Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro vs. Apple iPhone SE (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | Mi 11 Pro is significantly larger and bulkier, less pocketable than the SE (2022) which is smaller and lighter. |
| Weight | 208g | 144g | iPhone SE (2022) is much lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and longer periods of holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 4.7" | Mi 11 Pro offers a large, immersive screen for media consumption and gaming. SE (2022) is more compact, suited for users preferring small phones. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 750x1334 | Mi 11 Pro has a much sharper display, leading to better clarity and detail in images and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 326 | Mi 11 Pro's higher pixel density results in noticeably sharper images. SE (2022) screen may appear slightly less refined to a discerning eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Mi 11 Pro provides richer colors, deeper blacks, better contrast, and better visibility in direct sunlight compared to the LCD of the SE (2022). |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Mi 11 Pro's smoother animations enhances the overall user experience especially in scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 Pro's significantly higher brightness allows better outdoor visibility, while the SE brightness is not specified |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Apple A15 Bionic | The Apple A15 Bionic in the iPhone SE (2022) generally provides faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 1,225,939 | Apple iPhone SE(2022) demonstrates significantly better raw performance, translating to faster operations and better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Apple GPU (4-core) | Both offer solid graphic performance, but the specific impact depends on how applications are optimized for each architecture. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" | 12.2MP, f/1.8 | Mi 11 Pro captures more detailed images thanks to higher resolution, while the SE (2022) has a wider aperture and better photo scores in tests. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3 | 7MP, f/2.2 | Mi 11 Pro provides higher resolution selfies. SE aperture is slightly wider for better low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2 | None | Mi 11 Pro offers more versatile photography with its wide-angle lens. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | None | Mi 11 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and additional detail at distance, missing in the SE. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K | Up to 4K | Mi 11 Pro supports up to 8k recording offering more flexibility in video quality, while SE offers OIS for stabilization. |
| DxOMark | Main: 124 Photo: 118 Video: 132 | Main: 100 Photo: 126 Video: 106 | Mi 11 Pro excels in video, while the iPhone SE is better in photo, based on the DxOMark scores. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 2018mAh | Mi 11 Pro has a significantly larger battery, likely to last much longer between charges. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Mi 11 Pro charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 67W | Not specified | Mi 11 Pro supports fast wireless charging as well as reverse charging capabilities which are missing on the SE. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | iOS 15.4 | Different ecosystems; user preference is key. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB | Mi 11 Pro provides more RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Both provide various storage options, with the base SE starting at 64 GB, while the base Mi 11 Pro starts at 128 GB |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution, AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate.
- Versatile Cameras: Triple-lens system with dedicated wide and telephoto lenses. Higher resolution main and selfie cameras.
- Longer Battery Life and Fast Charging: Much larger battery and faster wired and wireless charging.
- More RAM: Significantly more RAM for better multitasking.
- Audio: High-resolution audio, stereo speakers, better voice capture via triple mic.
- Build quality: Victus gorilla glass screen protection
Apple iPhone SE (2022) Advantages:
- Compact Design: Significantly smaller and lighter, easier for one-handed use.
- Faster Performance: Superior chipset performance based on benchmark scores.
- Photo score: Slightly better photo performance as shown by DxOMark.
- Software Ecosystem: Access to the iOS ecosystem.
- eSIM: Supports eSIM for digital carrier switching.
- Video Stabilization: Offers Optical Image stabilization in video recording
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 Pro sacrifices portability for a superior display and camera versatility.
- iPhone SE (2022) sacrifices screen size, camera versatility, and battery for a compact form factor and better raw performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of video content and want a large, vibrant screen.
- Photographers/Videographers: Users who need versatility in their camera system with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, and 8K video capabilities.
- Gamers: Users who appreciate a smooth, fast display and ample RAM.
- Power Users: Users who require a long battery life and fast charging.
Ideal User for Apple iPhone SE (2022):
- Users Preferring Compact Phones: Those who want a pocketable and lightweight device.
- iOS Ecosystem Devotees: Users who prefer the iOS experience.
- Performance-Focused Users: Users who prioritize raw speed and app performance over display and camera versatility.
- Users on a Budget: Those who seek an entry-level iPhone with good performance.
Specific Use Cases:
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: Watching movies, playing graphics-intensive games, capturing high-quality photos and videos, long days without charging, video conferencing and streaming via its quality mic and speakers
- Apple iPhone SE (2022): One-handed operation, quick app launching, basic photography, general use for those tied to the iOS ecosystem, and a more affordable entry point into iOS
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- Display Size & Quality: Do you prioritize a large, high-quality display for media consumption, or is a compact size more important?
- Camera Versatility vs. Simplicity: Do you need multiple lenses and advanced camera features, or are you content with a single, high-quality lens?
- Battery Life & Charging: Do you need a long battery life and fast charging, or are you okay with more modest battery performance?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Media Consumer/Gamer: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro for its superior display, battery life, and performance.
- Scenario 2: Compact Phone Lover: Choose the Apple iPhone SE (2022) for its small form factor and one-handed use.
- Scenario 3: iOS User: Choose the Apple iPhone SE (2022) to stay within the iOS ecosystem, despite other trade offs.
- Scenario 4: Photographer on the go: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro for its camera versatility, despite a lower photo score.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally select the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. My reasoning stems from a prioritization of the user experience, particularly when it comes to display quality and multimedia. While I acknowledge the appeal of the iPhone SE's compact size and faster raw performance, the immersive experience offered by the Mi 11 Pro's large, high-resolution AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a game-changer for me. As a frequent media consumer and casual gamer, the Mi 11 Pro's superior display would dramatically enhance my daily usage. Additionally, the versatility of its triple camera system and the significantly longer battery life make it a more appealing device for my needs. The Mi 11 Pro's audio capabilities with its stereo speakers and multiple microphones also contribute to a richer multimedia experience. While the iPhone SE has a more attractive price point, the user experience offered by the Mi 11 Pro is more in line with my priorities and preferences, making it the superior choice for me personally.
