OnePlus 9R vs Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 9R
OnePlus 9R
Oneplus

General

Launch Date April 14, 2021 April 16, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 100.21 cm³ 82.62 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.47 "/g 4.12 "/g
Weight 189 g 159 g
Height 161 mm 160.5 mm
Width 74.1 mm 75.7 mm
Thickness 8.4 mm 6.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Carbon Black
  • Lake Blue
  • Mint Green
  • Truffle Black
  • Citrus Yellow

Display

Screen Size 6.55 " 6.55 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 86.8 % 85.3 %
Pixel Density 402 PPI 402 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 500 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 104.89 mAh/in² 99.06 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.9 mAh/cm³ 51.44 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 4250 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) Qualcomm SM7350-AB Snapdragon 780G (5 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 3x2.2 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.90 GHz Kryo 670)
GPU Adreno 650 Adreno 642

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 11
Maximum OS Version 13 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureOnePlus 9RXiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5GPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm160.5 × 75.7 × 6.8 mmXiaomi is slightly wider but significantly thinner, OnePlus has a larger overall volume, which might feel bulky.
Weight189g159gXiaomi is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
Display
Size6.55"6.55"Identical screen size for both phones.
Resolution1080x24001080x2400Same sharpness on both screens.
Pixel Density402 PPI402 PPIEqually crisp display visuals.
TechnologyAMOLEDAMOLEDBoth have vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Refresh Rate120Hz90HzOnePlus has smoother scrolling and animation, especially noticeable in gaming.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsPeak brightness is the same, although the actual nits is unknown for both phones.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 780G (5 nm)OnePlus offers noticeably faster performance for demanding apps and games, with better overall responsiveness.
AnTuTu Score821,600567,671The OnePlus 9R demonstrates superior speed, better for heavy gaming and multitasking.
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 642OnePlus has better graphics performance, beneficial for gaming.
Camera
Standard Camera48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586, 0.80µm64MP, f/1.79, 1/1.97", Samsung GW3, 0.80µmXiaomi has higher resolution and a larger sensor, potentially capturing more detailed images.
Selfie Camera16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.00µm20MP, f/2.24, , µmXiaomi offers slightly higher resolution and a wider aperture for better selfies.
Wide Angle Camera16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", Sony IMX481, 1.00µm8MP, f/2.2, , 1.12µmOnePlus has significantly higher resolution for wide-angle shots.
Portrait Camera2MP, f/2.4NoneOnePlus offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography.
Macro Camera5MP, f/2.45MP, f/2.4, , 1.12µmComparable macro capabilities for close-up shots
Video Recording4K@60fps, HDR, EIS4K@30fps, EISOnePlus has slightly better video capabilities with 4K@60fps and HDR, potentially clearer, and smoother video recording.
Battery
Capacity4500 mAh4250 mAhOnePlus has a slightly larger battery, potentially lasting longer.
Charging65W Fast Charging33W Fast ChargingOnePlus charges significantly faster, convenient for users on the go.
Software
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to 13Android 11, upgradable to 13Xiaomi starts with a newer OS out of the box, though both can be updated to Android 13.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6Similar Wi-Fi standards for both phones.
Bluetooth5.15.2Xiaomi has a newer Bluetooth version for potentially improved connectivity.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, GalileoOnePlus has slightly more accurate location services.
Storage
Internal Storage128GB or 256GB128GB or 256GBBoth offer similar storage options.
RAM8GB or 12GB6GB or 8GBOnePlus can have up to 12GB of RAM, ideal for heavy users and demanding apps.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither supports microSD cards.
Audio
Audio QualityDolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation Mic, Stereo SpeakersHi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 micsOnePlus has better audio quality, especially when spatial audio is considered.
Security
Fingerprint SensorBasic In-display fingerprint sensorSide-mounted fingerprint sensorXiaomi has a more modern and convenient side-mounted sensor.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass 6Xiaomi offers superior screen protection against scratches and accidental drops.
SensorsBiometric, Proximity, MotionBiometric, Motion, Ultrasonic ProximityOnePlus has a more accurate proximity sensor; Xiaomi uses ultrasonic proximity.

