1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Mi 11 and Xiaomi 12X, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi 12X | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | Mi 11 is larger, making it potentially less pocketable. 12X is more compact for easier one-handed use. |
| Weight | 196g | 176g | 12X is noticeably lighter, enhancing comfort during extended use. Mi 11 will feel heavier in hand. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both phones are standard smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi 12X | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.28" | Mi 11's larger screen is better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. 12X is more suitable for users preferring a smaller size. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Mi 11 offers a sharper, more detailed viewing experience. 12X's display is still sharp for typical daily use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 419 | Mi 11's higher PPI results in finer details and less pixelation. Text and images appear clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. A 120Hz refresh rate provides a fluid feel during everyday interactions. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1100 nits | Mi 11 is significantly brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. 12X may struggle in bright outdoor conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi 12X | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Both chipsets offer excellent performance for most tasks. Snapdragon 888 may have a slight edge in very demanding tasks but the difference is marginal. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 815,210 | Performance is practically identical. Both devices will handle gaming and intensive apps smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 650 | The Adreno 660 in the Mi 11 offers a small performance advantage over the Adreno 650 in the 12X, though in practice both GPUs are very capable of handling demanding tasks and games. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi 12X | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" sensor, 0.8µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" sensor, 1.0µm pixels | Mi 11 has a higher resolution sensor, capturing more detail in good light. 12X has larger individual pixels, improving low-light performance. Both are excellent, but with different strengths. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" sensor, 0.8µm pixels | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/3" sensor, 0.7µm pixels | 12X has a higher resolution front camera. Both perform well, but may favor different use cases. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06" sensor, 1.12µm pixels | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" sensor, 1.12µm pixels | Both have similar wide-angle capabilities. Mi 11 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5" sensor, 1.12µm pixels | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor, pixels | Mi 11 has wider aperture. The missing pixel size for the 12X makes comparison harder. |
| Video | Up to 8K with HDR, EIS, 480fps slow-motion | Up to 8K with EIS, 960fps slow-motion | Both offer excellent video recording capabilities. 12X's slower frame rate may result in smoother video. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | Main Score: 112, Photo: 100, Video: 133 | N/A | Mi 11's selfie camera performance is rated good. No comparable data for the 12X. |
| Features | OIS, Laser AF, AF assist Beam | OIS, Exposure compensation, Night Mode | Both have OIS for smoother footage. The Mi 11 has laser autofocus which can offer faster focusing while the 12X includes exposure compensation for more flexible shooting. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi 12X | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery sizes suggesting comparable battery life. Expect a day of moderate use on both devices. |
| Charging | 55W fast charging | 67W fast charging | 12X charges significantly faster reducing downtime. |
| Features | 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless, 2*2250mAh | Non-removable | Mi 11 offers wireless and reverse wireless charging adding flexibility to daily use. The 12X only supports wired charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Larger, Higher Resolution Display: Better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking with superior sharpness and detail.
- Significantly Higher Brightness: Superior outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Heart Rate Sensor: Included for health tracking purposes.
- Laser AF: potentially quicker autofocus in various scenarios
- Higher main camera resolution: Captures more details in well-lit scenes.
Xiaomi 12X Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter Design: Easier to handle and carry around, especially for users with smaller hands.
- Faster Charging: Recharges the battery faster, reducing downtime significantly.
- Higher resolution selfie camera: Potentially better self-portraits.
- Exposure compensation and Night Mode: Provides more flexibility when shooting with the camera.
- Dolby Atmos: Immersive sound experience.
- Latest Bluetooth version: More efficient and faster wireless connectivity.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11: Larger size and weight, potentially less pocketable. Not as fast charging and no exposure compensation or night mode
- 12X: Smaller display, lower brightness, missing wireless charging options, no heart rate sensor and older Bluetooth version.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal Users:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize screen quality for videos, movies, and gaming.
- Outdoor Users: Those needing excellent screen visibility under direct sunlight.
- Power Users: Individuals who value wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Gamers: The slightly more powerful GPU and bigger screen makes it a better device for gaming
- Photography enthusiasts: The Laser AF and higher resolution sensor will allow for faster focusing and more detailed pictures.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies or TV shows on the go.
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Taking photos/videos in bright outdoor environments.
- Travelers who value wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for their accessories.
Xiaomi 12X Ideal Users:
- Users who Prefer Compact Phones: Those who prioritize portability and one-handed use.
- Users who value Fast Charging: Those who need quick battery refills during their day.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize front camera quality
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: The Xiaomi 12X might come at a slightly lower price point.
- Users with good headphones: Those who value immersive audio.
- Users who frequently shoot in low-light conditions: The night mode will allow for better shooting at night.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily use, such as browsing social media and texting
- Those looking for a good camera and more immersive sound experience.
- Users who need fast battery charging for on the go use
Price-to-Value:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 might offer a premium experience with its superior display, wireless charging, and better main camera sensor but with the disadvantage of being bigger and slightly heavier.
- The Xiaomi 12X offers a more balanced set of features with its compact design, fast charging, better front camera, and Dolby Atmos sound, all while possibly being a bit more affordable.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions buyers should consider:
- Do you prioritize a larger screen and better outdoor visibility, or a more compact, easy-to-handle design?
- Is wireless charging and reverse wireless charging essential to your daily use?
- Do you prioritize faster charging and Dolby Atmos over a higher resolution display and main camera?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you're a power user who consumes a lot of media on the go and you value the best display quality, wireless charging and heart rate sensor, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is a better choice.
- Scenario 2: If you prioritize portability, faster charging, and a great front camera, the Xiaomi 12X would be more suitable, especially if you use good headphones and enjoy the immersive sound that Dolby Atmos brings.
- Scenario 3: If you are looking for a good balance of price, performance, and quality, the Xiaomi 12X is the better option.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi 12X. While the Mi 11 has a better display and wireless charging, the 12X is a more practical choice for my daily needs. I value the faster charging, lighter weight, and more compact design of the 12X. I also tend to use headphones most of the time, so the Dolby Atmos sound is a nice bonus. The front camera is also better on the 12X for selfies and video calls, which is important for me. I don't need to use my phone for gaming so the more powerful GPU and bigger screen of the Mi 11 are not a factor. Overall the 12X is a more convenient and enjoyable device for daily use.
