1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro and Xiaomi 12T, focusing on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 163.1 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly taller and narrower; 12T is slightly shorter and wider. Very similar handling feel. |
| Weight | 208g | 202g | 12T is marginally lighter, could be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Both phones have a premium feel; no information on back material |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.67" | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming if you prefer a bigger screen. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1220x2712 | Mi 11 Pro has significantly sharper visuals, better for detailed content and reading small text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 446 | Mi 11 Pro offers a more crisp display experience, less pixelated text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness (nits) | 1700 | 0 | Mi 11 Pro has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The 12T's 0 nits is incorrect, but it will not be as bright as the Mi 11 Pro. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Dimensity 8100 Ultra | Different processors; both are high-end, with slightly different strengths in gaming and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 835,913 | Both offer high-performance suitable for demanding tasks. The Mi 11 Pro scores slightly higher, suggesting a small performance advantage. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G610 MC6 | Different GPUs with similar levels of performance; gaming performance may vary depending on the specific game. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP | 108MP | 12T captures more detailed images in good lighting; Mi 11 Pro has larger pixel size which is good for low light |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.95 | f/1.7 | 12T has a wider aperture, slightly better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.12" | 1/1.67" | Mi 11 Pro has larger sensor, potentially better low-light capture and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 20MP | Same resolution. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.24 | 12T has wider aperture, slightly better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/2" | 12T has larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Wide-Angle Resolution | 13MP | 8MP | Mi 11 Pro captures more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Wide-Angle Sensor Size | 1/3.06" | 1/4" | Mi 11 Pro has the larger sensor for better wide angle quality. |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP | 12T offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while Mi 11 Pro does not. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes, 8MP | No | Mi 11 Pro has a telephoto lens, enabling optical zoom and portrait photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Mi 11 Pro supports 8K recording, offering greater video resolution for professional content. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 124, Photo: 118, Video: 132 | Mobile: 115, Photo: 120, Video: 127 | Mi 11 Pro has superior video and overall camera performance. 12T performs slightly better in photos. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, PDAF, Laser AF, OIS | Night Mode, OIS | Mi 11 Pro has laser and phase detection autofocus, alongside optical zoom. 12T includes a Night Mode for low light pictures. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | 12T charges much faster, significantly reducing charging time. |
| Wireless Charging | 67W Wireless | No | Mi 11 Pro supports wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Here's a breakdown of the major advantages and trade-offs for each phone:
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density resulting in a sharper, more detailed viewing experience, and much higher brightness.
- Better Camera Performance: Higher DXOMark video score, telephoto lens for optical zoom, larger main sensor, and 8K video capability.
- Wireless Charging: Includes fast wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Advanced Camera Features: Laser and Phase Detection Autofocus
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for superior durability
- Heart Rate Sensor: Included sensor for fitness tracking
Practical Implications:
- Ideal for users who prioritize media consumption, content creation, and high-end photography/videography.
- Better experience in bright sunlight.
- Offers convenient wireless charging options.
Xiaomi 12T Advantages:
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 120W wired charging.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 12, upgradeable to 14.
- Macro Lens: Includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots.
- Selfie camera: wider aperture and larger sensor
- Bluetooth: The 12T has a newer bluetooth version.
Practical Implications:
- Better for users who need quick charging and prioritize speed.
- Offers good camera features and photo quality.
- Macro lens adds versatility.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 Pro: Lacks a dedicated macro lens.
- Mi 11 Pro: Older Android OS, no confirmed Android version upgrades.
- 12T: Display is not as sharp or bright, and no optical zoom.
- 12T: lacks wireless and reverse wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Here's a look at ideal users and use cases for each phone:
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Ideal User:
- Users who value high-quality displays and video capabilities
- Photography enthusiasts who need a versatile camera system
- Users who utilize wireless charging
- Users who want to watch HDR content in bright environments
- Use Cases:
- Professional videography/photography
- Watching high-resolution HDR videos
- Heavy gaming on a larger screen
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Travel, where wireless charging and versatile cameras are advantageous.
Xiaomi 12T:
- Ideal User:
- Users who need fast charging.
- Users who prioritize newer Android versions and software updates.
- Casual photographers who want a versatile main camera and macro lens
- Use Cases:
- Quick on-the-go charging between meetings or travel.
- Daily use with good performance and camera capabilities.
- Social media enthusiasts wanting a versatile camera.
4. Decision Framework
Here are key questions for buyers and scenario-based recommendations:
Key Questions:
- How important is display quality and brightness? (Mi 11 Pro is superior)
- How important is fast charging? (12T is significantly faster)
- Do you need features like wireless charging and an optical zoom lens? (Mi 11 Pro offers these)
Scenario Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Content Creator:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. Its higher resolution display, 8K video capability, superior camera, optical zoom and wireless charging are crucial for content creation.
- Scenario 2: Casual User on the Go:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12T. The incredibly fast charging speed and very good camera performance for casual users make it a more convenient choice.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gaming Enthusiast:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. The higher resolution display, larger screen and similar performance are the deciding factors.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious Buyer:
- Recommendation: Price should be compared at the time of the purchase, but the Xiaomi 12T should be the cheaper option.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing, I would personally opt for the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. While the 12T offers faster charging, the superior display (higher resolution, pixel density, brightness), wireless charging, better camera, 8K video and optical zoom are features that I value more highly in my daily usage. I appreciate having a high quality screen, and the camera is more aligned with my needs for photography and videography. The faster charging on the 12T is impressive, but it's not a feature I absolutely require given my general usage patterns. The build quality also seems slightly better on the Mi 11 Pro with the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. Therefore, the Mi 11 Pro is the better choice for me.
