1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 76.4 × 9.3 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Zenfone 11 Ultra is slightly shorter and thinner, potentially making it slightly more pocketable, though the difference is minimal. |
| Weight | 216g | 224g | Mi 10T 5G is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use, but both are relatively heavy. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers significantly better screen protection against drops and scratches. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.78" | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, enhancing media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness. |
| PPI | 395 | 388 | Negligible difference in pixel density, both screens appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Zenfone 11 Ultra has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially better color accuracy, enhancing viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 144Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | The Zenfone 11 Ultra has significantly better outdoor visibility, making it much easier to see in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers significantly faster performance, better power efficiency, and improved AI capabilities. Noticeable difference in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 742,400 | 1,532,000 | The Zenfone 11 Ultra will feel much snappier and responsive, especially with demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 750 | Zenfone 11 Ultra provides significantly better graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and faster rendering times. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | Zenfone 11 Ultra allows for smoother multitasking and keeps more apps open in the background. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56", Sony IMX890 | Zenfone 11 Ultra likely offers better low-light performance due to the larger sensor, despite the lower megapixel count. Image processing is also likely superior on the newer phone. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | 13MP, f/2.2 | Zenfone 11 Ultra's wider aperture will provide better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.4 | Zenfone 11 Ultra provides optical zoom capabilities, allowing for closer shots without significant quality loss. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | Mi 10T 5G allows for dedicated macro shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4" | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" | Zenfone 11 Ultra captures more detailed selfies, especially in good lighting. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both phones can record high-resolution video, but the Zenfone 11 Ultra offers HDR recording and better stabilization. |
| Stabilization | EIS | HDR, EIS, OIS, Gimbal | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers better stabilization for video recording, resulting in smoother footage, especially in motion. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 125 | Provides an objective measure of camera performance, useful for comparison (though Mi 10T 5G has no score here). |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | Zenfone 11 Ultra provides longer battery life, especially with demanding tasks. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless Charging, 10W Reverse Wired Charging | Zenfone 11 Ultra charges significantly faster and offers wireless charging convenience. Reverse charging allows you to charge other devices using the phone. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | The Zenfone 11 Ultra is equipped with the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.4 on the Zenfone 11 Ultra will provide a more stable and energy-efficient connection, especially for audio devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Zenfone 11 Ultra's GPS system may offer greater location accuracy, especially in urban canyons or areas with limited satellite visibility. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | The Zenfone 11 Ultra offers significantly more storage, which is essential for users who store a lot of photos, videos, and apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, making the Zenfone 11 Ultra's larger internal storage more important. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 (up to 11) | Android 14 (up to 16) | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a more up-to-date operating system, ensuring access to the latest features, security updates, and app compatibility. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter: A bit easier to handle for extended periods.
- Macro Lens: Offers dedicated macro photography capabilities.
- Lower Launch Price: Was more affordable at launch, though its current price may vary significantly based on used market.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers a substantial performance boost.
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with much higher brightness provides a better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Better Camera System: Improved sensors, OIS, and a telephoto lens offer greater versatility and image quality.
- Longer Battery Life and Faster Charging: Larger battery and faster charging provide better endurance and convenience.
- More Storage and RAM: Higher storage and RAM options enhance multitasking and storage capacity.
- Modern Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 offer faster and more reliable connections.
- Up-to-date Software: Comes with a much newer version of Android, ensuring access to the latest features and security updates.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: Additional charging options increase convenience.
- Better build quality: The screen has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Trade-offs:
- The Zenfone 11 Ultra is slightly heavier and lacks a dedicated macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G Ideal Users:
- Users on a strict budget who prioritize basic smartphone functionality.
- Individuals who value a slightly lighter phone and need macro photography capabilities.
Use Cases:
- Basic communication (calls, texts, emails).
- Casual web browsing and social media use.
- Occasional photography in good lighting conditions.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Ideal Users:
- Power users who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts who value versatility and image quality in various lighting conditions.
- Users who prioritize a premium display experience with excellent outdoor visibility.
- Those who need long battery life and fast charging.
Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming.
- High-resolution video recording and editing.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Extensive media consumption (streaming, movies).
- Multitasking with resource-intensive apps.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Mi 10T 5G will be significantly cheaper used, however, used market prices fluctuate.
- How important is performance? The Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a much faster and smoother experience.
- What are your camera priorities? If you want a versatile camera system with good low-light performance and optical zoom, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is extremely tight and you only need basic functionality, the used Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G can be a viable option.
Scenario 2: Performance and Camera Focused: If you prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is the clear winner.
Scenario 3: All-Around Premium Experience: For users seeking a top-tier smartphone experience with excellent performance, a superior display, a versatile camera, long battery life, and fast charging, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is the recommended choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. While the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G might have been a decent phone in its time, the Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a far superior experience in nearly every aspect that matters to me. The combination of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, AMOLED display with high brightness, versatile camera system, and longer battery life makes it a much more compelling device. Although it's slightly heavier and lacks a macro lens, these are trade-offs I'm willing to make for the overall improved performance and user experience. The Zenfone 11 Ultra simply provides a more modern and capable smartphone experience that aligns with my needs.
