1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly thicker (0.3mm), but both are very similar, impacting feel in hand very little. |
| Weight | 208g | 204g | Virtually identical weight, both feel substantial but not excessively heavy. |
| Build | Not specified | Not specified | Without more info, we can't analyze real-world impacts. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.73" | Very similar screen sizes; negligible difference in real-world use. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1440x3200 | Both offer sharp, detailed images and videos. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 521 PPI | Both have very high PPI, making the screens look equally crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and great contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 1500 nits | Mi 11 Pro slightly better visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | 12 Pro has a newer, more efficient chip for better performance in demanding apps/games and potentially improved battery efficiency. |
| Antutu Score | 854,267 | 1,177,498 | 12 Pro is significantly faster, making it smoother for everyday tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | 12 Pro has a more powerful GPU for superior gaming performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP | 50MP | Both take highly detailed photos. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.12" | 1/1.28" | Mi 11 Pro's larger sensor allows for better low-light performance and more dynamic range. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 1.40 µm | 1.22 µm | Mi 11 Pro's larger pixel size enables better light capture, further enhancing low-light photography. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.95 | f/1.9 | 12 Pro's wider aperture allows for slightly better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 32MP | 12 Pro captures more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/3.14" | 12 Pro's larger sensor results in slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Resolution | 13MP | 50MP | 12 Pro captures significantly more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Wide Angle Sensor Size | 1/3.06" | 1/2.76" | 12 Pro sensor allows more light in for wide angle shots. |
| Portrait Camera | None | 50MP | 12 Pro has a dedicated portrait lens for more detailed and accurate depth mapping. |
| Telephoto + Macro | 8MP | None | Mi 11 Pro includes a dedicated telephoto + macro lens for more versatile zoom and close-up photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K 24fps | Up to 8K 24fps | Both capture high-quality videos. 12 Pro offers more slow-motion options |
| DxOMark Score | 124 | 129 | 12 Pro edges out Mi 11 Pro overall in photo and video quality. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4600mAh | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly larger battery, potentially lasting longer. |
| Charging | 67W wired, 67W wireless | 120W wired, 50W wireless | 12 Pro charges significantly faster both wired and wirelessly. |
| Features | Reverse, 67W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | Reverse, 120W wired, 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | 12 Pro offers faster wired and wireless charging speeds via its Xiaomi Surge P1 chip. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: Better low-light performance and dynamic range in main camera shots.
- Slightly Larger Battery: May result in slightly longer battery life.
- Telephoto/Macro Lens: More zoom and close-up versatility in camera system.
- Higher Display Brightness Better outdoor visibility
Practical Implications: The Mi 11 Pro is better for users who prioritize camera performance in various lighting conditions (due to larger sensor), need more battery life, and prefer having a dedicated telephoto + macro lens for versatility.
Xiaomi 12 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Chipset: Superior overall performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Faster Charging: 120W wired charging gets you back up and running in a fraction of the time.
- Better Wide Angle Camera: Significantly more detail in wide-angle photos
- Dedicated Portrait lens: Improved quality portrait images.
- Faster Wireless Charging: 50W wireless charging compared to 67W for much more convenience and speed.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution selfie camera with a larger sensor for improved quality in various conditions.
- Newer OS Ships with a newer Android OS version
Practical Implications: The 12 Pro is better for users who want top-tier performance, faster charging, more detailed wide-angle shots, higher quality selfies, a dedicated portrait camera, and are less concerned about maximum battery life or zoom capabilities.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 Pro: Sacrifices processing power and charging speeds for slightly better main camera performance and battery life.
- 12 Pro: Sacrifices a telephoto/macro lens and some main camera light sensitivity for superior overall performance and speed in other areas.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Ideal User: Photography enthusiasts who prioritize image quality in various lighting conditions, users who need the most battery life and want a dedicated telephoto and macro lens for versatility.
- Use Cases:
- Frequent low-light photography (e.g., concerts, nightscapes)
- Long days away from power outlets
- Users who like having a dedicated telephoto and macro lens for greater shot versatility.
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, and mobile professionals who need top-tier performance, blazing-fast charging speeds, and enhanced audio, with a preference for higher quality wide-angle and portrait photos and better selfies.
- Use Cases:
- Heavy mobile gaming
- Demanding multitasking (video editing, graphic design)
- Users who need the fastest charging possible.
Price-to-Value:
- The price of these phones will vary significantly based on retailer, age, and market.
- The 12 Pro offers newer technologies (chipset, charging speed, etc.) that might justify a price premium for users needing top-tier performance and newer features.
- The Mi 11 Pro would be a more budget-conscious option for users more focused on its advantages of main camera and battery.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my priority: best main camera and slightly longer battery life or top-tier performance, significantly faster charging, and better quality selfies and wide angle photos?
- How important are zoom capabilities to me? The Mi 11 Pro has a telephoto + macro lens while 12 Pro does not.
- What is my budget? The price differences will vary a lot.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you are a serious mobile gamer or heavy app user, prioritize the Xiaomi 12 Pro for its superior performance, faster charging and better wide angle photos.
- If you are a photography enthusiast who needs the best possible low-light camera performance and prefers having a dedicated telephoto + macro lens, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro may be better.
- If you need the fastest possible charging the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clear choice, and for the convenience of faster wireless charging, the 12 pro is the clear winner here as well.
What I Would Choose and Why:
I would choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
While the Mi 11 Pro has a slightly better main camera setup on paper with a larger sensor and pixel size, the overall package of the 12 Pro is more compelling for my needs. As a user who does a lot of multitasking and uses the phone for some light gaming, the faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and Adreno 730 GPU in the 12 Pro will provide a much more fluid and enjoyable experience. Furthermore, the dramatically faster charging speeds, both wired and wireless are a significant convenience upgrade. While I appreciate a better camera, the slight difference in the primary lens isn't a big enough differentiator as I value the higher quality of wide-angle and selfie photos that 12 Pro is able to capture. Finally, the fact that 12 Pro is a newer device, I would expect to receive software updates for longer, and it ships with a newer OS.
