Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02s vs. Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly narrower and thinner, may feel more comfortable in hand; A02s is slightly larger overall. |
| Weight | 196g | 208g | A02s is slightly lighter; may be noticeable for longer use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.81" | Mi 11 Pro has a noticeably larger screen; better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x3200 | Mi 11 Pro's higher resolution will result in sharper images and text; noticeable difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 270 | 515 | Mi 11 Pro's higher pixel density results in significantly sharper images; much less pixelation. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Mi 11 Pro has vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast; superior viewing experience, especially in dark environments. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Mi 11 Pro offers much smoother animations and scrolling; will be noticeable in everyday use and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1700 nits | Mi 11 Pro has vastly superior outdoor visibility; easily visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and much better gaming performance due to the powerful processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 854,267 | Mi 11 Pro has vastly superior performance; capable of handling intensive tasks and future apps much more effectively. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 660 | Mi 11 Pro has much better graphics performance; resulting in smoother and more detailed graphics in gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity; similar battery endurance given similar usage patterns. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Mi 11 Pro charges much faster; significantly reduces charging time. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, Reverse charging, 67W wireless charging, 10W reverse-wireless charging | Mi 11 Pro offers versatile charging options, including wireless charging, and can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 13MP, f/1.8, pixel size | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12", 1.40µm | Mi 11 Pro captures much more detailed images; larger sensor and higher resolution. |
| Selfie Lens | 5MP, f/2.2, pixel size | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4", 0.80µm | Mi 11 Pro produces sharper and more detailed selfies due to higher resolution sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | Mi 11 Pro has an additional wide-angle lens for capturing wider scenes; adds versatility to photography. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, pixel size | None | A02s has a depth sensor for portrait mode, potentially offering better background blur in some scenarios. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, pixel size | None | A02s has a dedicated macro camera, allowing for close-up shots of small objects. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | Mi 11 Pro has a telephoto lens, allowing for closer shots with optical zoom and macro capability |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@60fps | Mi 11 Pro captures much higher quality video; better for professional use and capturing high fidelity footage. |
| DxOMark | None | 124 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 132 (Video) | Mi 11 Pro's camera quality has been rated as excellent in DxOMark tests; A02s has no such rating to compare. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, ISO settings, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K/8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, OIS, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Laser AF, PDAF, LAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Scene mode, Self-timer, AF assist Beam, RAW | Mi 11 Pro offers far more advanced features, especially for photography and video; versatile shooting options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 | Mi 11 Pro has slightly newer Android version out of the box; A02s can be updated to Android 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | Mi 11 Pro supports faster WiFi standards; better performance on modern networks. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.2 LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | Mi 11 Pro has a newer version of Bluetooth and supports higher quality audio codecs; better for wireless audio connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | Mi 11 Pro has more precise location tracking, especially useful for navigation and location-based apps. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM functionality; Allows use of two SIMs at the same time. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB | 128GB/256GB | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly more internal storage; better for users with lots of photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 8GB/12GB | Mi 11 Pro handles multitasking and demanding apps much more smoothly due to higher RAM capacity. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion; limited for users who require flexible storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Mi 11 Pro offers far superior audio quality; better for enjoying music, podcasts, and calls. |
| Security | Basic Security Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Mi 11 Pro offers faster and more secure unlocking with the fingerprint sensor; added biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Mi 11 Pro provides more reliable screen scratch and impact protection; enhances durability of the device. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Mi 11 Pro offers a comprehensive suite of sensors; better for advanced features, gaming, and tracking fitness and activity. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Lower Weight: Slightly lighter (196g) which may be preferable for some users.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Lenses: Offers dedicated depth and macro sensors, which the Xiaomi does not.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution, AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness making it a much better experience in all use cases.
- Massively Better Performance: High-end chipset provides significantly faster performance, ideal for gaming and demanding apps, and far more future-proof.
- Much Faster Charging: 67W fast charging, and wireless charging capabilities greatly reduces downtime compared to 15W charging of A02s.
- Far Superior Camera System: Much higher-resolution cameras with better sensors, optical zoom, and vastly superior video recording capabilities.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers, Hi-Res Audio, better microphones for a better multimedia experience.
- Better Connectivity: Modern WiFi standards and Bluetooth 5.2 offering better wireless performance.
- More Storage and RAM: Significantly more storage and RAM, ideal for heavy users and multitasking.
- Advanced Features: Wide range of advanced features like reverse charging, comprehensive sensor set, and better screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus
Trade-offs:
- Price: The Mi 11 Pro will be significantly more expensive than the A02s. The A02s may be a better value for users with very limited budgets or those who prioritize basic functionality over performance.
- Macro and Depth lenses: A02s has a dedicated macro lens, which might provide slightly better close-up photography and background separation for some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s:
- Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious individuals who need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use.
- First-time smartphone users or those who are less tech-savvy.
- Use Cases:
- Basic communication (calls, texts, emails).
- Simple social media browsing (Facebook, Instagram).
- Light web browsing.
- Occasional photo capturing in daylight conditions.
- Value: Very affordable; provides basic smartphone functionality at a low price point.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Ideal User:
- Power users who need high performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Mobile photographers and videographers who need high-quality cameras.
- Users who want the best screen quality for media consumption.
- Individuals who desire premium features, such as wireless charging, and advanced audio capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming (high-end titles).
- Professional photography and videography.
- Media consumption (high-resolution streaming, videos).
- Heavy multitasking (multiple apps running simultaneously).
- Demanding business or productivity tasks.
- Value: Premium features, excellent performance and camera capabilities justify the higher price for demanding users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If budget is a primary constraint, the A02s may be a suitable option, but will mean compromising on performance, camera, screen quality and features.
- What is your primary use case? If you only need basic functionality, the A02s might be adequate. For heavy usage or media consumption, the Mi 11 Pro is a much better fit.
- How important are premium features and performance? If you want a high refresh rate display, fast charging, high-end processing, and a top-tier camera, the Mi 11 Pro is necessary. If these are not important to you, the A02s will suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User, Limited Budget: The Samsung Galaxy A02s is a more budget-friendly option for basic smartphone use.
- Scenario 2: Demanding User, Gaming, Multimedia: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro will provide a much better experience with its superior display, processing, camera, and premium features.
- Scenario 3: Camera Enthusiast: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers much higher-quality camera performance, optical zoom, and advanced video features making it the far better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. The difference in performance and overall user experience is night and day. The display alone makes it worth the extra cost for me. While the A02s is a functional device, its performance, screen quality, and camera capabilities pale in comparison to the Mi 11 Pro. I prefer to have a phone that is not only capable today but will also remain capable for the next couple of years, and the Mi 11 Pro's more powerful processor, greater storage, and faster charging make it a significantly more future-proof option. I also prioritize high-quality photos and video, and the Mi 11 Pro is vastly superior for this purpose. The higher price is an investment in quality and features that I value highly.
