Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly smaller and thinner, potentially more comfortable in hand. Moto G30 is bulkier. |
| Weight | 200g | 208g | Moto G30 is a bit lighter, possibly more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.81" | Mi 11 Pro has a larger display, better for media consumption, gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x3200 | Mi 11 Pro's display is much sharper, offering clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 269 PPI | 515 PPI | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly sharper and more detailed visuals. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Mi 11 Pro has deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, which is superior for media and gaming. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Mi 11 Pro offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1700 nits | Mi 11 Pro's screen is much brighter, providing excellent outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mi 11 Pro delivers significantly faster performance, better for gaming, demanding apps, multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 854,267 | Mi 11 Pro is drastically faster, will feel much more responsive in daily use. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 660 | Mi 11 Pro's GPU is much more powerful for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64.4MP, f/1.7, 0.70µm | 50MP, f/1.95, 1.40µm, 1/1.12" | Moto G30 has a slightly higher resolution but smaller pixel size and smaller sensor. Mi 11 Pro has larger pixel size and sensor for better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 20MP, f/2.3, 0.80µm, 1/3.4" | Mi 11 Pro has a higher resolution. Moto G30 has a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm, 1/3.06" | Mi 11 Pro has higher resolution. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Moto G30 features dedicated depth lens for better portraits |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Moto G30 features dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP, 1/4.4" | Mi 11 Pro has dedicated telephoto camera |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps | Mi 11 Pro offers much higher video resolution and advanced features, much better for video content creation and social media. |
| DXOMARK | Not tested | Mobile: 124, Photo: 118, Video: 132 | Mi 11 Pro's camera performance is rated significantly higher. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery life for basic usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Mi 11 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging, Non-Removable, Reverse Wireless Charging | Mi 11 Pro offers additional features such as fast wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 11 | Moto G30 has confirmed update to Android 12. Mi 11 Pro future software updates are not specified in the data. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5, Dual Band | Wi-Fi 6, Dual Band, Wi-Fi MIMO | Mi 11 Pro supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE, aptX, LDAC, AAC | Mi 11 Pro supports more advanced audio codecs for better audio quality with compatible headphones. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5) | Mi 11 Pro offers more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Mi 11 Pro offers more storage, great for media and app-heavy users. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 8/12 GB | Mi 11 Pro enables much smoother multitasking and handles more demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows additional storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Mi 11 Pro has a better audio experience, especially for media consumption and calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both provide basic biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Mi 11 Pro provides better screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Mi 11 Pro offers more sensors such as heart rate and compass, providing additional features and capabilities |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Lower Price: Likely more budget-friendly, making it accessible for price-conscious buyers.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Lens: Offers dedicated lenses for portrait mode and close-up shots, not found on the Mi 11 Pro.
- Slightly Lighter: Could be more comfortable for extended use due to its lighter weight.
- Expandable software updates: Motorola offers a confirmed update to Android 12, while no information is provided for Mi 11 Pro.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution, AMOLED technology with a higher refresh rate and significantly better brightness.
- Significantly Faster Performance: High-end Snapdragon 888 chipset, vastly superior for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Superior Camera System: Better main sensor, higher quality video recording, telephoto lens.
- Much Faster Charging: 67W charging significantly reduces charging time, plus fast wireless and reverse charging.
- Better Audio Experience: Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers, and 3 microphones.
- More RAM and Storage: Up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage available.
- Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 with advanced audio codecs.
- Better Build Quality: Superior screen protection.
- More Sensors: Heart rate sensor and compass.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Moto G30: Offers basic features and performance at a budget price point, sacrificing high-end capabilities. Lacks high-resolution display, flagship performance, and advanced camera features.
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: Significantly more expensive; lacks a dedicated macro or depth sensor, and might be too large for some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30:
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious users, those who primarily use a phone for basic tasks (calls, social media, browsing), and require long battery life.
- Use Cases: Everyday communication, casual browsing, media consumption, and users looking for an affordable and reliable device.
- Price-to-Value: Offers decent value for the price, providing a functional smartphone experience for basic needs.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Ideal Users: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, and those who need the best possible smartphone experience.
- Use Cases: Gaming, high-resolution media consumption, professional-quality photography/videography, heavy multitasking.
- Price-to-Value: Provides a flagship-level experience, justifying the higher cost for users who can make use of its advanced features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? - Moto G30 is significantly more affordable.
- What are your primary use cases? - Basic tasks vs. gaming, photography.
- How important is performance and screen quality? - Mi 11 Pro offers a superior experience for performance and display quality.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Constrained User - If budget is the primary concern and basic features are enough, the Moto G30 is a more suitable choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Multimedia - If you want the best performance, display quality, and camera capabilities for demanding tasks and high-quality media consumption, then the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Casual Photography - If you want basic photo and video capabilities but care about a dedicated macro and depth lens, the Moto G30 could satisfy your need with a better price.
- Scenario 4: All-Around Flagship Experience: - If budget is not a major concern and you want an all-around premium experience with excellent performance, display, and camera, the Mi 11 Pro is the better option.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. While it is more expensive, the vast differences in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities make it the superior choice for my needs. I value a smooth and responsive experience for gaming, media consumption, and multitasking, all of which the Mi 11 Pro excels at. I also appreciate the superior screen and faster charging, which are significant advantages for daily use. While the Moto G30 might be suitable for a very basic user, the Mi 11 Pro provides a much better user experience with its advanced features and faster performance, justifying the higher price point.
