Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro vs Realme GT2 Explorer Master: The Ultimate Showdown

The Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro and Realme GT2 Explorer Master are both powerful contenders in the premium smartphone space. Both offer flagship performance and impressive features, but cater to slightly different needs. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one deserves your money.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme GT2 Explorer Master takes the crown thanks to its superior Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, significantly faster 100W charging, and potentially better display. While the Mi 11X Pro is still a capable device, the GT2 Explorer Master offers a more future-proof and premium experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro Realme GT2 Explorer Master
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands77, 78 Sub61, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021, April 232022, July 12
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, May 05Available. Released 2022, July 19
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5)Glass front, ceramic back or eco leather back, aluminum frame
Dimensions163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.31 in)161.3 x 74.3 x 8.2 mm (6.35 x 2.93 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight196 g (6.91 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5-
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 900 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 730
OSAndroid 11, MIUI 12Android 12, Realme UI 3.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm-
Triple108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto macro), 1/5.0", 1.12µm, AF50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, 150˚ (ultrawide) 3 MP, f/3.3, 20mm (microscope), AF, 40x magnification
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm16MP, f/2.5, 25mm (wide)
Video1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LEYes
Infrared portYes-
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectYes
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 52 min100W wired
TypeLi-Po 4520 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsCelestial Silver, Lunar White, Cosmic BlackGray, White, Gold
ModelsM2012K11IRMX3551
PriceAbout 440 EURAbout 500 EUR
SAR0.85 W/kg (head)     0.60 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 126h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.8 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 1045876 (v9) GeekBench: 4021 (v5.1)

Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro

  • Reliable performance
  • Good camera system
  • Familiar MIUI software
  • Compact size (relatively)

  • Older chipset
  • Slower charging
  • Potentially less vibrant display

Realme GT2 Explorer Master

  • Superior Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset
  • Blazing-fast 100W charging
  • Potentially brighter and more vibrant display
  • Excellent battery life

  • Realme UI might not appeal to everyone
  • Availability may vary

Display Comparison

The Realme GT2 Explorer Master boasts a higher measured peak brightness of 798 nits compared to the Mi 11X Pro (estimated around 600-700 nits). The 'Infinite' contrast ratio claim for the GT2 Explorer Master suggests excellent blacks and vibrant colors, though this is a nominal value. Both phones likely feature AMOLED panels with smooth refresh rates, but the GT2 Explorer Master's brightness advantage gives it an edge in outdoor visibility.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed camera comparisons require more in-depth testing. The Mi 11X Pro is known for its generally reliable image processing. The GT2 Explorer Master's camera hardware is likely comparable, but Realme's image processing might offer a different aesthetic. Expect both to capture good photos and videos in various conditions.

Performance

Here, the Realme GT2 Explorer Master clearly wins. Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset is a significant upgrade over the Mi 11X Pro's Snapdragon 888. The 8+ Gen 1 offers improved CPU and GPU performance, leading to smoother gaming, faster app loading, and better overall responsiveness. The Cortex-X2 core in the GT2 Explorer Master also contributes to single-core performance gains.

Battery Life

The Realme GT2 Explorer Master boasts an impressive endurance rating of 126 hours, suggesting excellent battery life. While the Mi 11X Pro's battery life is respectable, it likely falls short of the GT2 Explorer Master. The GT2 Explorer Master's 100W wired charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast charging times compared to the Mi 11X Pro's 33W charging.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro? Those looking for a solid, reliable phone with good performance and a familiar MIUI experience, and who don't prioritize the absolute fastest charging. Who should buy the Realme GT2 Explorer Master? Users who demand top-tier performance, blazing-fast charging, and a potentially more vibrant display, and are comfortable with Realme's UI.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 significantly better than the Snapdragon 888?
Yes, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers noticeable improvements in CPU and GPU performance, efficiency, and thermals compared to the Snapdragon 888.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Xiaomi generally has a longer track record of software updates, but Realme has been improving its software support. It's best to check the latest update policies for both brands.