Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy M12
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly narrower and thinner, potentially making it easier to hold and use one-handed. M12 is a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 208g | 212g | Negligible difference; both feel similar in hand. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.5" | Mi 11 Pro has a larger screen providing a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | Mi 11 Pro displays significantly sharper, more detailed images and text, ideal for reading and media. The M12's display may appear pixelated at times. |
| PPI | 515 | 270 | Mi 11 Pro offers a much sharper, clearer display with greater detail. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | Mi 11 Pro's AMOLED delivers vibrant colours, deeper blacks, and superior contrast. M12's LCD may appear washed out in comparison. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mi 11 Pro's 120Hz screen provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the visual fluidity of the user interface. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 Pro has significantly better outdoor visibility; the M12 screen may struggle in bright sunlight. The 0 nits listed for the M12 seems to be a data entry issue but it will have much lower peak brightness |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mi 11 Pro's chipset is significantly faster, offering much smoother performance in apps, multitasking, and gaming. The M12 may experience lag, especially in demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 117,341 | Mi 11 Pro delivers a vastly superior performance experience in all scenarios, from basic tasks to heavy gaming. M12 provides a basic experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 | Mi 11 Pro's GPU enables high-fidelity graphics in games, whereas the M12's GPU is suited for more casual games. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12", 1.40µm | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", 0.80µm | Mi 11 Pro captures more detailed photos with better low-light performance due to larger sensor and pixel size and wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4", 0.80µm | 8MP, f/2.2 | Mi 11 Pro captures much more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 5MP, f/2.2 | Mi 11 Pro takes wider shots with significantly more detail. |
| Portrait Mode | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | M12 captures portrait photos with a dedicated depth sensor. Mi 11 Pro uses software for portrait effects |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | M12 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography |
| Telephoto + Macro Lens | 8MP, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | Not Available | Mi 11 Pro has a telephoto lens for zoom capabilities which also serves as macro |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Mi 11 Pro records higher-resolution videos with stabilization, while M12 is limited to 1080p. |
| Slow Motion | 1920 fps | Not Supported | Mi 11 Pro offers much greater slow-motion capabilities |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | 124 (Photo: 118, Video: 132) | Not Available | Mi 11 Pro has a much higher camera rating based on DxOMark scores, indicating a significantly better image quality overall. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacities; Both will last a full day with moderate use. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Mi 11 Pro charges much faster, significantly reducing charging time. |
| Features | 67W Wireless, 10W Reverse-Wireless Charging | None | Mi 11 Pro supports wireless and reverse-wireless charging for added convenience. |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Software | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both phones run Android 11, providing a familiar user experience. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11n | Mi 11 Pro supports faster WiFi standards for higher speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Mi 11 Pro has a newer, more efficient Bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | Advanced GPS | Basic GPS | Mi 11 Pro is better at location tracking due to its support for more satellite systems. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly more storage, particularly in the 256GB variant. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 3GB, 4GB, or 6GB | Mi 11 Pro has significantly more RAM, making multitasking smoother and more efficient. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Basic | Mi 11 Pro has better audio quality with stereo speakers and Hi-Res certification. |
| Security | Fingerprint (basic) | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a side mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 Pro has superior screen protection against scratches. |
| Sensors | Heart Rate, Compass | Hall Sensor | Mi 11 Pro offers more sensors, enhancing functionality and user experience |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness.
- High-End Performance: Flagship-level chipset (Snapdragon 888) and GPU, leading to faster performance.
- Enhanced Camera System: Superior main camera with a larger sensor, telephoto capabilities, and significantly better video recording.
- Faster Charging: 67W wired and wireless charging for faster battery replenishment.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers for higher audio fidelity and clarity.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and newer Bluetooth for faster and more stable connections.
- More RAM and Storage: Higher RAM capacity and storage options for smoother multitasking and more storage.
- Screen Protection: Superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus
Practical Implications: The Mi 11 Pro offers a premium experience with a superior display, smooth performance, and advanced camera capabilities. It's ideal for users who demand high performance and image quality.
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Dedicated Portrait and Macro Cameras: Offers a dedicated depth sensor and a macro lens, which the Mi 11 Pro lacks.
- Side mounted fingerprint sensor
Practical Implications: The M12 is aimed at users who desire a more basic smartphone experience with a focus on camera versatility, even if it means compromising on performance and display quality.
Trade-offs
- Mi 11 Pro: Lacks dedicated macro and depth cameras and comes at a higher price.
- M12: Lacks a high resolution display, processing power, fast charging, and features higher end features found in the Mi 11 Pro.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro
- Ideal Users:
- Power users who need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography enthusiasts who want superior image quality, zoom capabilities, and high-resolution video recording.
- Users who prioritize a premium display for media consumption and visual clarity.
- Tech enthusiasts who appreciate the latest features and technologies.
- Use Cases:
- High-fidelity gaming, video editing, and content creation.
- Professional photography, and videography.
- Immersive media consumption (movies, videos, games).
- Fast paced multitasking and smooth app usage
Samsung Galaxy M12
- Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious buyers who need a functional smartphone for basic daily tasks.
- Users who appreciate a phone with a basic camera setup including a macro and portrait mode.
- Users with basic media consumption needs.
- Use Cases:
- Casual smartphone use (calling, texting, browsing social media).
- Basic photography.
- Light media consumption (streaming videos at lower resolutions).
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions before making a purchase:
- What is your budget? The Mi 11 Pro will be significantly more expensive than the M12.
- How important is performance? If you need a smooth, lag-free experience, the Mi 11 Pro is a must. The M12 will struggle with demanding tasks.
- What are your camera priorities? If you value versatility with macro and depth sensors, the M12 might be suitable, but if you desire high image quality, the Mi 11 Pro's main camera is superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you are a student who wants to play mobile games: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the clear choice due to it's superior chipset.
- If you are a content creator/photographer: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the clear choice due to it's superior camera sensors and video recording capabilities.
- If you are on a tight budget and need the basics: The Samsung Galaxy M12 will be a cheaper option that still offers basic camera versatility.
- If you are a user who prioritizes the best viewing experience: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the clear choice due to it's superior AMOLED display.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 offers a more budget friendly option with more camera versatility, the Mi 11 Pro provides a much better experience in almost every other aspect, including performance, display quality, camera performance (especially for video and main shots), battery charging speed, and audio quality. The higher price tag is justified by the significant leap in performance and overall usability. The Mi 11 Pro is a much better investment for users who prioritize a premium experience and don't mind paying more for it. The significantly better display alone is a compelling reason to go with the Mi 11 Pro for me. The M12 would only be suitable if I were under a very strict budget and needed a very basic smartphone with a functional camera and portrait mode.
