1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly thicker but narrower, Note 12 Pro 4G is a bit wider and thinner. Overall similar in hand feel. |
| Weight | 208g | 201.8g | Note 12 Pro 4G is negligibly lighter, likely unnoticeable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.67" | Mi 11 Pro offers slightly larger screen for more immersive experience in gaming and media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Mi 11 Pro has significantly sharper display (more detailed visuals, crisper text, and overall better viewing experience). |
| PPI | 515 | 395 | Mi 11 Pro has much higher pixel density resulting in visibly sharper visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 1200 nits | Mi 11 Pro has much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Mi 11 Pro's chipset offers significantly superior performance (faster app loading, smoother gaming, better multitasking) |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 397,200 | Mi 11 Pro provides much faster overall performance (double the score) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 618 | Mi 11 Pro's GPU allows for much more intensive graphics processing (better gaming and video editing). |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5020mAh | Similar battery capacity, expected to have comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 67W wired, 67W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | 67W wired | Both phones charge quickly with wired charging, Mi 11 Pro adds wireless charging versatility. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging, | Reverse charging | Mi 11 Pro offers more convenient charging options |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | Mi 11 Pro has larger sensor for better low-light performance, Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has higher megapixel count, details may be similar |
| Selfie | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" | Mi 11 Pro's front camera has higher resolution and a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Mi 11 Pro's wide-angle camera has higher resolution, but a smaller sensor. |
| Portrait (Depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Note 12 Pro 4G has dedicated depth sensor, potentially better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Note 12 Pro 4G has dedicated macro lens for close up shots. |
| Telephoto+Macro | 8MP, 1/4.4" | N/A | Mi 11 Pro has telephoto lens which allows for better zoomed shots. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps w/ HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps, w/o EIS | Mi 11 Pro allows for higher resolution recording and better video stabilization options. |
| DxOMark | 124 (Mobile) | Not tested | Mi 11 Pro's camera quality is rated better through DxOMark score. |
| Features | OIS, Laser AF, PDAF, 8K video | Quad Camera, Night Mode, Exposure compensation | Mi 11 Pro offers more advanced camera features like OIS, Laser AF and 8K recording. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both ship with Android 11. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11ac | Mi 11 Pro offers faster and more efficient WiFi, with MIMO for better connection stability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, aptX, LDAC, AAC | 5.1, EDR, HID | Mi 11 Pro has newer Bluetooth with higher quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | More systems | Fewer systems | Mi 11 Pro offers more precise location tracking with more satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both phones support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer similar storage options, plenty for most users. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 6/8GB | Mi 11 Pro offers more RAM, beneficial for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support expandable storage, users should pick an option with sufficient storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio, 3 mics | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Mi 11 Pro includes 3 microphones for better audio capture quality compared to Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G's. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers more advanced fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Mi 11 Pro has more durable screen protection against drops and scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Mi 11 Pro has a Heart Rate sensor. Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G uses a virtual proximity sensor instead of a hardware sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers substantially better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and significantly better gaming capabilities.
- Higher Quality Display: The higher resolution and pixel density (1440x3200, 515 ppi) results in noticeably sharper visuals and text. The higher brightness (1700 nits) significantly improves outdoor visibility.
- Advanced Camera Features: Offers 8K video recording, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), and a telephoto lens with zoom, leading to better video quality, stabilized shots, and flexibility.
- Better Audio Recording: Inclusion of 3 microphones means potentially better audio recording quality for video and voice calls.
- Faster Wireless Connectivity: WiFi 6 and more advanced Bluetooth with aptX, LDAC, AAC support ensures quicker and higher quality wireless connectivity.
- Enhanced GPS Tracking: Supports a greater number of satellite systems for more precise GPS positioning.
- Wireless Charging and reverse wireless charging: It offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Better Screen Protection: It features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering better screen protection.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter: The 6.2g difference is almost negligible.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: It includes a dedicated macro lens, and has a depth sensor for portrait mode.
- Side-Mounted fingerprint sensor: It features more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Lower Price: Typically, the Redmi Note series is more affordable.
Trade-offs:
- The Mi 11 Pro sacrifices some battery life with the increased processing power and high resolution display.
- The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G prioritizes affordability, therefore loses out on the high-end features and performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Gamers, heavy multitaskers, and individuals needing high-performance for demanding apps.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: People who prioritize a premium display, excellent video and photo quality, and high-fidelity audio.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who require advanced camera features like OIS, telephoto zoom, and 8K video recording.
- Users wanting the best build quality: Users wanting better screen protection.
Specific Use Cases for Mi 11 Pro:
- High-end mobile gaming with demanding titles.
- Video editing and content creation on the go.
- Outdoor usage in bright sunlight.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Demanding tasks, such as photo editing or video streaming
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals who need a reliable phone with a good display and decent performance at a lower price point.
- Everyday Users: Those who primarily use their phones for social media, browsing, and basic tasks.
- Casual Photographers: Users who occasionally capture photos and videos and value a dedicated macro lens.
Specific Use Cases for Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G:
- Daily social media and web browsing.
- Casual photography for social sharing.
- Basic mobile gaming.
- Users who are just looking for a solid and reliable everyday phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Needs: How important is high-end performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps?
- Display Quality: How critical is a sharper, brighter display for your usage?
- Camera Features: How important are advanced camera features, zoom capabilities, and 8K video?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance is Paramount: If you need the best performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget is Key: If you prioritize affordability and need a reliable phone for everyday use, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is a better fit.
- Scenario 3: Camera Capabilities: If you need advanced features and video recording with stabilization, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers the best camera system.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. Although it is an older device, its performance and screen quality are significantly better than the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G, and it has more advanced camera features that are valuable to me. Additionally, its stronger display protection gives me more peace of mind. Although both phones have their own merits, the Mi 11 Pro's superior specifications offer a much more noticeable difference in everyday usage for me. I personally value high-performance, display quality and camera capabilities, so the Mi 11 Pro is the better choice.