2. Key Differences Analysis

OnePlus 9R Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset provides significantly faster processing and better gaming performance compared to the Snapdragon 780G in the Xiaomi.
  • Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid user experience, noticeable when scrolling and during fast-paced gaming.
  • Faster Charging: 65W charging is much quicker than Xiaomi's 33W.
  • Better Audio: Dolby Atmos enhances audio experience.
  • More RAM: Up to 12GB of RAM allows for smoother multitasking and handling of more demanding apps.
  • Better GPS: Supports more satellite systems, which can lead to more accurate location tracking.
  • Better Camera System: The dedicated depth sensor for portraits is a plus, as well as better wide angle quality.
  • Higher Quality video: 4K @ 60fps, more suitable for high-quality recording.

Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G Advantages:

  • Lighter and Thinner: Much more comfortable to hold for extended periods due to its lightweight design.
  • More Modern Design: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally preferred by many users.
  • Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 for added protection
  • Newer OS: Ships with a newer version of Android out of the box.
  • Better Selfie Camera: Higher megapixel count, and wider aperture
  • More advanced bluetooth: Uses bluetooth 5.2 instead of 5.1
  • Hi-Res Audio: Delivers improved audio quality.
  • Better Standard Camera: Larger sensor, and higher resolution
  • Slightly Cheaper: Xiaomi phones are generally more affordable.

Trade-offs:

  • OnePlus 9R: Trades a more comfortable design for better performance and a smoother display.
  • Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G: Trades raw performance and better refresh rate for a lighter, more modern design, better selfie and main camera.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

OnePlus 9R Ideal User:

  • Gamers: The powerful processor and 120Hz display make it suitable for demanding games.
  • Power Users: Those who multitask heavily and require fast performance for resource-intensive apps.
  • Multimedia Consumers: Benefits from superior video quality and audio.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Users looking for more manual control, better HDR, OIS, and portrait mode.

Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G Ideal User:

  • Casual Users: Those who prioritize a lightweight, comfortable phone with good everyday performance.
  • Style-Conscious Users: Those who appreciate a thinner, more modern design and are more budget-conscious.
  • Social Media Users: Those who prioritize a high quality front-facing camera
  • Everyday Photographers: Those who use the standard camera frequently, and do not require OIS, or more advanced settings.
  • Value Seekers: Those looking for a phone that provides good features at a lower price.

Specific Use Cases:

  • OnePlus 9R:
    • Playing graphically intensive mobile games like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile.
    • Editing videos and photos on the go.
    • Watching high-resolution content with vibrant colors and smooth motion.
    • Capturing high-quality photos and portraits on the go.
  • Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G:
    • Browsing social media and messaging.
    • Taking selfies and casual snapshots.
    • Streaming music with Hi-Res audio, and enjoying overall good audio quality.
    • Carrying a light and comfortable phone throughout the day.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. Performance or Comfort? Do you prioritize raw speed and gaming performance (OnePlus), or a lighter, more comfortable design (Xiaomi)?
  2. Camera Needs? Do you need the best standard camera or wide-angle camera (Xiaomi), or a more versatile camera system with a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots and manual control (OnePlus)?
  3. Budget Conscious or Performance Driven? Are you willing to spend more for better performance and a smoother display, or do you prefer a more budget-friendly option?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Gaming and Performance: If your primary focus is gaming and overall performance, choose the OnePlus 9R. Its powerful processor, dedicated GPU, and high refresh rate display will provide a superior experience.
  • Scenario 2: Photography and Selfies If your focus is great quality on selfies and standard camera, choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G as it will offer great quality at a lower price.
  • Scenario 3: Lightweight and Comfortable: If you need a comfortable, easy-to-carry phone for everyday use, choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G. Its lighter build and modern design make it convenient for prolonged use.
  • Scenario 4: Balanced Usage: If you want a balance of good performance, decent camera, and reasonable price, choose the OnePlus 9R, as it offers more overall.

My Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus 9R. My reasoning is based on a few factors. While the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G has a more modern design and is more comfortable to hold, the OnePlus 9R's superior performance, smoother 120Hz display, and faster charging outweigh these advantages for me. The overall quality of the camera system is slightly better on the OnePlus 9R because of OIS, and a more versatile camera system overall. I tend to use my phone for a variety of tasks, including some light gaming and photo editing. The faster performance of the 9R would be more beneficial. While both are great phones, I value the speed and smooth operation of the 9R. If I were on a strict budget, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G, as it is a capable phone.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.