1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Xiaomi Mi 11 is slightly taller; Realme 12 Pro+ is a bit thicker. Minimal impact on pocketability for most. |
| Weight | 196g | 196g | Identical weight, both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a slightly larger screen, but the difference is minor. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2412 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a significantly sharper display, resulting in noticeably clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 515 | 394 | Xiaomi Mi 11's higher pixel density provides much sharper visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both displays offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi Mi 11 is significantly brighter, making it much better for outdoor use in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a significantly more powerful processor for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 603,400 | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers faster app loading and smoother performance overall. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 710 | Xiaomi Mi 11's GPU provides better graphics performance, especially for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Xiaomi Mi 11 has higher resolution and larger sensor, potentially capturing more detail in good lighting. Realme 12 Pro+ has a wider aperture, allowing more light in for low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" | Realme 12 Pro+ has a higher resolution sensor and slightly larger sensor, potentially taking better selfies |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2" | Realme 12 Pro+ offers dedicated optical zoom for better zoomed photos. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06" | None | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in a single shot. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5" | None | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | Realme 12 Pro+ includes a combined wide-angle and macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Xiaomi Mi 11 can shoot in 8K, offering higher detail, but may not be necessary for everyone. |
| Selfie DxoMark | 112 | N/A | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a significantly high DxOMark selfie score. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Laser AF | Optical zoom, PDAF | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers 8K video, while Realme 12 Pro+ includes optical zoom for higher quality zoomed shots. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12 Pro+ has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 55W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Realme 12 Pro+ charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 50W wireless charging, reverse charging | None | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers convenient wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a more modern OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support fast, modern WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both support modern Bluetooth. |
| GPS | More Satellite Systems | Less Satellite Systems | Xiaomi Mi 11 provides potentially better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a 512GB option for users needing more space. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both phones have sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a more immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos and a noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Basic biometric security on both phones. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers better screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Heart Rate, Ultrasonic Proximity, Compass | Proximity, Geomagnetic | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a more complete suite for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density offer significantly sharper visuals, while higher brightness improves outdoor visibility.
- More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides noticeably faster performance, better for gaming and demanding apps.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor size for potentially more detailed images in good lighting conditions.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers significantly higher video resolution for professional-grade recording.
- Wireless Charging: Includes fast 50W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Wider array of sensors: Has Compass, Heart Rate Sensor and Ultrasonic Proximity.
Realme 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens for better optical zoom capabilities.
- Larger Battery: Slightly larger battery provides potentially longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging allows for faster recharge times.
- More Modern OS: Ships with Android 14 out of the box, although Xiaomi Mi 11 is upgradeable.
- 512GB Storage Option: Realme 12 Pro+ comes with an option for 512GB of internal storage which is useful for those that need the space.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos support and noise cancellation microphone for a better audio experience.
- Combined wide-angle and macro lens: Providing a hybrid option for both uses in one lens.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Loses out on optical zoom and dedicated telephoto lens, and has slightly shorter battery life.
- Realme 12 Pro+: Has a less sharp and bright display, and is less powerful in terms of processing power and camera quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 is ideal for:
- Power Users & Gamers: Those who need top-tier performance for demanding tasks and mobile gaming.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-resolution display for viewing content, especially outdoors.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize detailed photos and the option for 8K video recording
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy advanced features like wireless charging, advanced video features and a wider array of sensors.
Realme 12 Pro+ is ideal for:
- Photography Users: Specifically those who value optical zoom for taking high-quality zoomed shots.
- Everyday Users: Those who need a reliable phone with good battery life and fast charging, and good camera features.
- Audio Lovers: Users who want a more immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation for clearer calls.
- Users who need large storage capacity: The 512GB storage option is useful for those who need a lot of space.
Specific Use Cases:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Playing graphically intense games like Genshin Impact, editing 4K or 8K videos, watching HDR movies outdoors, taking detailed photos in good light.
- Realme 12 Pro+: Taking zoomed photos with a dedicated telephoto lens, streaming content with enhanced audio, using the phone all day without worrying about running out of power, taking advantage of fast charging to minimize downtime, or storing large amounts of files directly on your phone.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The Xiaomi Mi 11, while older, offers a premium experience with a top-tier display and processor if found at a good discount. The Realme 12 Pro+ focuses on more practical features like good battery life, fast charging and good zoom capabilities, usually at a lower price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize a top-tier display and raw performance over battery life and camera zoom? If yes, the Xiaomi Mi 11 may be better.
- Is a telephoto lens for optical zoom essential for your photography needs? If yes, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the better option.
- Do you need wireless charging and a brighter screen? If yes, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is more suitable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Media Consumption: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 for its superior display, performance and advanced features.
- Scenario 2: Photography with Zoom: Choose the Realme 12 Pro+ for its dedicated telephoto lens and additional camera features.
- Scenario 3: All-Day Use with Fast Charging: Choose the Realme 12 Pro+ for its longer battery life and faster charging speeds.
- Scenario 4: General Use and Budget Considerations: Choose the Realme 12 Pro+ if you are looking for a more practical phone with a great camera at a possibly lower price point.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would lean towards the Xiaomi Mi 11. While it is an older model, the superior display with higher resolution and brightness is a big factor for me, as I often watch videos and use my phone outdoors. The significantly more powerful processor would mean smoother performance for daily use and when playing games, and the additional sensors add a more complete set of features. While the Realme 12 Pro+ offers a better battery and zoom lens, the overall experience of the Xiaomi Mi 11 would be more satisfying due to its display quality and raw performance. The availability of wireless charging and the higher quality main camera sensor also make it a compelling option. However, this is a personal choice and depends on the priorities of the user, as both phones have their pros and cons.
