Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro vs. Xiaomi 12T Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi 12T Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 163.1 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly taller, 12T Pro is slightly wider. Minimal real-world difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 208g | 205g | Virtually identical weight; both feel solid but not overly heavy. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.67" | Mi 11 Pro offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1220 x 2712 | Mi 11 Pro has a noticeably sharper and clearer display with higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 515 | 446 | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent color reproduction, deep blacks, and high contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 1200 nits | Mi 11 Pro is much more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | 12T Pro provides significantly better performance in demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 1,311,127 | 12T Pro offers much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | 12T Pro offers enhanced graphics rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP | 200MP | 12T Pro captures much higher resolution images, allowing for greater detail and cropping flexibility. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.95 | f/1.69 | 12T Pro has a wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.12" | 1/1.22" | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly larger sensor, capturing more light, which can improve image quality. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 20MP | Similar detail for selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.24 | 12T Pro has slightly better low-light capability. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/2" | 12T Pro has a larger sensor for improved low-light selfies. |
| 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 a larger sensor which is better in low light |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP | 12T Pro has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | No | Mi 11 Pro includes a telephoto lens for better optical zoom. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer professional-grade video recording quality. |
| DxOMark Score (Overall) | 124 | 129 | 12T Pro has slightly better overall camera performance. |
| DxOMark Score (Photo) | 118 | 130 | 12T Pro has superior photo capabilities. |
| DxOMark Score (Video) | 132 | 134 | 12T Pro has slightly better video capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life for average usage. |
| Charging | 67W | 120W | 12T Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 67W | No | Mi 11 Pro supports wireless charging for added convenience. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | Mi 11 Pro can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 14) | 12T Pro has more up-to-date software and future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Similar WiFi standards, offering fast and reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (with LDAC) | 5.2 (no LDAC) | Mi 11 Pro supports LDAC codec for higher quality audio over Bluetooth. |
| GPS | More satellites | Fewer satellites | Mi 11 Pro offers slightly better location accuracy in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | 12T Pro supports eSIM for easier switching of carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both offer similar RAM options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Hi-Res, Stereo, 3 mics | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Mi 11 Pro has 3 microphones, potentially better in noisy environments. 12T Pro has Dolby Atmos for better audio immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both offer similar fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Mi 11 Pro has a superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | More sensors including Heart Rate | Fewer sensors including RGB | Mi 11 Pro has a heart rate sensor. 12T Pro has RGB. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density resulting in sharper, clearer images and text. Significantly higher brightness enhances outdoor visibility.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: Offers convenience through both wireless charging capabilities and reverse wireless charging to charge other devices.
- Better Satellite Navigation: Supports more satellite systems for enhanced location accuracy.
- Telephoto lens: Offers optical zoom capabilities.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus is more durable and scratch-resistant than Gorilla Glass 5.
- Additional Sensors: Heart Rate sensor and more accurate GPS.
- LDAC Bluetooth Codec: Support for LDAC for high quality audio over bluetooth.
Xiaomi 12T Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster chipset resulting in smoother performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Faster Charging: 120W charging greatly reduces charging time.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 200MP sensor enables greater detail in photos.
- Better Camera in DxOMark: Overall the camera performs better, especially for pictures.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens allows for detailed close-up photos.
- More Recent Android OS: Launches with Android 12, upgradeable to 14, providing up-to-date features and security patches.
- eSIM Support: More versatile for international travel and managing multiple carriers.
- Dolby Atmos: Immersive audio experience
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 Pro: Sacrifices raw performance for a superior display, more charging options and better navigation.
- 12T Pro: Offers better performance and camera at the expense of a slightly less sharp display and fewer charging options.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Ideal User:
- Display Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a top-tier display with maximum sharpness, clarity and brightness.
- Travelers: Those who benefit from enhanced GPS accuracy and wireless charging for on-the-go convenience.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Those who require higher quality audio and a larger amount of microphones.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize optical zoom.
Tech Savvy Users: Those who want unique features like reverse charging and an additional sensor such as Heart Rate.
Use Cases:
- Watching high-resolution videos and movies in bright sunlight.
- Accurate navigation in complex urban environments or remote areas.
- Listening to high-fidelity audio over Bluetooth, especially with LDAC compatible devices.
- Charging wireless earbuds or other devices on the go.
- Taking photos at a distance with optical zoom.
Xiaomi 12T Pro Ideal User:
- Gamers: Users who need maximum processing power for demanding games and heavy multitasking.
- Photographers: Users who prefer high-resolution images and close-up macro photography.
- Power Users: Users who want the latest software and rapid battery charging.
- International Travelers: Users who need the flexibility of eSIM support for switching carriers while abroad.
Entertainment lovers: Those who enjoy immersive audio.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games at the highest settings.
- Taking high-resolution photos and macro shots of detailed subjects.
- Quickly charging the phone between activities during a busy day.
- Switching between multiple international SIM profiles easily.
- Watching movies or listening to music and taking advantage of Dolby Atmos.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is more important to you, a high-end display or superior performance?
- If display sharpness and outdoor visibility are paramount, the Mi 11 Pro is better.
- If maximum performance and speed are the priority, the 12T Pro is the better choice.
- How often do you use wireless charging and reverse wireless charging?
- If wireless and reverse wireless charging are essential, the Mi 11 Pro is the only choice.
- If those are not required, 12T Pro will offer a faster charging option with its 120W capability.
- What are your camera usage requirements?
- If you need high resolution images and macro shots, the 12T Pro will perform better.
- If you require optical zoom and a larger sensor, the Mi 11 Pro will be better for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent Outdoor Use, Focus on Display: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro for its superior display brightness and better outdoor viewing.
- Scenario 2: Intensive Gaming, Need Fast Performance: Choose the Xiaomi 12T Pro for its significantly faster chipset and gaming capabilities.
- Scenario 3: International Travel and Flexibility: Choose the Xiaomi 12T Pro for its eSim capabilities and modern software.
- Scenario 4: Need Best all round Experience: Choose Xiaomi 12T Pro for its much superior camera, fast performance and charging with a decent screen.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi 12T Pro. While the Mi 11 Pro has a more technically impressive display on paper, the real world difference is minimal, and for me, the speed increase for everyday tasks combined with the better camera and significantly faster charging makes the 12T Pro a more compelling option for my personal needs. The additional macro lens and the latest software are also features that I would use more frequently than wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. The ability to switch between carriers with the eSIM is also a feature that I would find useful. Ultimately, the trade-off of slightly better display for an all-around better experience makes the 12T Pro the better option for me.
