1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi 12T Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 163.1 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | Mi 11 is slightly taller, 12T Pro wider and thicker; 12T Pro is bulkier |
| Weight | 196g | 205g | Mi 11 is slightly lighter, which might be more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.67" | Mi 11 has a slightly larger display, potentially better for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1220x2712 | Mi 11 has much sharper visuals due to higher pixel count |
| PPI | 515 | 446 | Mi 11 display appears noticeably clearer and more detailed |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1200 nits | Mi 11 screen is more visible in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | 12T Pro has faster performance and better efficiency |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 1,311,127 | 12T Pro is significantly faster for demanding tasks and gaming |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | 12T Pro handles graphics-intensive tasks more smoothly |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | 12T Pro should have slightly longer battery life |
| Charging | 55W | 120W | 12T Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime |
| Features | Reverse, 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | None | Mi 11 offers versatile charging options |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Res | 108MP | 200MP | 12T Pro captures much more detailed images |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.69 | 12T Pro performs better in low light due to wider aperture |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.22" | 12T Pro has larger sensor for better light capture |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.64 µm | Xiaomi Mi 11 has larger pixel size which may help in low light conditions, however the 12T Pro uses pixel binning technology |
| Selfie Camera Res | 20MP | 20MP | Similar detail in selfies |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.24 | 12T Pro has a slightly wider aperture for slightly better low light selfies |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/2" | 12T Pro's larger sensor will capture more light for better quality |
| Wide Angle Camera Res | 13MP | 8MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a higher resolution for more detail |
| Wide Angle Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.2 | 12T Pro performs better in low light due to wider aperture |
| Wide Angle Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.06" | 1/4" | Mi 11 captures more light and detail in wide angle shots |
| Macro Camera Res | 5MP | 2MP | Mi 11 captures more detail in macro shots |
| Macro Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.4 | Mi 11 has wider aperture which can help in low light macro shots |
| Video | Up to 8K | Up to 8K | Both offer high-quality video recording |
| Slow-Motion | 480fps | 1920fps | 12T Pro captures much more detail in slow-motion videos |
| DxoMark Camera Score | Selfie: 112 | Mobile: 129 | 12T Pro performs better than the Mi 11 (based on available data) |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 14) | Android 12 (up to 14) | 12T Pro starts with a newer version of Android |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support fast WiFi speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | 5.2 with LE, A2DP, APT-x, AAC | Mi 11 has additional audio codec support |
| GPS | More systems | Fewer Systems | Mi 11 may have slightly more accurate location tracking |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | 12T Pro offers eSIM for easier switching between carriers |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar storage options |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for demanding tasks |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither allows for microSD cards |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | 12T Pro offers more immersive and refined audio with Dolby Atmos, Mi 11 has 2 mics for slightly better audio recording |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer standard fingerprint security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Mi 11 has superior screen scratch and shatter resistance |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, RGB | Mi 11 has additional features such as: heart rate and ultrasonic proximity; 12T Pro has proximity and RGB sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density for a more detailed and clearer viewing experience.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better scratch and shatter resistance.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Versatile charging options, including 50W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- More Accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- Better Wide Angle and Macro Lens: The Mi 11 features better resolution in both Wide Angle and Macro lens.
- More Mics: 2 mics for slightly better audio recording.
Xiaomi 12T Pro Advantages:
- Faster Performance: More powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset for smoother performance and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 120W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Significantly Better Camera: 200MP main camera with wider aperture and larger sensor captures more detail and better low-light photos, along with better video and slow-motion quality.
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM for easier switching between mobile carriers.
- Dolby Atmos: The 12T Pro offers enhanced audio.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with a newer version of Android out of the box (Android 12).
Trade-offs:
- The Mi 11's better display sharpness and screen protection come at the cost of processing power and camera performance compared to the 12T Pro.
- The Mi 11 has superior sensor suite that include heart rate and ultrasonic proximity, but the 12T pro has a proximity and RGB sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 - Ideal User:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a sharp, high-resolution display for watching videos and viewing photos.
- Users Who Need Robust Screen Protection: Those prone to dropping their phones, or working in environments with high scratch risk.
- Charging Flexibility: Those who want wireless charging.
- Travelers: Users who use GPS frequently and need accurate and fast location tracking.
Specific Use Cases:
- Enjoying high-resolution movies and TV shows on a vibrant and crisp screen.
- Browsing social media and looking at photos in higher detail.
- Travelers navigating with GPS.
- Users who prefer convenience and flexibility of wireless and reverse charging.
- Capturing Macro and Wide Angle photos with higher quality and detail.
Xiaomi 12T Pro - Ideal User:
- Gamers and Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a top-notch camera system for high-quality photos and videos.
- Users Who Need Faster Charging: Those who prefer quick charging.
- Travelers: Those who wish to travel without a physical sim.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games with smooth frame rates.
- Capturing high-resolution photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Quickly charging the phone during a short break.
- Users who need the latest Android OS and features.
- Users who don't mind losing a little screen sharpness for overall better performance and camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, photography, media consumption, everyday use)
- How important is battery life and charging speed? (Do I need all-day battery life or do I prioritize fast charging?)
- How much do I value display sharpness vs. camera and performance? (Do I prefer the sharper screen of the Mi 11 or the better performance and camera of the 12T Pro?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For heavy gamers and performance-focused users: Choose the Xiaomi 12T Pro. It offers superior processing power and faster charging capabilities.
- For media enthusiasts who value display quality and robust build: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11. The higher-resolution display and stronger Gorilla Glass Victus screen provide an excellent visual experience.
- For mobile photographers: Choose the Xiaomi 12T Pro. It boasts a better main camera with a higher resolution and a larger sensor, along with higher-quality video.
- For general all-around users: Choose the Xiaomi 12T Pro. Offers a balance of features.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi 12T Pro. While I appreciate the sharper display and the additional charging features on the Mi 11, the 12T Pro offers a significant leap in performance, camera quality, and charging speed, which are more important to me in a daily driver. The 12T Pro's ability to charge faster and provide a better camera experience for both photo and video outweighs the Mi 11's superior screen resolution and screen protection. For me, performance, camera and fast charging are key features, and the 12T Pro simply does those things better. The newer Android OS and support for eSIM are also nice additions.
