camera, detailed shots, and larger sensor for low-light photography.
- Heavy Media Consumers: Enjoy the larger screen and substantial storage options.
- Battery Life Seekers: Want a phone that can comfortably last a full day and charge quickly.
- Users who want future software upgrades: Will get more Android versions compared to the Xiaomi 12.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
"How important is raw performance and gaming power to you?"
- If extremely important, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner.
- If less critical, the Realme 11 Pro+ is sufficient for daily use.
"What do you prioritize more: camera versatility and battery life, or display brightness and recording quality?"
- If the former, the Realme 11 Pro+ is a better fit.
- If the latter, the Xiaomi 12 would be a better option.
"How much do you care about the latest software and long-term updates?"
- If you want more software updates, the Realme 11 Pro+ is the obvious choice.
- If you are not too worried about software version, the Xiaomi 12 is still a valid option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Mobile Gamer: Choose the Xiaomi 12 for its powerful performance and smooth gameplay.
- For the Photography Lover: Choose the Realme 11 Pro+ for its high-resolution camera, larger sensor, and better low light capabilities.
- For the On-the-Go User: Choose the Realme 11 Pro+ for its superior battery life and ultra-fast charging.
- For the Everyday User: Choose either phone, depending on your priorities - if you want performance go for the Xiaomi 12, if not, you'll be very happy with the Realme 11 Pro+.
My Choice
Personally, I would lean towards the Xiaomi 12. As a tech journalist, I often use my phone for various tasks, from writing articles to editing videos. The raw performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, the superior video capabilities, and the verified camera performance are crucial for my workflow. Also, the brighter display is ideal for editing photos and videos while I'm on the go. While the battery life and lack of expandable storage are slight drawbacks, the advantages of having a performance powerhouse with a bright screen make it the better pick for me.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs. If raw performance and the latest specs are key for you, the Xiaomi 12 is the way to go. However, if you want a great camera and long-lasting battery life, the Realme 11 Pro+ is the more sensible option.
