1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly shorter and less wide, but thicker. Note 12 is slightly larger, may feel less compact |
| Weight | 208g | 188g | Redmi Note 12 is significantly lighter, offering better comfort for prolonged use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-foldable phones. |
| Display |
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.67" | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive experience for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | Mi 11 Pro has much sharper, more detailed display, resulting in better image clarity and text crispness. |
| PPI | 515 | 395 | Mi 11 Pro offers a noticeably sharper display, crucial for reading small text and viewing high-resolution content |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both displays offer vibrant colors, deep blacks and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing responsiveness, especially noticeable in fast-paced games. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 1200 nits | Mi 11 Pro's significantly higher brightness allows much better visibility in bright sunlight, greatly improving outdoor usability. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Mi 11 Pro's chipset provides significantly higher processing power, resulting in faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 460,800 | Mi 11 Pro is considerably faster and more responsive. Note 12 may struggle with heavy tasks and modern demanding games. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 619 | Mi 11 Pro's GPU provides significantly superior graphics performance for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life, though real-world usage will vary by chipset and screen. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Mi 11 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 67W Wireless, Reverse Charging | None | Mi 11 Pro offers convenient wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities, enhancing versatility. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12", 1.4µm | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Mi 11 Pro captures more detailed photos with larger sensor, better low-light performance due to larger pixel size and advanced sensor technology. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 13MP, f/2.45, 1.12µm | Mi 11 Pro captures more detailed selfies with better low-light performance due to better pixel size and wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | Mi 11 Pro takes higher-resolution wide-angle shots with larger sensor for better image quality. |
| Macro lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12 includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, a feature Mi 11 Pro lacks. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, 1/4.4", 1.0µm | None | Mi 11 Pro has a telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 8K, EIS, HDR | Up to 1080p | Mi 11 Pro supports much higher video resolution and advanced stabilization features, beneficial for high-quality video recording. |
| DXOMark Score | 124 | 69 | Mi 11 Pro has significantly better camera performance for photo and video. |
| Features | 4K/8K, OIS, Laser AF, RAW | Night Mode, RAW | Mi 11 Pro offers professional features such as optical zoom and OIS while Redmi Note 12 has features like night mode. |
Software, Connectivity and Storage | Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact | |------------------|---------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 comes with a newer version of android out of the box | | Wifi | Wifi 6 | Wifi 5 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro supports newer Wifi Standard | | Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has newer Bluetooth version for better connectivity | | GPS | more satellite systems for better location accuracy | less satellite systems | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy | | Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options | | RAM| 8GB/12GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Mi 11 Pro offers a greater amount of RAM which ensures better multi-tasking performance | | Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports microSD card for expandable storage |
Audio, Security and Build Quality | Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact | |------------------|---------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers a higher audio playback experience with stereo speakers | | Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 provides a better, more modern fingerprint sensor experience. | | Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is more resistant to scratches and accidental drops |
Sensors | Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact | |------------------|---------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Heart Rate; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro features more sensors offering advanced health tracking, while Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has a more modern virtual proximity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides much higher CPU and GPU performance, making it significantly faster for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Better Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness provide a sharper, more vibrant display, especially noticeable in outdoor conditions.
- Advanced Camera System: Larger sensor sizes, better optics, and higher video capabilities lead to superior photo and video quality, especially in low light.
- Faster Charging: 67W wired and wireless charging offers faster charging times.
- More Features: Includes reverse charging, better audio with stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio, also features a Telephoto lens.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Advantages:
- Lighter Design: The Redmi Note 12 is lighter, which makes it more comfortable for extended use.
- More Modern Design: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 uses a more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor, as compared to the older in-display sensor of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close up shots.
- Newer OS out of the box: The Redmi Note 12 has a newer version of Android installed.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 Pro: Higher cost, heavier build, older Android version out of the box, less modern fingerprint sensor.
- Redmi Note 12: Significantly lower performance, lower quality display, and less capable camera system, basic audio experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos with better zoom capabilities, and superior low-light performance.
- Multimedia Consumers: People who value a sharp, bright, and immersive display for consuming media.
- Users who appreciate better connectivity: Users who require better connectivity through better Wifi and Bluetooth Standards and a better GPS experience.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming: High-end gaming at max settings.
- Professional photography/videography: High-resolution photo and video capturing with advanced stabilization features.
- Outdoor use: Excellent screen visibility in bright sunlight.
- Demanding Productivity: Smooth, lag-free performance for multitasking.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users seeking a capable smartphone with a good display at a more affordable price point.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- Users seeking a comfortable and light phone: Users who value comfort, especially for prolonged use
- Users who appreciate a Macro lens: Individuals who are interested in close-up photography
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing and social media.
- Light gaming.
- Basic photography and video capture.
- Users who value an up to date Android experience
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Mi 11 Pro: While more expensive, offers much more value for users needing high performance and advanced features, justifies its price premium for power users.
- Redmi Note 12: More budget-friendly, but has performance and camera trade-offs, suitable for those who don't need high-end features and prioritizes saving money.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for buyers to consider:
Performance Needs: How important is high-end performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications?
- If you need a very powerful phone, the Mi 11 Pro is the obvious choice. If you're a casual user, the Redmi Note 12 will suffice.
Camera Requirements: How important is advanced photography and videography?
- If you require high quality photo and video, the Mi 11 Pro with its advanced camera features is the better choice, otherwise, the Redmi Note 12 has a standard and acceptable camera setup.
Budget: What is your maximum budget and are you willing to pay for premium features and performance?
- If your budget is tight, and you don't need premium features, the Redmi Note 12 will save you money. If you don't mind paying more to get the best performance and camera quality, the Mi 11 Pro will be a better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gamer: If you're a heavy mobile gamer, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the clear winner due to its significantly superior chipset and GPU.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: If you are a photography enthusiast, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro provides better photos and videos due to its advanced camera hardware.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User: If budget is a major concern, and you require a standard smartphone for daily usage, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is the preferred choice.
- Scenario 4: Casual User: If you need a light, comfortable phone for basic use such as calling, browsing the internet and basic social media usage, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is the preferred choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would pick the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. I value performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, which it offers in abundance. Although it's older and heavier, the significantly better processing power, higher resolution display, superior camera with better zoom, and faster charging make it a better option for my needs. The trade-off in terms of weight and having a less modern fingerprint sensor is a worthwhile compromise for the significant gains in other key areas. The price premium for the Mi 11 Pro is justified for my use cases. I want the better experience in performance and photography, and wouldn't mind spending extra for it.
