1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.9 x 8 mm | 160.5 x 75.7 x 6.8 mm | Realme 8 is slightly thicker and narrower; Mi 11 Lite 5G is thinner and wider. Mi 11 Lite 5G may feel more comfortable in hand due to its slimness. |
| Weight | 177g | 159g | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.55" | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharpness. |
| PPI | 411 | 402 | Practically identical sharpness; difficult to notice the difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G provides a smoother scrolling and animation experience. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 offers much better visibility in bright sunlight, as Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G's brightness is not listed |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 780G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 780G offers better performance, efficiency, and support for newer features. Mi 11 Lite 5G is more responsive overall. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 567,671 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G is significantly faster in benchmarks, leading to better real-world performance in apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 642 | Adreno 642 generally provides better gaming performance and graphics rendering compared to Mali-G76 MC4 |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4250mAh | Realme 8 has a larger battery, likely leading to longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G charges slightly faster. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.79 1/2" OV64B 0.70µm | 64MP f/1.79 1/1.97" Samsung GW3 0.80µm | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G has a slightly larger sensor with larger pixels on main sensor, potentially capturing slightly better low-light images. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.45 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 1.00µm | 20MP f/2.24 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G has a higher resolution front camera and wider aperture, resulting in potentially better selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP f/2.25 | 8MP f/2.2 1.12µm | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G wide-angle lens has wider aperture, potentially capturing more light. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 5MP f/2.4 1.12µm | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G has a higher resolution macro lens, capturing more detailed close-up shots |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 has a dedicated monochrome sensor for black and white images. |
| Video | 4K@30fps EIS, 1080p@60/120fps EIS | 4K@30fps EIS, 1080p@60/120fps EIS | Both offer similar video quality, stabilization, and slow-motion capabilities. Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G has much higher slow-mo fps (960). |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G will receive more software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G supports the latest WiFi standard, offering faster speeds and better performance in crowded areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 with LDAC, AAC | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G has a more advanced Bluetooth version with higher quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo (L1+L5) | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G supports dual-band GPS for more accurate positioning. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G offers a higher maximum internal storage option, which is beneficial for storing more media and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both provide good options for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage, limiting storage capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G offers stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience and better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G offers a side-mounted sensor that may be more convenient to some users. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G offers better protection for the display. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Realme 8 additionally features: Proximity, Magnetometer; Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G additionally features: Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides a noticeable advantage in battery life. This is ideal for users who are away from power sources for extended periods.
- Higher Brightness: 1000 nits provides superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Dedicated Black & White Lens: This offers an additional photography option that the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G does not have.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 780G offers significantly better performance in benchmarks and real-world use. Expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- 90Hz Refresh Rate Display: Provides a smoother and more responsive user experience.
- Lighter and Thinner Design: The 18g weight difference and thinner profile make it more comfortable for extended handling.
- Better Camera Sensor: Larger main camera sensor with slightly larger pixels, alongside better wide and macro lenses.
- More Software Updates: Guaranteed upgrade to Android 13
- Stereo Speakers: Enhances the audio experience when watching videos or listening to music.
- More advanced connectivity: Supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for better performance.
- Dual-band GPS: More accurate GPS positioning
Significant Trade-offs:
- Realme 8 trades performance for battery life and higher brightness, which may be better for users who prioritize endurance and outdoor use.
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G prioritizes performance, a superior display, and better connectivity but has a smaller battery capacity and lacks a dedicated black and white lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize long battery life and need to get through the day on a single charge.
- Individuals who frequently use their phone outdoors in bright sunlight and need high screen brightness.
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize core features like battery life over peak performance.
- Users who want a dedicated black & white camera sensor
Use Cases:
- All-day outdoor activities (hiking, travel) where charging is not always convenient.
- Heavy mobile users who need a phone that can last all day.
- Casual gamers or users who need solid day to day performance.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G Ideal User:
- Users who value smooth performance for gaming, multitasking, and running demanding apps.
- Individuals who prioritize a premium visual experience with a 90Hz display and prefer lighter, thinner designs
- Users who enjoy media consumption and appreciate stereo speakers.
- Users who desire better camera performance
- Users who want better connectivity standards
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, photo and video editing, and other performance-intensive tasks.
- Watching videos, streaming media, or playing games where display quality is key.
- Users who benefit from an enhanced audio experience
- Users who need great navigation on the go
- Users who want a more future proof device
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Battery Life vs. Performance: Do you prioritize a phone that can last all day with heavy usage, or do you need the best possible performance for gaming and demanding apps?
- Display Needs: Do you prefer a brighter screen for outdoor visibility or a smoother 90Hz display for more fluid interactions?
- Budget: How does price-to-performance ratio affect your decision-making?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Battery Focus): If you need a phone that lasts all day, even with heavy usage, and you're often outdoors, the Realme 8 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Performance & Media Focus): If you prioritize performance, display quality, and enhanced audio, and use the phone frequently for gaming, videos and navigation, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Usage): If you require a balance between battery and performance, with a preference for modern connectivity, then the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G might be better.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would pick the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G. Here’s why:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 780G offers a significant leap in performance compared to the Helio G95. I often run demanding apps, and the smoother experience makes a real difference to me.
- Display: The 90Hz refresh rate and overall better display specs of the Mi 11 Lite 5G offer a more enjoyable experience, which I would value more.
- Build Quality and Design: The Mi 11 Lite 5G is significantly lighter and thinner, making it more comfortable to use.
- Connectivity: The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 makes it more future-proof and performs better in modern environments.
- Camera: I also believe the slightly better camera sensor and additional features that the Mi 11 Lite 5G offers makes it a better option.
- Software Support: The promise of an Android 13 upgrade is also appealing for longevity.
While the Realme 8 does have a bigger battery and a brighter display for outdoor visibility, the overall improvements in the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G (performance, display, design, camera, connectivity) are more crucial to my personal usage.
