Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Xiaomi 12T
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 163.1 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | Mi 11 is slightly taller and thinner, while 12T is wider and thicker. The 12T has a slightly larger volume, potentially making it feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 196g | 202g | Mi 11 is lighter by 6g, which can be a minor but noticeable difference for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.67" | Mi 11 has a slightly larger display, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1220x2712 | Mi 11 offers a sharper display with significantly more pixels, resulting in better clarity for text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 446 | Mi 11's higher pixel density results in a sharper and more detailed display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks inherent to AMOLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11's substantially higher brightness makes it significantly easier to see in direct sunlight; the lack of information on 12T means we can't tell the brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 8100 Ultra (5 nm) | Both offer high-performance, but they are different chipsets. Performance will be similar for most tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 835,913 | Both have similar performance levels in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G610 MC6 | Both provide high-quality graphics, but are different; there is no clear winner based on the information provided. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 108MP, f/1.7, 1/1.67", 0.64µm | Mi 11 has a larger sensor size, potentially capturing more light and detail, especially in low light. Xiaomi 12T's wider aperture (f/1.7) allows more light to enter the sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 20MP, f/2.24, 1/2", 0.8µm | 12T has a larger sensor size for potentially better quality, especially in low light. 12T's wider aperture (f/2.24) also allows more light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | Mi 11 has a higher resolution wide-angle lens with a larger sensor for more detailed landscape shots. 12T has wider aperture (f/2.2). |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5", 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Mi 11 offers higher resolution and a wider aperture for better close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K | Up to 4K | Mi 11 can record in 8K, offering more flexibility for professional videography. |
| DxoMark (Mobile) | Selfie: 112 | Mobile: 115 | DxoMark scores suggest the 12T is better overall camera for most, but the Mi 11 has a better front facing camera. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 5000 mAh | 12T has a larger battery for potentially longer usage. |
| Charging | 55W wired, 50W wireless, 10W reverse-wireless | 120W wired | 12T charges much faster via wired charging, a significant advantage for quick top-ups. Mi 11 also has wireless charging capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Significantly higher resolution and pixel density, leading to a superior visual experience, especially for reading and viewing detailed content.
- Brighter Display: Much higher maximum brightness makes it more usable in outdoor, sunny conditions.
- Superior Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor on main camera could provide better low-light performance (although aperture is narrower).
- 8K Video: Ability to record in 8K resolution offers professional video recording options.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Added convenience for charging the phone and other devices.
- Higher RAM option: Available with 12 GB of RAM which will allow for heavy multi-tasking.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better scratch and impact resistance.
Xiaomi 12T Advantages:
- Faster Wired Charging: Significantly faster 120W charging allows quick battery top-ups.
- Larger Battery: 5000 mAh battery might translate to slightly longer battery life.
- Wider Main and Selfie Camera Aperture: Wider aperture on both cameras potentially helps in low-light conditions.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 provides better connectivity.
- Better GPS Support: Better GPS technology that makes the location more accurate.
- Slightly Newer Chipset: The MediaTek Dimensity 8100 Ultra is a more recent chipset with slightly higher benchmark scores.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 sacrifices battery life and wired charging speed for a better display, camera features, and wireless charging.
- 12T prioritizes charging speed, battery life, and slightly better main and selfie camera (aperture) while compromising on display sharpness and brightness, some camera features (8K video), wireless charging, and RAM.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal Users:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos or read extensively, and prioritize display quality.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Users who value image quality, 8K video recording, and the convenience of wireless charging.
- Power Users: Those who need more RAM for heavy multi-tasking and app usage.
- Outdoor Users: People who need a bright screen that's usable in direct sunlight.
Xiaomi 12T Ideal Users:
- Busy Professionals: Users who need a phone that charges very quickly and can last through a full day of use.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who need to quickly charge their phone and prefer a longer battery life.
- Everyday Photographers: Users who want a good camera experience in various lighting conditions.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those seeking high-value with a focus on battery and charging.
Use Cases:
- Mi 11: Watching HDR movies, detailed graphic work, taking professional quality videos, using in bright sunlight, heavy multitasking, charging wirelessly.
- 12T: Quick charging during a short break, all-day usage, taking pictures in low light, playing mobile games, using GPS for directions.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is display quality (sharpness and brightness) to you? If it is a top priority, the Mi 11 is the better choice. If not, the 12T is a better choice.
- Do you prioritize fast charging, or do you value wireless charging more? If you need fast charging, go for the 12T. If you want the flexibility of wireless charging, the Mi 11 is a better choice.
- What is your primary use case for the camera? If you need 8K video and larger sensors, the Mi 11 is better. If you need better aperture, the 12T is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Professional always on the go: The Xiaomi 12T is better due to its fast charging and longer battery life.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia Consumer who enjoys content: The Xiaomi Mi 11 with its superior display is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Photographer on a budget: The Xiaomi 12T offers good camera and image processing, while being a better budget value.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would lean towards the Xiaomi Mi 11. While the 12T offers faster charging and a slightly newer chipset, the superior display quality of the Mi 11 is a significant factor for me. I frequently consume media on my phone, and the higher resolution and brightness of the Mi 11 would enhance this experience. The inclusion of wireless charging is also a bonus for my use case. Although the 12T’s faster charging is tempting, the higher resolution screen and higher brightness of the Mi 11 would improve my daily experience more than the increased charging speed. The Mi 11, with its 8K video recording and the larger sensor of the main camera, is better suited to my needs. In my specific case, the trade-offs of the 12T's features do not outweigh the benefits of the Mi 11's display and other features.
