1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro and Realme 12 Pro, focusing on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Xiaomi is slightly taller, while Realme is a bit thicker. Minimal difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 208g | 190g | Realme 12 Pro is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Xiaomi offers a marginally larger viewing area for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2412 | Xiaomi has a much sharper display with significantly more detail. |
| PPI | 515 | 394 | Xiaomi's higher pixel density results in clearer text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 950 nits | Xiaomi is substantially brighter, making it far more usable in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi has a flagship processor from 2021, while the Realme uses a mid-range processor from 2023. The Mi 11 Pro will have more raw power, faster app loading and smoother overall performance, particularly for demanding games and applications. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 574,000 | Xiaomi demonstrates a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating faster performance for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 710 | Xiaomi is slightly better for gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" Samsung GN2 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" Sony IMX882 | Xiaomi has a larger sensor for better low-light performance and image quality. Realme has a wider aperture for slightly better depth of field. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi captures more detailed selfies with a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, 1/4.4", macro | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74", Sony IMX709 | Realme offers dedicated telephoto zoom for better flexibility in framing shots; the Xiaomi offers a telephoto lens combined with a macro lens, but has a lower pixel count for standard zoom shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" (Wide + Macro) | Xiaomi offers a dedicated ultrawide camera with better macro capability than the Realme's wide-angle lens with macro. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Xiaomi offers 8k recording capabilities compared to the 4k offered by the Realme. |
| DxOMark | 124 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 132 (Video) | Not Available | Xiaomi has been rigorously tested and demonstrates a high-quality camera. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity for daily use. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Both offer rapid charging capabilities. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 67W Wireless Charging | None | Xiaomi offers wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices. |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 14 | Realme offers a more modern operating system with the latest features and security updates. |
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Realme offers more storage options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via SD card. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Realme has Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation microphone, while Xiaomi has an additional microphone which may improve audio clarity in certain situations. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi offers more robust screen protection. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Xiaomi has a heart rate sensor and a compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, sharper image quality, and significantly better brightness for outdoor visibility.
- Stronger Performance: More powerful flagship chipset for smoother operation and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Larger primary camera sensor for better low-light performance, and 8K recording capabilities.
- Wireless Charging: Supports fast wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Build Quality: Has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced durability.
- More Sensors: Includes compass and heart rate sensor for added functionality.
- Camera: Offers a more complete suite of camera features, including manual focus, laser autofocus, and RAW capture.
- Audio: Offers 3 microphones, possibly improving audio clarity in certain recording conditions.
Realme 12 Pro Advantages:
- Newer OS: Ships with the latest Android version (Android 14) for longer software support.
- Lighter Weight: Significantly lighter for better ergonomics during prolonged use.
- More Storage: Higher storage options (256/512 GB).
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities.
- Audio: Features Dolby Atmos for enhanced spatial audio experience.
- Bluetooth: Supports SBC in addition to standard Bluetooth codecs, offering more connectivity options.
Trade-offs:
- The Mi 11 Pro trades off newer software and lighter weight for significantly better screen and performance.
- The Realme 12 Pro trades off high-end performance and display quality for a more modern OS and a dedicated telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, users who prioritize display quality, and anyone needing a bright display for outdoor use.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-resolution video consumption, advanced photo and video capture, professional editing, and outdoor activities.
Realme 12 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users who value a lightweight design, the latest Android software, and solid all-around performance at a reasonable price. Users who use the telephoto lens frequently will also find this phone more useful.
- Use Cases: Daily usage, social media browsing, casual gaming, photography with zoom, and extended use comfort.
Price-to-Value:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro, while older, offers flagship-level display, performance, and camera capabilities and remains a great value if these features are key priorities.
- The Realme 12 Pro offers a more modern experience with a focus on daily usage and a more recent OS, potentially at a lower price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary usage scenario? (Gaming, photography, media consumption, everyday tasks)
- How important is display quality and brightness? (Indoor vs. outdoor use)
- How important is the latest Android software version? (Long-term software support)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer / Media Enthusiast: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the superior choice with its higher performance, brighter and more detailed display and 8K video recording.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User / Light User: The Realme 12 Pro will be more comfortable, and the lighter weight and newer software makes it a more suitable option, particularly for users who frequently use the zoom function.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Photography & Videography: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro's superior brightness and better overall camera features will be better.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
While the Realme 12 Pro is a newer phone with a more modern operating system and a lighter design, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro's strengths in display quality, performance, and camera features are too significant to ignore. My primary use case often involves media consumption, photo and video creation and the display quality and superior performance of the Mi 11 Pro would offer a better experience. While I value having the latest software, the performance and display boost offered by the Mi 11 Pro would be the more important deciding factor for me.
