Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the Realme 11 Pro+. I'll break down the technical specs, give you the real-world implications, and help you decide which phone might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Realme 11 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-31 | 2023-05-15 | Realme 11 Pro+ is a newer device, potentially with more up-to-date features. |
| Size | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 161.6 x 73.9 x 8.2 mm | Realme 11 Pro+ is noticeably taller and wider, so less pocketable. |
| Weight | 176g | 183g | Xiaomi 12X is slightly lighter, which can matter during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.7" | Realme 11 Pro+ offers more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2412 | Both offer sharp displays, almost identical. |
| PPI | 419 | 394 | Xiaomi 12X has a slightly sharper display, though likely imperceptible to most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, excellent viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 950 nits | Xiaomi 12X is brighter, performing better under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Xiaomi 12X has the more powerful chipset for gaming and heavy tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 540,800 | Xiaomi 12X has a significant performance advantage, noticeable in daily use. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Xiaomi 12X has a more powerful GPU better for high end gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 11 Pro+ offers longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Realme 11 Pro+ charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 2x2500mAh | Realme 11 Pro+ has a dual-cell design that aids faster and safer charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Standard) | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm) | 200MP (f/1.69, 1/1.4", 0.56µm) | Realme 11 Pro+ has a much higher resolution main sensor with a slightly wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Selfie | 32MP (f/2.45, 1/3", 0.7µm) | 32MP (f/2.45, 1/2.74", 0.80µm) | Realme 11 Pro+ has a slightly larger sensor for potentially better selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP (f/2.4, 1/3.06", 1.12µm) | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm) | Xiaomi 12X has higher resolution, while Realme 11 Pro+ has a slightly wider aperture and a larger sensor. |
| Macro | 5MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.3, 1/5", 1.75µm) | Xiaomi 12X has a higher resolution macro, but Realme's larger pixel size may capture more light. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Xiaomi 12X has significantly higher video recording resolution, but both have EIS. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Manual focus, RAW | UIS, UIS Max, Noise Reduction, PDAF | Both offer robust features, but each has a unique set. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 (Upgradable to 15) | Realme 11 Pro+ offers a more modern OS experience with better upgradeability. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both offer similar WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Realme 11 Pro+ has a more modern Bluetooth, potentially better power efficiency. |
| GPS | NavIC | Galileo | Both are good for location, but each has a unique location system. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB, 512GB or 1024GB | Realme 11 Pro+ offers more storage options, especially for large media libraries. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB or 12GB | Both are good for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Noise cancellation microphone | Both have stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos but offer different unique features for audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones use the basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12X is more resistant to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual, compass | Geomagnetic | The Xiaomi 12X has compass which is better for navigation while the Realme 11 Pro+ has geomagnetic sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 870 chipset and Adreno 650 GPU deliver superior performance for gaming and demanding applications, scoring much higher on AnTuTu.
- Brighter Display: Offers noticeably better outdoor visibility with 1100 nits peak brightness.
- Superior Screen Protection: Comes with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better scratch and shatter resistance.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers much higher resolution for professional video recording.
- More Sensor Features: Includes a compass and ultrasonic proximity sensor.
Realme 11 Pro+ Strengths:
- Modern Design & Software: Newer device with a more up-to-date Android version (Android 13, upgradable to 15) and likely more longevity in terms of updates.
- Impressive Camera: Boasts a 200MP main camera with a larger sensor and wider aperture.
- Better Selfie Camera: Larger sensor for potentially better selfies.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Offers better endurance with a 5000mAh battery and 100W fast charging, resulting in less downtime.
- More Storage: Comes with up to 1024 GB of storage.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: For cleaner audio recording.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X is Ideal for:
- Gamers: Those who prioritize performance for gaming will benefit from the superior chipset and GPU.
- Content Creators: People who need the higher resolution video capture.
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight.
- Users who prioritize build quality: The Gorilla Glass Victus is a nice peace of mind.
Realme 11 Pro+ is Ideal for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high resolution images and want flexibility in post-processing with the 200MP main camera.
- Media Consumers: Users who want a larger screen for watching videos and playing games.
- Power Users: Users who want fast charging and long battery life.
- Future Proof Users: Those who want a phone with a more modern operating system that will receive Android updates for longer.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between the Xiaomi 12X and the Realme 11 Pro+:
- Do you prioritize raw performance for gaming or demanding tasks, or is a good camera system your main priority? If raw performance matters the most, the Xiaomi 12X takes the lead, but if its all about the camera then the Realme 11 Pro+ has a better camera system with a higher resolution main sensor.
- Do you need extended battery life and rapid charging or are you ok with a smaller battery and a slightly slower charge? The Realme 11 Pro+ offers a larger battery and 100W fast charging, while Xiaomi 12X offers a slightly smaller battery.
- Do you prefer a more modern OS experience and software update potential, or is an older one okay? The Realme 11 Pro+ runs on Android 13 with planned updates, while the Xiaomi 12X runs on Android 11.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi 12X for the Snapdragon 870, the much higher AnTuTu score, and Adreno 650 GPU.
- Scenario 2: Photography Buff: Opt for the Realme 11 Pro+ with its 200MP camera, larger sensor and slightly wider aperture.
- Scenario 3: On-the-Go Media Consumer: The Realme 11 Pro+ offers a larger screen, great battery life and much faster charging speeds.
- Scenario 4: All-Around User Who Values Performance: If all you want is the better overall performer, the Xiaomi 12X is the better bet in terms of speed and smoothness, however, if you want more storage and a better battery, the Realme 11 Pro+ will be a great all around phone.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would lean towards the Xiaomi 12X. While the Realme 11 Pro+ boasts impressive camera specs and battery life, I prioritize overall performance, as I am an avid mobile gamer, and also a creator. The Xiaomi 12X's Snapdragon 870 chipset combined with the better GPU offers a smoother, more responsive experience in demanding games and applications, something that I really value. The brighter screen is also a win for me, along with the 8k video recording, which I will probably use in future. Even though the Realme 11 Pro+ has a better main camera, and I would prefer to have the better battery life and charging speed, for my particular use case, the Xiaomi 12X is the phone I would prefer.
