Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Realme 12+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.1 mm | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm | Xiaomi Mi 11 is slightly taller; Realme 12+ is slightly wider and thinner. Differences in hand feel may be minimal. |
| Weight | 196g | 190g | Realme 12+ is slightly lighter, may feel more comfortable during long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.67" | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi Mi 11's display is significantly sharper, offering better clarity for text, images, and videos. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 395 PPI | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a noticeably sharper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ has significantly higher peak brightness, offering better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Xiaomi Mi 11's chipset is more powerful, providing faster app loading, better gaming performance, and smoother overall experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 601,000 | Xiaomi Mi 11 shows superior performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Xiaomi Mi 11's GPU has better performance for graphics-intensive tasks and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 108MP | 50MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 captures more detail with higher resolution. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.88 | Xiaomi Mi 11 might perform slightly better in low light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/2" | Xiaomi Mi 11's larger sensor captures more light, potentially resulting in better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 20MP | 16MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a higher resolution front camera, capturing more details in selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.45 | Xiaomi Mi 11 might perform slightly better in low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Res | 13MP | 8MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 captures more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Wide Angle Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.2 | Realme 12+ might perform slightly better in low light wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Res | 5MP | 2MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 captures more detailed macro shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24/30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers higher resolution video recording capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12+ has a larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 55W wired, 50W wireless | 67W wired | Realme 12+ charges faster via wired connection. Xiaomi Mi 11 offers wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 14) | Android 14 (up to 16) | Realme 12+ has a newer OS and will receive longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer Wi-Fi 6; Xiaomi Mi 11 has an additional MIMO feature |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE, AptX, LDAC, AAC | 5.2 LE, EDR, HID | Xiaomi Mi 11 has more advanced Bluetooth audio codecs for better wireless audio quality; Realme 12+ offers Enhanced Data Rate and HID profiles. |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Basic GPS systems | Xiaomi Mi 11 has more advanced GPS system for precise location data. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | Realme 12+ offers a 512GB option for more storage. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/12GB | Both have adequate RAM for most users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo, Noise cancellation mic | Realme 12+ includes Dolby Atmos and a noise cancellation microphone, which enhances audio quality during media consumption, calls, and recordings. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi Mi 11 has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Heart rate sensor, Virtual proximity | Proximity | Xiaomi Mi 11 has more sensors including heart rate and ultrasonic proximity. Realme 12+ uses a more common Proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly higher processing power, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density lead to a clearer and more detailed viewing experience, ideal for reading text, viewing high-resolution images, and enjoying crisp videos.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and front cameras, along with a larger main sensor, offer better image quality, especially in low light, and more detailed zoom capabilities. Also offers 8k Video Recording
- More Advanced GPS: Xiaomi Mi 11 uses more precise and accurate positioning system.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Xiaomi Mi 11 offers 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging which gives the users more flexibility in terms of charging.
- More Advanced Bluetooth Audio Codecs: Supports APT-x, LDAC, and AAC, providing high-fidelity wireless audio.
- More Sensors: Heart Rate Sensor and Virtual proximity sensor.
- Premium Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for superior durability.
Realme 12+ Advantages:
- Newer OS and Longer Support: Android 14 out of the box with a promise of longer software updates provides a more modern experience and more longevity.
- Higher Screen Brightness: With 2000 nits, the display is much better visible in direct sunlight, making it more practical for outdoor use.
- Faster Wired Charging: The 67W charging speed allows for quicker battery top-ups.
- Larger Battery: Offers potentially better battery life with a 5000mAh battery.
- More Storage Options: Offers a 512GB option for users needing a lot of storage.
- Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation microphone: Enhances the audio experience
- Lower Price: Typically found at a lower price point.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11 prioritizes performance, display quality, and camera prowess but lacks the latest software and has lower battery capacity compared to Realme 12+.
- Realme 12+ offers a newer software experience, better battery life, faster charging and enhanced audio but compromises on processing power, screen sharpness, and camera quality compared to Xiaomi Mi 11.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 is ideal for:
- Power Users: Users who need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who want the best possible display quality for watching videos, browsing photos, and enjoying visual content.
- Photography Lovers: Users who value camera performance, especially in low light, and are interested in advanced camera features and want to have 8K video capabilities.
- Users of High Fidelity Wireless Audio Those that prioritize Bluetooth audio quality.
Specific Use Cases for Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Editing high-resolution photos and videos.
- Watching high-quality content on a crisp and clear display.
- Using the phone as a hotspot while having an accurate and fast GPS.
Realme 12+ is ideal for:
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize a smooth experience, long battery life, and fast charging for daily use.
- Outdoor Users: Users who need a screen that is easily visible in bright sunlight.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those who seek a balance between price and performance with a more modern OS.
- Users who rely on voice communication: The noise cancellation microphone provides an enhanced user experience.
- Users who need large storage: The 512GB storage option is ideal for users who have large amounts of data on their phones.
Specific Use Cases for Realme 12+:
- Using the phone for a full day on a single charge.
- Viewing navigation apps or maps outdoors under the sun.
- Making clear phone calls in busy environments.
- Storing large libraries of music, videos, or photos directly on the device.
- Users wanting the latest Android experience
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Offers more performance and premium features but may come at a higher price point, especially due to its age.
- Realme 12+: Provides a good balance of features and performance at a more affordable price, often providing a better price-to-value ratio.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you need the absolute best performance for demanding tasks, or is a smooth everyday experience sufficient?
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a sharper display with higher resolution, or a brighter display that is easily visible outdoors?
- Battery Life and Charging: Is longer battery life and faster charging more important than wireless charging or other features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer/Power User: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 for its superior processing power, GPU, and high refresh rate display.
- Scenario 2: Outdoor Enthusiast/Daily User: Choose the Realme 12+ for its higher brightness display, good battery life and fast wired charging.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focused: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 for its superior image quality, 8K video and larger camera sensors.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Realme 12+ as it typically offers a better price to value ratio while providing an adequate performance and latest OS experience.
My Choice:
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11, despite it being an older phone. My priority is always performance and camera quality, and the Mi 11 has the superior chipset and camera system, which is important for my use cases. Although the Realme 12+ has a brighter screen, I do not require the higher brightness for my usage, and the sharper display on the Mi 11 would be preferred. Additionally, the extra features such as wireless charging and better GPS are advantageous, despite the older software.
