Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Xiaomi Redmi 12
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications, focusing on their practical impact:
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 is slightly larger, may be less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 196g | 198.5g | Virtually identical weight, negligible difference in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.79" | Negligibly different screen sizes, both provide large viewing areas. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2460 | Mi 11 has a significantly sharper display, noticeable in text, images, and video. |
| PPI | 515 | 396 | Mi 11 offers much crisper visuals with higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Mi 11 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mi 11 provides smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 is much better for outdoor use in bright sunlight. Redmi 12 brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Helio G88 (12 nm) | Mi 11 is significantly faster, offering much smoother multitasking, better gaming, and faster app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 249,400 | Mi 11 delivers dramatically higher performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mi 11 has a more powerful GPU for demanding graphics tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi 12 has slightly better battery life. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Mi 11 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse | 9W Reverse Wired | Mi 11 offers faster wireless charging and can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Mi 11 captures more detailed images and performs better in low light due to larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | 8MP, f/2.1 | Mi 11 provides higher resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Mi 11 offers higher resolution wide-angle photos. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5" | 2MP, f/2.4 | Mi 11 has a better macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps with HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Mi 11 allows for professional-grade video content creation. |
| DxoMark (Selfie) | 112 | N/A | Mi 11 selfie camera performs better according to DXOMark. |
| Features | OIS, Laser AF, 8K Video | Exposure compensation | Mi 11 has Optical Image Stabilization and more professional features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi 12 ships with a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | Mi 11 has faster Wi-Fi speeds, better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LDAC, AAC | 5.3 | Redmi 12 has a newer Bluetooth version. Mi 11 has a wider range of audio codecs. |
| GPS | L1+L5 Dual-Band + NavIC | Basic GPS | Mi 11 is more accurate in location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both have the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Mi 11 offers more RAM for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Mi 11 has superior audio quality and a more immersive sound experience. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint | Redmi 12 has a more convenient fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 has better scratch and drop resistance. |
| Sensors | Heart Rate | No Heart Rate | Mi 11 can be used for health tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and much brighter for outdoor visibility. This offers a significantly enhanced viewing experience.
- Much Better Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides vastly superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main sensor, better selfie camera, wide-angle, and macro lenses, along with advanced features like OIS and 8K recording result in better image and video quality.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 55W wired and 50W wireless charging, reducing downtime.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers offer a premium audio experience.
- Better Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MIMO, more accurate GPS, wider range of Bluetooth codecs
- Premium Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior screen protection.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers slightly better battery life.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3.
- Newer OS: Ships with a more recent version of Android, but both are upgradeable to Android 14.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient placement of the fingerprint sensor
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Mi 11 sacrifices battery capacity for significantly better performance and display.
- The Redmi 12 offers a more affordable price point but lacks high-end features like a superior display, performance, and camera.
- The Redmi 12 has an unknown screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 - Ideal For:
- Power Users: Individuals who require top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize a high-quality display for video consumption, photo editing, and content creation.
- Photography Lovers: Users who desire a versatile camera system with excellent low-light performance and advanced features.
Tech Savvy Users: Users who appreciate the latest technology and features, including faster connectivity, wireless charging, and higher quality audio.
Specific Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, professional photography and videography, content creators, heavy multitasking scenarios, demanding productivity apps.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 - Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals seeking a decent smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and communication.
- Battery Life Focused Users: People who value a longer-lasting battery over top performance or the latest features.
Users who prefer newer operating systems: Those who prefer a more recent android version.
Specific Use Cases: Everyday communication, social media browsing, basic photography, video viewing at a lower resolution.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Mi 11 offers a higher price-to-value ratio for users who prioritize performance, display, and camera.
- The Redmi 12 is a better value for users who are on a tight budget and have less demanding needs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, Photography, Basic Use, Multimedia)
- What is your budget? (Premium vs. Mid-Range)
- Which is more important, battery or performance? (Battery life vs. Speed and responsiveness)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget is the biggest concern: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12. It provides a solid experience for the price, focusing on longer battery life and a decent experience for everyday tasks.
Scenario 2: Performance and Display are essential: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11. Its superior display, processing power, camera capabilities, and faster charging capabilities justify the higher price for power users.
Scenario 3: Balanced usage but some occasional gaming: Consider the Xiaomi Mi 11 as the performance uplift outweighs the minor decrease in battery capacity compared to the Redmi 12.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Mi 11. While the Redmi 12 offers a slightly larger battery and a more recent version of Android out-of-the-box, the Mi 11 provides a significantly better experience across almost all other critical metrics. The superior display, high-end chipset, much better camera system, significantly faster charging, and premium build make it a much more compelling device for my needs. I prioritize performance, display quality and camera capabilities; therefore, the Mi 11 would be the better option, despite the higher price tag. The improved quality of the display is of great value to me, and a more performant system will make the phone experience more enjoyable and future-proof.
