1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Oppo Reno12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 161.5 × 74.8 × 7.4 mm | Xiaomi Mi 11 is slightly taller and thicker, may feel bulkier; Oppo Reno12 Pro is slimmer, making it easier to handle. |
| Weight | 196g | 180g | Oppo Reno12 Pro is lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Xiaomi Mi 11 has slightly more screen real estate, providing a more immersive experience |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2412 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a much sharper and detailed display; noticeable difference in text and image clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 394 ppi | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers visibly crisper images and text, particularly noticeable when viewing detailed content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, similar display experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1400 nits | Xiaomi Mi 11 is better visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy | Xiaomi Mi 11 performs better in demanding tasks like gaming, though both should handle everyday apps smoothly. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 702,140 | Xiaomi Mi 11 shows better overall benchmark performance; expect slightly better performance in graphics-intensive tasks |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Xiaomi Mi 11's GPU is generally more powerful for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 captures more detailed images in good lighting but may not always translate to significantly better real-world photos |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.8 | Oppo Reno12 Pro's wider aperture may result in slightly better low light performance |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/2" | Xiaomi Mi 11's larger sensor can capture more light in low light conditions |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 50MP | Oppo Reno12 Pro captures sharper, more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.0 | Oppo Reno12 Pro's wider aperture should provide better low-light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/2.76" | Oppo Reno12 Pro's larger sensor captures more light in low light conditions |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 50MP | Oppo Reno12 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens, enabling optical zoom capabilities |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 13MP | 8MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 captures more detailed wide angle photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.2 | Oppo Reno12 Pro has a wider aperture for wide angle shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens Sensor Size | 1/3.06" | 1/2.8" | Oppo Reno12 Pro has larger sensor size for wide angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | No | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Xiaomi Mi 11 records higher resolution videos for detailed capture |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Oppo Reno12 Pro may offer slightly longer battery life per charge. |
| Charging | 55W | 80W | Oppo Reno12 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | No | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers wireless charging for added convenience |
| Reverse Charging | Yes (10W) | No | Xiaomi Mi 11 can charge other devices wirelessly |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Oppo Reno12 Pro ships with newer Android version, providing more modern features. |
| Max OS Version | 14 | 17 | Oppo Reno12 Pro has a longer software update support life. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Oppo Reno12 Pro supports more modern Bluetooth, improving connection stability and energy efficiency. |
| GPS | More Systems | Less Systems | Xiaomi Mi 11 has more support for satellite navigation, potentially better accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Oppo Reno12 Pro provides more storage capacity for media and files. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 12GB/16GB | Oppo Reno12 Pro has more RAM, better for multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack microSD card support |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers enhanced audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both use basic fingerprint sensors for unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Oppo Reno12 Pro has more modern screen protection from scratches and falls |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | More Sensors | Less Sensors | Xiaomi Mi 11 provides more functionality due to the additional sensors it has |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density offer a noticeably crisper viewing experience.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides better performance for demanding tasks and gaming, evident in higher benchmark scores.
- Higher Resolution Video Recording: 8K video capability for professional-grade video shooting
- Wireless Charging: Convenient 50W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for charging other devices.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers provide a richer audio experience.
- More Sensors: The device has a higher number of sensors, providing the user with a greater versatility
- Better Navigation: It has better navigation capabilities due to the additional sensors
Oppo Reno12 Pro Advantages:
- Lighter and Slimmer Design: More comfortable for handling and carrying.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity provides longer usage per charge.
- Faster Charging: 80W charging gets the phone back to full power significantly faster.
- Newer OS: Android 14 provides modern features and longer support.
- Higher Storage and RAM: Up to 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM provide more space and better multitasking capability.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture for better quality selfies, especially in low light.
- Newer Bluetooth: Supports more modern Bluetooth version
- Modern Build Quality: Has a more modern version of gorilla glass for added scratch protection
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Loses out on battery capacity and charging speed, does not have a telephoto lens, has a bulkier design, and a slightly older OS.
- Oppo Reno12 Pro: sacrifices display resolution and raw performance, lacks wireless charging, has less audio fidelity, and less navigation capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Ideal User: Power users who prioritize performance and display quality, those who value high quality sound and image.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers who need a powerful processor and sharp display.
- Users who consume a lot of high-resolution content and benefit from a sharper display.
- Users who use their camera frequently and need high resolution recordings
- Tech enthusiasts who like having the latest tech such as wireless charging and a heart rate sensor
- People that need accurate and fast navigation.
- Price-to-Value: Offers great value for those looking for a powerhouse device with a focus on display and performance (at a lower price due to its age).
Oppo Reno12 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life, camera quality, and a sleek design, seeking modern Android features and a smooth, everyday experience.
- Use Cases:
- Users who value a long lasting battery, and fast charging
- Users that frequently take selfies with their phone, and need high resolution
- Users who like telephoto capabilities for zooming capabilities
- Users who prefer a lightweight design
- Users that want the latest Android updates for the longest period of time
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value for a modern device with a focus on battery, design, and camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my priority - performance or battery life/convenience? If raw performance is critical (gaming, demanding tasks), the Mi 11 is better. If long battery life and convenience (fast charging) are important, the Reno12 Pro is better.
- How important are display quality and detailed images/video? If you want the best possible display clarity, the Mi 11 is the better choice. If a sharp selfie camera and zooming capabilities is more important, the Reno12 Pro might be the better choice.
- Do I prefer the latest software and longer support, or am I okay with an older OS for a potentially better deal? The Reno12 Pro has the latest OS with the longest possible support, while the Mi 11 might be more affordable due to it's age.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 for its superior performance and display.
- Frequent Traveler: Choose the Oppo Reno12 Pro for its longer battery life and fast charging, plus telephoto lens.
- Content Creator: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 for higher video resolution capabilities.
- Everyday User: Choose the Oppo Reno12 Pro for a balanced experience with long battery life and updated software, along with a better selfie camera.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose, I would choose the Oppo Reno12 Pro.
While the Xiaomi Mi 11 has a more compelling display and raw performance, the Oppo Reno12 Pro better suits my usage patterns, which is general use with strong emphasis on a good user experience, fast charging and a strong selfie camera. While I appreciate the display capabilities of the Mi 11, the display on the Oppo is still excellent and more than enough for everyday usage. I prefer a lighter phone, and the added benefit of an excellent battery and fast charging make this phone a great choice for me. Lastly, having a phone that will receive a longer period of software updates is a plus.
The telephoto lens and higher-resolution selfie camera are also significant benefits for me. While I like having better audio capabilities on my device, a dedicated sound setup will still give me the best results.
Although the Mi 11 excels in a few areas, the Oppo Reno12 Pro provides a more well-rounded package with modern features that align with what I consider to be crucial aspects of a smartphone.
