Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-01 | 2023-08-04 | The Redmi 12 5G is newer by over two and a half years, potentially having longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.1 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 5G is slightly taller and wider, potentially making it less comfortable for one-handed use, though difference is marginal. |
| Weight | 196g | 199g | Both phones are similarly weighted. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.79" | Negligible size difference. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2460 | Mi 11 has a significantly sharper display; text, images, and videos will appear noticeably clearer. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 396 ppi | The Mi 11's higher pixel density results in a much crisper viewing experience, particularly noticeable when reading small text or viewing high-resolution images |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, better color accuracy and vibrancy, and better power efficiency, especially for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The Mi 11 offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | The Mi 11 is much more visible in bright sunlight. Redmi 12 5G brightness is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) | The Mi 11's chip is a flagship-level performer, offering significantly faster processing and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 456,552 | The Mi 11 provides substantially faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming experiences. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 613 | The Mi 11's GPU offers far better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | The Redmi 12 5G has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a bit more battery life; however, power consumption differs so this isn't definitive. |
| Charging | 55W fast charging | 18W fast charging | The Mi 11 charges much faster, getting you back to a full charge more quickly. |
| Features | 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | Non-removable | The Mi 11 offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Mi 11's 108MP sensor captures more detail; aperture difference (f/1.85 vs f/1.8) is marginal and likely not noticeable. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3 | 5MP, f/2.2 | The Mi 11 captures more detailed selfies; aperture difference (f/2.3 vs f/2.2) is marginal and likely not noticeable. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3 | N/A | The Mi 11 offers versatility with a wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Redmi 12 5G has a dedicated portrait lens |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0 | N/A | The Mi 11 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photos. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps with HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | The Mi 11 offers significantly higher video recording capabilities and quality. |
| DXOMark Scores | Selfie: 112 | Mobile: 63 | The Mi 11 has much better selfie camera results, but only the Redmi 12 5G has been tested for the main camera. |
| Camera Features | Advanced options; RAW support | Basic Options | Mi 11 offers more advanced options and photo format, suitable for photography enthusiasts. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 14) | Android 13 (upgradeable to 14) | The Redmi 12 5G has newer software out of the box but both are expected to get updated to Android 14 |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | The Mi 11 supports a newer Wi-Fi standard with faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 LE | The Mi 11 has slightly more up to date version of Bluetooth; minor feature differences. |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Fewer satellite systems | The Mi 11 offers improved GPS accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer same maximum storage options |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 4/6/8 GB | The Mi 11 has a higher RAM option for smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo speakers | Basic Audio | The Mi 11 has noticeably better sound quality and immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi 12 5G has a slightly more modern fingerprint sensor placement |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | The Mi 11 offers superior scratch and drop resistance. |
| Sensors | Additional sensors (Gyroscope, Heart Rate) | Fewer sensors | The Mi 11 has a more comprehensive sensor suite, beneficial for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Significantly superior display: Higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, and 120Hz refresh rate provide a much better visual experience.
- Flagship-level performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly faster processing and graphics for demanding tasks and games.
- Advanced camera system: Higher resolution main and front cameras, a wide-angle lens, and superior video recording capabilities (up to 8K) offer greater flexibility and quality.
- Faster charging: 55W wired and wireless charging capabilities are much faster than the Redmi 12 5G.
- Premium features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, Hi-Res audio, better build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus, and more comprehensive sensor suite.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Advantages:
- Newer launch date: Potentially longer software support and access to newer Android features.
- Slightly larger battery: May offer marginally longer battery life.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Some users may prefer the side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
- Lower Price: The Redmi 12 5G is likely more affordable.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11: Older device (2021) so may have shorter software support compared to a newer phone, despite both being slated to upgrade to Android 14.
- Redmi 12 5G: Sacrifices display quality, performance, camera capabilities, charging speeds, and premium features for a lower price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, or anyone who values a top-tier display and performance.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming
- Professional photography and videography
- Consuming high-resolution media
- Demanding multitasking
- Users who value premium build quality and features
- Price-to-Value: While likely more expensive, it offers significant advantages in display, performance, and camera quality for those who need it.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users seeking a 5G-capable device for everyday tasks and media consumption.
- Use Cases:
- Basic social media browsing and communication
- Casual gaming
- General media consumption
- Users who value a long-lasting battery
- Price-to-Value: A budget-friendly option offering a decent experience for everyday users, but without flagship-level features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? The Redmi 12 5G will likely be more affordable and it will affect if you want to get the Mi 11 at a higher price.
- How important are display and performance for your needs? If you watch a lot of videos or want to play high-end games, the Mi 11's display and performance are far superior.
- How much do you value camera capabilities and charging speed? If you need versatile photography and quick charging, the Mi 11 is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If your priority is cost and basic functionality, the Redmi 12 5G is a practical choice.
- Gaming/Multimedia Enthusiast: If you want a fantastic display and powerful performance for gaming and media, the Mi 11 is much more suitable.
- Photography Lover: If camera quality is essential, the Mi 11 is the better option due to its 108MP primary, better selfie camera, wide-angle lens, 8K video recording, and higher DXOMark score.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Mi 11. While it is an older device, the advantages in key areas like the display, performance, and camera are substantial. The Mi 11 has a superior AMOLED display with a higher refresh rate and resolution, a much more powerful processor, a much better camera with more features, and faster charging. The benefits far outweigh the fact that it is an older device. The superior camera system, premium features, and overall better performance justify spending more if the budget allows. The superior display alone makes the Mi 11 the clear choice for someone who uses their phone a lot for media consumption.
