Xiaomi 12 arrived as the direct successor to the Xiaomi Mi 11. The newest high-end phone from the Chinese manufacturer brought important changes compared to the previous model. Despite the evolution in the generation change, both premium smartphones get advanced features in the technical sheet, such as high processing power, 5G internet, and wireless charging. The screen size and the photo set, on the other hand, are features that differ between the devices, as can be seen in the following comparison.
Xiaomi Mi 11 vs Xiaomi 12 Datasheet
| Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi 12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | February 2021 | March 2022 |
| Current price | $612 | $749 |
| Screen | 6.8 inches | 6.28 inches |
| screen resolution | Quad HD+ (3200 x 1440 pixels) | Full HD (2400 x 1080 pixels) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen1 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 and 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Memory card | no support | no support |
| Main camera | 108 MP main, 13 MP ultra-wide, and 5 MP telephoto + macro | 50 MP main, 13 MP ultra-wide and 5 MP telephoto + macro |
| Front camera | 20 MP | 32 MP |
| Battery | 4,600 mAh | 4,500 mAh |
| Operating system | Android 11 | android 12 |
| Dimensions and weight | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.06 mm; 196 g | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.16 mm; 180 grams |
| Colors | white, gray, and blue | blue and black |
Screen and design
The Xiaomi 12 and the Xiaomi Mi 11 have marked differences in design, starting with the screen size, which is 6.28 inches on the newer model versus 6.81 inches on the predecessor.
The panel technology and pixel density per inch are also different, as the Xiaomi 12 delivers OLED technology and 419 PPI, while the Mi 11 is equipped with AMOLED and 515 PPI. Despite the seemingly significant difference in pixel rate, it is worth noting that the change is not that noticeable to the naked eye.
Both screens work with high refresh rates of 120 Hz, which stands out for allowing more fluid image movements on smartphones.
Both devices are made of metal and glass and the protection technology is the same: Gorilla Glass Victus, one of Corning’s most modern technologies.
On the back, the phones boast a triple set of cameras, with different designs. On the front, the camera in the shape of a hole in the screen has changed position, moving from the corner on the Mi 11 to the center on the Xiaomi 12.
The Xiaomi 12 is available only in blue, black, and pink. The Mi 11 has three color options: blue, white, or gray.
Xiaomi cell phones’ cameras
The Xiaomi Mi 11 is recognized for the good quality of its photographic records. In the new generation, the story is no different: the trend remains of great clicks, but with differences in technical data.
Last year’s model features a main camera with a higher resolution than the one offered by the Xiaomi 12, but it is worth remembering that a higher number of megapixels does not necessarily define better photo quality.
Both products excel at shooting in up to 8K UHD, but the Xiaomi 12 comes out ahead when it comes to capturing videos in super slow motion, as it can capture a whopping 1920 frames per second, compared to 960 frames per second on the 2021 phone.
The Xiaomi Mi 11 has the following photo set:
- 108 megapixels main camera (f/1.85)
- Ultra-wide 13 megapixels (f/2.4)
- Telephoto + macro 5 MP (f/2.4)
- Front 20 MP (f/2.4)
The Xiaomi 12, on the other hand, features the following cameras:
- 50 MP main (f/1.88)
- Ultra-wide 13 MP (f/2.4)
- 5 MP telephoto + macro (f/2.4)
- Front 32 MP (f/2.45)
The front cameras of both phones are limited to recording video at full HD resolution, but the Xiaomi 12 achieves twice as many frames per second as the previous model: 60 fps versus 30 fps. This year’s smartphone has also evolved in the camera resolution for selfies: there are 32 MP versus the 20 MP of the previous generation.
Performance and storage
The Xiaomi Mi 11 is sold with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset with eight processing cores and a maximum speed of 2.84 GHz. The successor has gained more firepower, as it features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, an eight-core chip capable of reaching 3 GHz. The Xiaomi 12 has earned the mark as the fourth fastest Android phone in the world.
Nothing changed in the field of multitasking, since both feature 8 GB RAM. The maximum storage of both phones is also the same: 256 GB without the possibility of an expansion via a microSD card. Both Xiaomi devices have the high processing power for surfing the internet or loading data and games.
The battery of the Xiaomi smartphones
The Xiaomi 12’s datasheet mentions a 4,500 mAh battery versus 4,600 mAh in the Xiaomi Mi 11. The 100 mAh reduction draws attention, but it is essential to take into consideration that the screen size has gotten smaller and the panel now has a lower resolution, which should use less battery. The manufacturer claims that both can handle at least a day away from the power outlet – with moderate use.
The Xiaomi 12 promises greater intelligence in the overnight charging flow so that the component lasts longer without needing to be changed. In addition, the company equips the model with a 67W fast charger – well above what is offered by most competitors, which makes the battery go from zero to 100% in about 39 minutes, according to Xiaomi.
The Xiaomi Mi 11 doesn’t do badly when it comes to replenishing power either. The charger is 55W, which is enough to take the device’s battery from zero to 100% in 45 minutes – not much more than the last-generation model. Both products support fast wireless charging, with an estimated time of approximately 50 minutes to complete 100%. The input on both phones is USB-C, standard on current Android smartphones.
Android system versions
The Mi 11 came with Android 11 from the factory, but there is already an update available for Android 12 – the latest version of Google’s operating system. Being a recent model, the Xiaomi 12 already comes out of the box running Android 12. It is worth remembering that the models use the custom MIUI interface, which is currently in version 13 and offers features exclusive to the company, especially in the customization part.
Additional features
The additional functions do not change much between the two high-end products. Both devices bring features such as an extremely high-speed 5G internet connection and NFC. Thus, they can make near-field payments and do not require a physical sensor on the frame to unlock the phone. Both Xiaomi phones have a fingerprint sensor on the screen.
It is worth mentioning the curious absence of water and dust resistance certification on the part of both products, something unusual for high-end phones in this price range. Xiaomi explained that the consumer does not value the certifications so much and that they would make the products more expensive.
The Galaxy S22 Plus, for example, comes with IP68. This means that it can be submerged in fresh water at a maximum depth of up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. In addition, the South Korean phone is marketed for lower prices than those charged by Xiaomi models.
Pricing and Availability of the Xiaomi Mi 12 and Mi 11
Xiaomi’s newest release has a starting price of $749 in blue or black. The Mi 11 arrived in June 2021 and can be found for $612.
It is possible to find models for lower prices on the Internet, but the Chinese giant does not offer warranty or technical support for unofficial products.
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