1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | Negligible size difference; Both feel similar in hand. |
| Weight | 196g | 204g | Mi 11 is slightly lighter; might be noticeable during long usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.73" | Very similar screen sizes; minimal difference in content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1440x3200 | Identical sharpness; Both offer crisp visuals. |
| PPI | 515 | 521 | Virtually indistinguishable pixel density; Both display sharp text and images |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer fluid scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1500 nits | Both displays are easily viewable even in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | 12 Pro has a newer and more powerful chip; Faster processing and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 1,177,498 | 12 Pro offers significantly smoother performance for demanding tasks & gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | 12 Pro has a more powerful GPU; enhanced graphics in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Mi 11 has higher resolution for detailed images; 12 Pro has larger pixel size for better low light performance |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.28" | 12 Pro has a physically larger sensor for better light sensitivity. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.9 | Mi 11's wider aperture captures slightly more light in low light scenarios. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 32MP | 12 Pro has more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/3.14" | 12 Pro has slightly larger sensor for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Resolution | 13MP | 50MP | 12 Pro has much higher resolution for capturing more detail in wide shots. |
| Wide Angle Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.2 | 12 Pro's wider aperture captures slightly more light. |
| Wide Angle Sensor Size | 1/3.06" | 1/2.76" | 12 Pro's sensor is slightly larger, potentially better low-light performance |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | No | 50MP | 12 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | No | Mi 11 has dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both capable of high-quality video recording with excellent stabilization |
| DXOMark | Mi 11 (Selfie): 112; 12 Pro (Mobile): 129 | Mi 11 (Selfie): 112; 12 Pro (Mobile): 129 | 12 Pro has a better overall score for main camera system, While Mi 11 has a better score for selfies. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4600mAh | Both should offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 55W | 120W | 12 Pro charges much faster; convenient for quick top-ups. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | 50W | Similar wireless charging speeds |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 12 | 12 Pro offers a newer base Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar high-speed wireless connectivity |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both have same bluetooth versions |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer good internal storage with no expandable option |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both offer high amount of RAM for multitasking. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | 12 Pro has slightly enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both use standard fingerprint sensors. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both devices offer similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, RGB | 12 Pro has more environmental sensors; Mi 11 has a heart rate sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter: 8 grams lighter than the 12 Pro, potentially making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Heart Rate Sensor: Offers basic biometric monitoring, although its utility is debatable.
- Wider aperture in main camera: Captures slightly more light which may improve low-light photography
Xiaomi 12 Pro Advantages:
- Newer & More Powerful Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers superior performance in daily tasks and gaming.
- Significantly Higher AnTuTu Score: ~46% higher score indicates better overall speed and responsiveness.
- Faster Charging: 120W charging is much faster than the Mi 11’s 55W, allowing quicker top-ups.
- Improved Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor size on main camera leads to better low-light performance.
- Higher Resolution Wide-Angle Camera: 50MP wide-angle captures much more detail than Mi 11.
- Dedicated Portrait (Depth) Camera: Offers superior bokeh effects and better portrait photography.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio for more immersive sound experience.
- Newer Android OS: Ships with Android 12 vs Android 11 in Mi 11, meaning longer software support.
- More Environmental Sensors: Includes Barometer and RGB sensor.
- Higher dxoMark score for main camera: Overall better main camera.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11: Sacrifices performance and camera quality for a slightly lighter design and macro camera.
- 12 Pro: Misses out on a dedicated macro camera and is negligibly heavier.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Who want a flagship-level experience at a lower price point.
- Macro photography enthusiasts: Those who value close-up shots will appreciate the dedicated macro lens.
- Users who prioritize a lighter phone: Someone who uses their phone for extended periods and value comfort.
Specific Use Cases:
- Casual Gaming: Capable of running most games smoothly but not at the highest settings.
- General Media Consumption: Excellent display for streaming videos and browsing.
- Everyday Photography: Produces good quality photos in most lighting conditions.
Xiaomi 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Performance-driven users: Gamers and power users who demand top-tier speed.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who value camera quality and versatility, especially low-light performance and portrait shots.
- Users who need fast charging: Individuals with busy lifestyles and need to quickly top up their battery.
- Users who prefer an immersive media experience: Users who will take advantage of the Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio experience.
Specific Use Cases:
- High-end Gaming: Smooth experience with demanding games at high graphics settings.
- Professional Photography: Versatile camera setup that captures detailed and high-quality images.
- Heavy Multitasking: Able to seamlessly switch between numerous applications
- Fast Charging: Ideal for users who need to quickly top up their phone battery.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Mi 11: Offers good value for its price, providing flagship features at a reduced cost (considering it's older).
- 12 Pro: Priced higher but justified by its enhanced performance, camera capabilities and faster charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is raw performance to you? If you're a gamer or heavy multitasker, the 12 Pro is the clear winner.
- What type of photography do you prioritize? If you value macro shots, the Mi 11 is a better choice. If you take lots of wide-angle or portrait photos in low light, the 12 Pro is a better option.
- How important is charging speed? If fast charging is a must, the 12 Pro's 120W charging is a game changer.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11. It provides a good balance of performance and camera features at a more affordable price point.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12 Pro. The superior Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip and Adreno 730 GPU deliver better gaming performance.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12 Pro. The versatile camera system, especially the wide-angle and portrait camera, and larger main sensor will be more appealing.
- Scenario 4: Fast Charging Prioritized:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12 Pro. The 120W fast charging is significantly faster than the Mi 11.
My Choice and Why
Given the choice between the Xiaomi Mi 11 and the Xiaomi 12 Pro, I would choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
Here's why:
- Future-Proofing: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides a considerable performance advantage, ensuring that the phone remains fast and capable for a longer period. The newer Android OS also means longer support.
- Camera Versatility: While the Mi 11 has a dedicated macro lens, the 12 Pro’s improved main sensor, higher resolution wide-angle, and dedicated portrait mode offer superior image quality and versatility for the types of photos I tend to take (general landscape and portraits).
- Significantly Faster Charging: The 120W charging is a massive convenience. I frequently find myself needing a quick top-up, and the 12 Pro's speed would be a huge benefit.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos enhances the experience of watching movies, listening to music, and gaming.
While the Mi 11 is a solid phone, the Xiaomi 12 Pro provides a more substantial upgrade in areas that I prioritize: performance, camera quality, and charging speed. While the lack of a macro lens on the 12 Pro is a slight drawback, the overall advantages of the 12 Pro make it the superior choice for my needs and I am more likely to appreciate it's main and wide angle capabilities in real world usage.
