1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro and Realme 12+, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm | Xiaomi slightly taller & thicker, Realme a bit wider, both feel similar in hand. |
| Weight | 208g | 190g | Realme is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.67" | Xiaomi offers a slightly larger display, providing a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi's higher resolution results in sharper text and images, better for detailed content. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 395 PPI | Xiaomi's display is noticeably sharper, finer detail for photos and text, more premium look. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast ratios. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations, ideal for gaming and social media. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 2000 nits | Realme's brighter screen will be significantly more readable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6nm) | Xiaomi provides snappier app launches, smoother gameplay, and better overall responsiveness. |
| Antutu Score | 854,267 | 601,000 | Xiaomi is noticeably faster overall, better performance in demanding tasks and heavy gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Xiaomi’s GPU provides better graphic performance for gaming and graphic intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" sensor | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/2" sensor | Xiaomi's larger sensor captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance. Realme has wider aperture, better for depth of field |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Xiaomi’s higher resolution front camera results in sharper, more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi’s higher resolution wide angle lens will capture more detailed wide angle shots |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography; Xiaomi does not have a dedicated macro lens |
| Telephoto + Macro | 8MP, 1/4.4" sensor | N/A | Xiaomi has a dedicated telephoto camera for optical zoom; Realme does not have a telephoto camera. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Xiaomi offers higher-resolution video recording, better for professional or detailed content creation. |
| DXOMark | 124 | N/A | Xiaomi's camera performance has been independently tested and scored, providing an idea of its overall quality. |
| Camera Features | More comprehensive set | Good set of common features | Xiaomi offers more professional features like 8K video, Optical zoom, RAW capture and Laser AF, while Realme has standard features |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life, lasting a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 67W wired | 67W wired | Both charge quickly from 0-100% |
| Charging Features | 67W wireless, reverse wireless charging | None | Xiaomi offers more charging versatility, useful for wireless charging compatible devices and accessories. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Realme offers newer software and likely more extended support and updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MiMO | WiFi 6 | Both have fast wifi, Xiaomi with MiMO offers slightly faster wireless data transfers |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, AptX, LDAC, AAC | 5.2, EDR, HID | Xiaomi offers better audio codecs for headphones, Realme with HID can connect with other devices |
| GPS | More comprehensive set | Basic GPS | Xiaomi offers more accurate location tracking, better for mapping and navigation. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | Realme offers more storage options, useful for users with many apps, videos, and large media files. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/12GB | Both excellent for heavy multitasking and demanding games |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers storage expansion, so choosing the right configuration is crucial. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo speakers | Hi-Res, Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos | Realme offers enhanced audio, ideal for music and movie lovers |
| Microphones | 3 | 2, noise cancellation | Realme offers better audio for calls with noise cancellation |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi offers more robust screen protection for enhanced durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Heart Rate | No Heart Rate sensor | Xiaomi’s heart rate sensor is useful for fitness tracking |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks, gaming and everyday usage.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density provide a crisper viewing experience.
- Better Camera System: Larger main sensor, telephoto lens, and 8K video recording offer greater versatility and higher image/video quality.
- Advanced Features: Offers wireless and reverse wireless charging, along with a heart rate sensor, enhancing its versatility.
- More robust build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus is a significant advantage for those concerned with durability.
- More accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems
- Better audio codecs for headphones
- More camera features: Including optical zoom and manual focus
Realme 12+ Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility due to the 2000 nits of brightness
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14, offering a more modern and potentially longer software support life.
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for extended use and easier to hold.
- More Storage Options: Option for 512GB, useful for users with lots of media
- Macro lens: A dedicated macro lens
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio experience with spacial audio
- Noise cancellation microphone: Better audio for calls
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi sacrifices a slightly heavier and thicker build for superior performance and display.
- Realme trades raw performance for lighter weight, more modern software, and a brighter screen.
- Xiaomi lacks the macro lens available on Realme.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Ideal Users: Power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, tech enthusiasts who value performance, top-tier camera features, and a high-resolution display, and more professional features
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with high frame rates and detailed graphics.
- High-resolution photo and video capture in various scenarios.
- Running demanding applications smoothly.
- Frequent users of GPS-based apps.
- Users who value a premium experience and have accessories like wireless earbuds or charging pads.
Realme 12+:
- Ideal Users: Everyday users, those who prioritize battery life, a lighter phone, a brighter screen, more storage capacity and the latest Android version.
- Use Cases:
- Outdoor use where screen brightness is essential.
- Users who prefer the latest software and a clean interface.
- Users who need a lightweight phone for frequent use
- Users who frequently watch movies or listen to music
- Users who require a lot of local storage
Price-to-Value:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro may offer a better value for users seeking top-tier performance and camera capabilities, if the price is right.
- The Realme 12+ offers a more value-oriented package for users seeking more modern software, better outdoor visibility and more storage options.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions to help buyers decide:
Do you prioritize raw performance and high-end camera capabilities?
- Yes: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the better choice
- No: Consider Realme 12+.
Do you need a phone with maximum outdoor visibility and a lightweight design?
- Yes: Realme 12+ is preferable
- No: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is still an option if you value performance.
Is having the latest Android version and more storage capacity a priority for you?
- Yes: Realme 12+ is the better option
- No: You might prefer the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro with its slightly better features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Heavy Gamer: Choose Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro for its superior processing power and graphics performance.
- Outdoor Photographer: Choose Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro for its better main sensor, telephoto lens, and 8K video, or Realme 12+ if you take photos on a bright sunny day.
- Frequent Traveler: Choose Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro for more accurate GPS tracking capabilities, or Realme 12+ if you prioritize a lighter phone for everyday use.
- Budget-Conscious User: If performance is still needed, Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro, otherwise Realme 12+ is the more value oriented phone.
What I would choose and why
If I had to choose, I would lean towards the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. While the Realme 12+ offers some compelling advantages, particularly its brighter display and newer software, the Mi 11 Pro's superior performance, sharper display, and more advanced camera system are more important to my use cases. I often use my phone for photography, video recording, and mobile gaming and the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro provides much better quality in those areas. I also prefer the better build quality with the Gorilla Glass Victus.
