1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Physical Size | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | Infinix Note 12 G96 is slightly wider, which may affect one-handed use; both are similar in height and thickness. |
| Weight | 196g | 185g | Infinix Note 12 G96 is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a marginally larger screen, offering a slightly more immersive experience for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a significantly sharper display, resulting in clearer images and text. |
| PPI | 515 | 393 | The higher pixel density of the Xiaomi Mi 11 leads to crisper details and a more refined visual experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks due to AMOLED technology, ideal for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Xiaomi Mi 11's 120Hz refresh rate provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, beneficial for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 650 nits | Xiaomi Mi 11 has significantly better outdoor visibility, crucial for use in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a much more powerful chipset, offering better overall performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 307,000 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has significantly higher benchmark scores, demonstrating superior performance capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a much more powerful GPU, ensuring better graphics performance in games and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 captures more detailed images with its higher resolution sensor, especially in well-lit conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.6 | Infinix Note 12 G96 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially allowing slightly better performance in low light situations. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/2.76" | Xiaomi Mi 11's larger sensor captures more light, potentially resulting in better image quality and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 captures slightly higher detail in selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.0 | Infinix Note 12 G96 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes (13MP) | No | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a wider field of view for landscape and group photos. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | No | Yes (2MP) | Infinix Note 12 G96 allows for more detailed depth information in portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | Yes (5MP) | No | Xiaomi Mi 11 enables capturing close-up detail with its dedicated macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24/30fps | Up to 1440p@30fps | Xiaomi Mi 11 supports much higher resolution videos with 8K recording, offering more flexibility for professional-grade video content. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers better video stability, reducing shakiness during recording. |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 112 | N/A | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a very good selfie camera score, whereas the Infinix Note 12 G96 has not been tested. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Infinix Note 12 G96 has a slightly larger battery, potentially providing slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 55W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Xiaomi Mi 11 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 50W wireless charging, 10W reverse wireless charging | N/A | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers more versatility with its additional charging options. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 | Infinix Note 12 G96 launches with a newer version of Android, but the Xiaomi Mi 11 has more upgradeability. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | Xiaomi Mi 11 supports a newer Wi-Fi standard, resulting in faster speeds and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially better efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS | Xiaomi Mi 11 has more satellite systems, potentially offering greater accuracy when using maps and GPS tracking. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | Xiaomi Mi 11 has larger internal storage options, allowing for more media and apps to be saved. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Xiaomi Mi 11 can have significantly more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, which may be limiting for some users. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers higher quality audio playback and clearer voice capture due to the extra microphone, whereas the Infinix Note 12 G96 has DTS/DTS X for improved sound. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Infinix Note 12 G96 has a more convenient fingerprint sensor location, typically faster to access. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a stronger screen protection and should be more resistant to scratches and drops. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Heart Rate; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Xiaomi Mi 11 provides a more robust suite of sensors, which could be useful for gaming, health tracking, and other applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides much better processing power for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Much Better Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness result in a sharper, smoother, and more vibrant visual experience.
- Advanced Camera System: The 108MP main camera, wide-angle lens, macro lens, and advanced video recording capabilities, including OIS, make it a more versatile choice for photography and videography.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Options: The 55W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging provide much greater convenience.
- Superior Connectivity: The support for WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and more GPS systems makes it a better option for users requiring reliable and fast wireless connections.
- High-Quality Audio: Hi-Res audio and two microphones are better for audio playback and voice capture.
- Better Screen Protection: The Gorilla Glass Victus provides significantly better protection from scratches and accidental drops.
- Heart Rate sensor: Additional health-related sensor
Infinix Note 12 G96 Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter: The slightly lower weight could be more comfortable for extended use.
- Potentially Better Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery may result in a slightly longer battery life compared to the Xiaomi Mi 11.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with a newer version of android.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Easier to access compared to basic fingerprint sensor.
- Portrait mode camera: Additional depth information in portrait photos
- Lower price: likely to be cheaper, price has not been included in this spec list
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Has a lower battery capacity and basic fingerprint scanner
- Infinix Note 12 G96: Has a much less powerful processor, lower resolution display, and inferior camera capabilities compared to the Xiaomi Mi 11. The screen protection is unknown which could be a risk.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, and users who value high-end performance and display quality.
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games at high refresh rates.
- Editing 4K and 8K videos on the go.
- Capturing high-resolution photos and videos in diverse conditions.
- Heavy multitasking with numerous apps running simultaneously.
- Enjoying media content with vivid colors, smooth animations, and excellent audio.
- Price-to-Value: Offers premium features and performance for its price, providing high value if its features are fully utilized.
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, users primarily focused on media consumption, and users who need a large screen and decent battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Web browsing and social media usage.
- Watching videos and streaming content.
- General everyday use with basic apps and tasks.
- Users looking for a budget friendly phone.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a good balance of features and performance for its price, making it an attractive option for price-conscious users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, everyday tasks, media consumption)
- How important is display quality to you? (Resolution, refresh rate, brightness)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay more for premium features?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- High-Performance User: If you are a gamer or require high processing power for resource-intensive tasks, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the clear choice due to its superior chipset, display, and RAM.
- Budget-Conscious User: If you primarily need a reliable phone for basic everyday tasks and media consumption and you are on a tight budget, the Infinix Note 12 G96 will be a great choice.
- Photography Enthusiast: If taking high-quality pictures and videos is important to you, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the better choice thanks to its superior camera system and features.
- Outdoor User: If you frequently use your phone in bright sunlight, the Xiaomi Mi 11's higher brightness display will be crucial.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11. While the Infinix Note 12 G96 has some appealing advantages like a slightly larger battery and a more convenient fingerprint sensor, the Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a far superior user experience in the areas that I value most. The massive performance jump due to the better processor, higher quality and brighter display and the superior camera system would be worth the trade-off of a slightly lower battery capacity and the basic fingerprint sensor. The Xiaomi Mi 11 is the phone I would choose due to its significantly better features and performance.
