1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 165.6 × 76.1 × 7.9 mm | Mi 11 is slightly more compact; 12x is slightly taller and wider. A very subtle difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 196g | 190g | Realme 12x is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.67" | Mi 11 offers a slightly larger viewing area. A minimal difference in overall experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1604 | Mi 11 has a significantly sharper and clearer display with much higher pixel density for crisp images and text. 12x may appear pixelated in comparison. |
| PPI | 515 | 264 | Mi 11 delivers much sharper images and text, less eye strain. Realme 12x will show a noticeable lack of sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Mi 11 offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better viewing angles, superior for media consumption. 12x is less vibrant, blacks are less deep. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations for a fluid visual experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 is significantly better for outdoor use in direct sunlight. Realme 12x brightness is not specified and could be problematic outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Mi 11 has a much more powerful chipset for demanding games and apps, faster processing, and better multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 806,139 | 442,599 | Mi 11 offers much better overall performance, much faster and more responsive user experience overall. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mi 11 has much stronger graphics for smooth gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12x has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 55W fast charging | 15W fast charging | Mi 11 charges much faster, minimizing downtime. Realme 12x will take much longer to charge. |
| Features | 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | Non-removable | Mi 11 offers the convenience of wireless charging and can also charge other devices wirelessly. 12x lacks those. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 108MP, f/1.85 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Mi 11 has higher resolution for more detail. Realme 12x has a slightly wider aperture which may slightly improve low light performance. |
| Front Selfie | 20MP, f/2.3 | 8MP, f/2.1 | Mi 11 captures more detailed selfies. Realme 12x has a slightly wider aperture which may slightly improve low light performance. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.3 | N/A | Mi 11 offers wide-angle shots, offering more flexibility in framing. |
| Portrait (Depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12x can take portrait mode photos with depth of field effect. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0 | N/A | Mi 11 offers dedicated macro shots for close-up photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K, HDR, EIS, Slow-mo | Up to 1080p, Slow-mo | Mi 11 records higher quality videos, with stabilization and slow-motion. 12x records lower quality videos with slow motion. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 112 (Overall), 100 (Photo), 133 (Video) | N/A | Mi 11 has a tested and superior selfie camera performance. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Laser AF, RAW, etc | Dual Camera, Exposure Compensation | Mi 11 has more advanced camera features. Realme 12x has exposure compensation. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | Realme 12x has a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi ac | Mi 11 has faster Wi-Fi with advanced features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, Apt-x, LDAC, AAC | 5.2 | Mi 11 supports higher-quality audio codecs for better wireless audio. |
| GPS | Dual-band, More systems | Standard | Mi 11 has better location accuracy, for navigation and location-based apps. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Realme 12x has more storage available, but no option for lower storage. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 12 GB | Both provide enough RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, which can be a limitation. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo, 2 mics | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Mi 11 has better audio recording and playback with more immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme 12x has a more convenient and possibly faster fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 has superior screen protection, for more durability and protection against scratches/drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | More sensors | Basic Sensors | Mi 11 has more sensors, providing a wider array of features including the possibility of heart rate monitoring. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, higher PPI, much higher brightness. Resulting in a sharper, more vibrant display, that is much more visible outdoors.
- Significantly Better Performance: Snapdragon 888 offers much higher processing power. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and superior gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, wider angle, and macro lens, significantly better video recording, OIS and many other advanced camera features. This results in higher quality photos and videos.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Significantly faster wired charging with 55W and the added convenience of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. This greatly reduces charging times and increases convenience
- More Advanced Features: Superior Wi-Fi, Bluetooth audio codecs, more location tracking systems, more advanced sensors, stereo speakers with 2 microphones, and better build quality for greater durability.
Realme 12x Advantages:
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14 out of the box.
- Larger Battery: Slightly larger battery may lead to marginally longer battery life.
- More Storage: More storage available, 256GB as base, option for 512GB.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient fingerprint sensor placement.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Mi 11: Older OS, less base storage, but these are outweighed by the massive performance and display advantages.
- Realme 12x: Massive trade-offs in display quality, performance, camera quality, and charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 - Ideal User:
- Power User: Needs high performance for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking.
- Media Enthusiast: Appreciates a high-quality display for watching videos and viewing photos.
- Photography Buff: Wants advanced camera features and excellent image quality.
- Tech Savvy: Desires the latest features and advanced technology.
Users who prioritize screen quality and performance
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphic-intensive mobile games.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Watching HDR content.
- Using multiple apps simultaneously.
- Anyone who does heavy multitasking.
- Users who need a screen that is highly visible outdoors.
Realme 12x - Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious User: Prioritizes affordability.
- Basic User: Needs a phone for basic tasks, like social media, browsing, calling and texting.
- Long Battery Life: Needs a slightly longer battery life (though the difference may not be very noticeable).
Users who prioritize the newest OS, and more base storage
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing and social media.
- Making phone calls and sending texts.
- Daily tasks that do not require heavy resources.
- Users who need more storage and a side fingerprint scanner.
Price-to-Value:
- Mi 11: Offers much better value for users needing a high-end experience despite being older.
- Realme 12x: Offers a more budget friendly option for basic users
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? (Realme 12x is likely the more budget friendly option)
- How important are display quality and performance to you? (Mi 11 dominates here)
- What are your primary use cases for the phone? (Gaming, photography, and content consumption vs. basic daily tasks)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a mobile gamer and/or want the best visual experience - Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11. It offers significantly superior performance, display, and camera features.
- Scenario 2: You want a basic, affordable phone for daily use - The Realme 12x might suffice. It provides acceptable functionality for essential tasks, but the performance, camera, and display are much worse.
- Scenario 3: You want to future proof your device with a newer OS - The Realme 12x might be suitable. It provides a new android experience but lacks in performance and screen quality.
My Choice:
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11. Even though it is an older model, the difference in performance, display quality, camera capabilities and charging speeds is so significant that it more than makes up for the newer OS and slightly larger battery of the Realme 12x. The Xiaomi Mi 11 is the superior phone overall, and would be my personal choice due to its high performance and amazing screen. The performance and visual experience alone make it worth choosing over the Realme 12x.
