Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Xiaomi 12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-01 | 2021-12-31 | Xiaomi 12 is almost a year newer, likely to have longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | Mi 11 is larger and bulkier, while the 12 is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 196g | 179g | Xiaomi 12 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.28" | Mi 11 offers a larger, more immersive viewing experience; 12 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Mi 11 has a sharper display with finer details, better for visual content. |
| PPI | 515 | 419 | Mi 11's higher pixel density results in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1100 nits | Mi 11 is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | 12 has a newer, more efficient chip, leading to better performance and power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 1,150,831 | 12 provides noticeably faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | 12 provides better graphics performance for demanding games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery life on a full charge. |
| Charging | 55W fast charging | 67W fast charging | 12 charges slightly faster, spending less time plugged in. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 2*2250mAh, 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | Reverse charging, 50W Fast wireless charging, 10W Reverse charging | Both offer good charging versatility, the 12’s wireless charging is slightly faster. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Mi 11 captures more detail in ideal conditions; 12 uses a newer sensor with larger pixels. |
| Rear Main Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.88 | Mi 11 captures slightly more light in low light situations. |
| Rear Main Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.56" | Mi 11’s bigger sensor size typically allows for better light gathering |
| Rear Main Sensor Model | Samsung Bright S5KHMX | Sony IMX766 | Different sensor technologies offer different performance characteristics. |
| Rear Main Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | 12 captures more light per pixel, which is better for low light photography. |
| Selfie Resolution | 20MP | 32MP | 12 produces higher detail selfies. |
| Selfie Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/3.14" | 12 has larger sensor than the 11. |
| Wide Angle Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.4 | Mi 11 captures more light with a wider aperture for wide angle shots. |
| Macro Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.4 | Mi 11 captures more light with a wider aperture for macro shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer high resolution video capture, but the 12 has higher frame rate options in slow motion. |
| DxOMark | Mi 11 (Selfie: 112) | 12 (Mobile: 113) | DXOMark scores are roughly equivalent, but different aspects of each phone were tested. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 | 12 has a newer base Android version and has no known max version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both offer fast Wi-Fi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both have the same version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Both offer similar location capabilities, but with different tech. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer same storage options, suitable for most users. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB or 12GB | Both offer same RAM options, enabling smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports microSD cards, so choose storage wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | 12 provides a slightly more immersive audio experience, while both are good. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both provide adequate biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer similar scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Heart Rate; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The Mi 11 has a heart rate sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Larger, Sharper Display: The 6.81" 1440p display offers a more immersive experience and is significantly sharper with a higher pixel density. This is ideal for media consumption and detailed work.
- Higher Brightness: The 1500 nits brightness ensures better outdoor visibility, especially in sunny conditions.
- Wider Aperture on Multiple Cameras: The slightly wider apertures on the main, wide, and macro cameras can potentially allow for better low-light performance, although image processing is key.
- Heart Rate Sensor: A unique, health-focused feature that the Xiaomi 12 lacks.
Xiaomi 12 Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and more pocketable, enhancing portability and comfort.
- Newer, More Powerful Chipset: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers superior performance for gaming and overall responsiveness, with better energy efficiency.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging gets you back up and running quicker than the 55W of the Mi 11.
- Newer Main Camera Sensor: The Sony IMX766 sensor with larger pixels offers better low-light performance and potentially better dynamic range in the main camera.
- More Advanced Audio: Dolby Atmos support offers a slightly more immersive sound experience.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 12 out of the box, with future software support likely.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 trades size and weight for a bigger, higher resolution screen.
- The Xiaomi 12 compromises slightly on display quality and max brightness, but offers improved performance and charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Ideal Users: Media enthusiasts, content creators, those who prioritize a large, sharp, and bright display.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows.
- Editing photos and videos.
- Playing games that require a larger screen for better immersion.
- Reading ebooks and articles for extended periods, in bright outdoor environments.
- Price-to-Value: May be available for less than the 12, offering good value for a large display and camera system, if you don’t need cutting edge performance.
Xiaomi 12:
- Ideal Users: Gamers, power users, those who prefer a smaller, more manageable phone with top performance and faster charging.
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Multitasking between demanding apps.
- Using a device for long periods on the go, with its slightly lighter and smaller design.
- Quickly topping up battery before heading out.
- Price-to-Value: Offers the latest silicon and a modern main camera sensor for a higher initial price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do I prioritize a large, high-resolution display, or a more compact, pocketable design? (Mi 11 for large, 12 for compact)
- Is peak gaming performance and speed more important, or display quality and outdoor visibility? (Mi 11 for display, 12 for performance)
- Is faster charging more crucial than a heart rate sensor, and potential better low light performance on wide/macro camera lenses? (12 for charging, Mi 11 for other two)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "The Media Consumption Enthusiast":
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11. The larger, sharper display with higher brightness makes it the clear winner for watching movies, browsing photos, and reading in various lighting conditions.
- Scenario 2: "The On-the-Go Gamer/Power User":
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12. The newer chipset and faster charging are ideal for gaming sessions and multitasking while on the move.
- Scenario 3: "The Casual User Seeking Good Value":
- Recommendation: Consider the current prices. If the Mi 11 is significantly cheaper, it provides a large screen experience at a lower cost. However, if the price difference is minimal, the 12 provides more modern tech.
Personal Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi 12. While I appreciate the larger, sharper display of the Mi 11, the Xiaomi 12's more modern chipset and faster charging are more beneficial for my daily usage. The more compact design is also more comfortable for one-handed use and makes it a lot easier to pocket. The slightly improved main camera with the Sony IMX766 sensor is also something I’d take into consideration for everyday photography. The higher frame rate slow motion recording is also appealing for creative video work.
