Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. vivo iQOO 12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | vivo iQOO 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 163.2 × 75.9 × 8.1 mm | Similar size; Mi 11 is slightly taller and iQOO 12 is slightly wider. Both feel similar in hand. |
| Weight | 196g | 198.5g | Virtually identical weight; negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.78" | Negligible difference; both offer a large screen experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1260x2800 | Mi 11 has a noticeably sharper display. Text and images will look clearer. |
| PPI | 515 | 453 | Mi 11's higher pixel density results in sharper visuals and smoother text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, providing excellent viewing experiences. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | iQOO 12 provides a slightly smoother scrolling and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 3000 nits | iQOO 12 offers dramatically better visibility under bright sunlight, significantly enhancing outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | iQOO 12 has a much newer and significantly more powerful chipset, leading to faster performance and better efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 2,020,000 | iQOO 12 is significantly faster in benchmarks, translating to quicker app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | iQOO 12 has a newer and more powerful GPU, providing much better graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | iQOO 12 has slightly better battery life, allowing for longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | iQOO 12 charges much faster, reducing the time spent plugged in. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 50W wireless charging, 10W reverse-wireless charging | Non-removable | Mi 11 has convenient wireless charging features. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.3" | Mi 11 has a higher resolution main sensor, but iQOO 12 has a larger pixel size, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.1" | Mi 11 has a higher resolution sensor, but iQOO 12 has a larger sensor, potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2" | iQOO 12 offers superior zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06" | None | Mi 11 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for landscape shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5" | None | Mi 11 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" | iQOO 12 has a dedicated wide angle + macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K 24/30fps, various HDR | Up to 8K 30fps, various EIS | Both offer excellent video capabilities, iQOO 12 may offer better stabilization. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 112 | N/A | Mi 11 has been tested for selfie camera performance, but iQOO 12 has not. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Laser AF, RAW, etc. | OIS, Laser AF, PDAF, Night Mode, etc. | Both offer advanced camera features. iQOO 12 offers additional modes and features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | iQOO 12 has a newer OS and will receive longer software support, offering a better long-term experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | iQOO 12 has newer Wi-Fi, providing faster speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.4 | iQOO 12 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version for better connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | More systems | More systems | Both offer good GPS, the Mi 11 has slightly more systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support two Nano SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | iQOO 12 offers significantly more storage options, suitable for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 12GB/16GB | iQOO 12 offers more RAM, which improves multitasking and gaming performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both have Stereo speakers. Mi 11 has better audio playback, while iQOO 12 offers Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Heart Rate, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity, Gravity | Mi 11 features advanced sensors for more precise measurements, iQOO 12 features a proximity sensor for standard phone use. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and PPI offer a crisper viewing experience for text and images.
- More Camera Lenses: Dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Wireless Charging: Includes both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Better Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio and 2 Microphones provides better audio.
- Heart Rate Sensor: Offers a heart rate sensor.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better protection.
vivo iQOO 12 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Much more powerful chipset and GPU provide a superior experience for demanding tasks like gaming.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility due to higher brightness.
- Faster Charging: 120W charging replenishes the battery in much less time.
- More Storage Options: Up to 1TB of internal storage, suitable for users with large media collections.
- More RAM Options: Up to 16GB of RAM enhances multitasking and gaming performance.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14 and will receive longer updates, ensuring a more modern experience.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom capabilities which provides superior quality zoom shots.
- Better Wireless Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 7, providing faster speeds and lower latency.
- Dolby Atmos: Better audio immersion.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Mi 11: While having a sharper display, it is outperformed in almost every other area.
- iQOO 12: Lacks the dedicated wide-angle and macro lens found on the Mi 11, meaning that the iQOO 12 is a bit less versatile in specific camera use cases.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a sharper display for content consumption.
- Users who value convenient wireless charging options.
- Users who enjoy more dedicated camera lens options such as wide angle and macro.
- Users who want heart rate sensor and premium audio quality.
Users on a tighter budget, considering the phone's older age, potentially meaning it has a lower price.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching videos and reading text where the sharper display is advantageous.
- Situations where wireless and reverse wireless charging are frequently useful.
- Casual photography enthusiasts who prefer a versatile camera setup with a wide angle and macro lens.
vivo iQOO 12 Ideal User:
- Gamers who need top-tier performance and fast charging for uninterrupted sessions.
- Users who frequently use their phone outdoors, requiring a very bright screen.
- Users who require large amounts of storage space for media files or apps.
- Users who prioritize a smooth and future-proofed software experience.
Users who enjoy mobile photography and want the best overall experience.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games and running multiple apps.
- Use in bright outdoor environments where screen visibility is essential.
- Storing large collections of photos, videos, and other files.
- Long term use cases due to longer software support.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Mi 11: Older and possibly available at a lower price point, making it a viable option for budget-conscious users who still want a quality device.
- iQOO 12: The iQOO 12 offers more performance for the price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, photography, media consumption, etc.)
- How important is performance vs other features? (Display, camera, battery, software)
- What is my budget and how much am I willing to spend?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Conscious User with Casual Usage: The Xiaomi Mi 11 is the recommended choice due to potentially lower price, and a crisp display.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Focused Gamer: The vivo iQOO 12 is the clear winner because of its superior performance, faster charging, and longer software support.
- Scenario 3: General Use, High Brightness Requirements: The vivo iQOO 12 is a much better choice due to the brighter screen and significantly faster charging.
- Scenario 4: User who uses a wide variety of photography modes: The Xiaomi Mi 11 is better due to the dedicated wide angle and macro lenses.
- Scenario 5: Long Term Use: The vivo iQOO 12 is much better due to the newer software and longer updates.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the vivo iQOO 12.
Reasoning:
While the Xiaomi Mi 11 has a crisper display and a wider variety of camera lenses, the improvements of the iQOO 12 are too significant to ignore. The massive performance difference with the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset makes it a more future-proof device for demanding tasks. The dramatically brighter display is also a key benefit for outdoor use, which is important for my use cases. The iQOO 12’s faster charging and larger storage also contribute to a more convenient experience. Additionally, the longer software support guarantees I'll have a device that will receive timely updates. Although I value the variety of lenses on the Xiaomi, the iQOO 12 offers a more well-rounded experience.
