1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | Similar size and handling, negligible difference. |
| Weight | 208g | 199g | Huawei is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Xiaomi has a slightly larger display, better for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2388 | Xiaomi has much sharper image detail, clearer text and more detail in images/videos. |
| PPI | 515 | 391 | Xiaomi's display appears noticeably sharper, leading to a more refined visual experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi has superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi's display is significantly more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 680 4G | Xiaomi performs significantly faster, leading to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 289,000 | Xiaomi has vastly superior performance, capable of handling demanding apps and games with ease. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 610 | Xiaomi offers noticeably better graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.67" | Huawei has higher resolution, Xiaomi has a larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | 8MP, f/2.0 | Xiaomi has significantly better quality and detail in selfies . |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | None | Xiaomi offers wider field of view for landscape shots. |
| Portrait (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei can create bokeh effect, Xiaomi has no depth sensor. |
| Telephoto + Macro | 8MP, 1/4.4" | None | Xiaomi offers optical zoom and macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi has much better video recording quality and more features. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 124 (Photo:118, Video: 132) | N/A | Xiaomi's camera has been independently rated with a good overall score. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges the phone much faster. |
| Features | 67W Wireless, 10W reverse wireless, reverse charging | None | Xiaomi has fast wireless charging and can wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | N/A | Xiaomi's Android is mature and has all Google's services while Huawei OS is not specified . |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Xiaomi has faster Wi-Fi connectivity, better performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Xiaomi has a newer version with better battery efficiency and features. |
| GPS | L1+L5, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Xiaomi has better GPS with dual-band and more satellite systems for higher accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones offer similar storage options, catering to diverse user needs. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB | Xiaomi offers more RAM for better multitasking and smoother performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Basic audio features | Xiaomi offers better audio quality, richer and louder sound, clearer voice recording. |
| Security | Fingerprint (basic) | Side-mounted fingerprint | Huawei has a more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi has superior scratch and shatter protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Heart Rate; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi includes more sensors that enables more advanced capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, better technology (AMOLED), higher refresh rate, and higher brightness make for a much better viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides much better performance for all tasks, including gaming and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: It offers more versatile camera setup, including a wide-angle and telephoto lens and video recording at up to 8K.
- Faster Charging: Both wired and wireless charging are faster, minimizing downtime.
- Enhanced Audio: Offers higher-quality audio and stereo speakers for a better multimedia experience.
- Better Connectivity: Includes Wi-Fi 6 and a newer Bluetooth version for faster and more efficient connections.
- Better Location Accuracy: Has a better GPS system with more satellite system support.
- Better Screen Protection: Utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced protection.
Huawei nova 12i Advantages:
- Potentially Lighter: The slightly lighter weight might be more comfortable for some users during prolonged use.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: More modern and intuitive than the basic one in the Mi 11 Pro.
- Potentially lower price: Given that it has less powerful processor and older technologies.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is significantly more expensive due to its high-end features.
- The Huawei nova 12i offers a more basic, but functional, experience at a potentially more affordable price.
- The Xiaomi does not have a depth sensor for bokeh effect while the Huawei does not have a telephoto or wide angle lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Ideal User:
- Power Users: People who demand the best performance for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive apps.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who watch a lot of videos, listen to music, and consume media on their phones.
- Photography & Videography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system that can capture high-quality photos and videos.
- Users who value display quality: Users who want crisp, sharp and vibrant display
Users who prioritize performance and speed: Those seeking the most responsiveness and faster charging.
- Use Cases: Gaming, video editing, content creation, professional photography, heavy multitasking, enjoying HDR content, fast charging on-the-go.
Huawei nova 12i Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: People who want a functional smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Everyday Users: Those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like social media, browsing, and calls.
Users who prioritize simplicity: Those who want a user-friendly device with essential features.
- Use Cases: Social media browsing, casual photography, basic mobile gaming, everyday communication, reading ebooks and articles.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for a smartphone? (Gaming, photography, everyday use)
- What is your budget? (High-end vs. budget-friendly)
- How important is performance, display quality, and camera versatility to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance and Camera are Top Priorities - Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. It excels in both performance and camera capabilities, offering a top-tier experience.
- Scenario 2: Budget is a Major Constraint, Basic Functionality is Enough - Recommendation: Huawei nova 12i. It's a more budget-friendly option, suitable for everyday use.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Use, Good Display, and Solid Performance are Needed: Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro, as the difference in the display and performance is noticeable. The extra features are a big advantage.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro despite its age, the massive advantage in performance, display quality, camera features and fast charging make it a superior experience that would be worth the extra cost. The Huawei Nova 12i offers basic functionality and might be more affordable but the trade-offs are too big in the areas I consider important. I also prefer the richer Android ecosystem over the uncertainty of Huawei's OS.
