1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Asus Zenfone 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 146.5 × 68.1 × 9.1 mm | Xiaomi is larger, might be less comfortable in hand for some. Asus is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 208g | 169g | Asus is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use and carrying. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 5.9" | Xiaomi offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. Asus is more compact, easier for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi has a sharper and more detailed display, better for visual clarity. |
| PPI | 515 | 445 | Xiaomi provides a crisper visual experience due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 1100 nits | Xiaomi's screen is much brighter, significantly better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Asus has a newer and more powerful chip, resulting in faster app loading and better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 1,232,500 | Asus will generally perform faster and handle demanding tasks more smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Asus's newer GPU offers better graphics performance for gaming and intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | Xiaomi has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Xiaomi charges much faster than Asus. |
| Features | 67W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | None | Xiaomi has added convenience features. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" sensor | Xiaomi has a larger sensor that captures more light, potentially better in low-light conditions. Asus has wider aperture which helps in low light. |
| Selfie | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" sensor | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93" sensor | Xiaomi has higher resolution. Asus has larger pixel size and larger sensor, potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor | None | Xiaomi has a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | Asus has a wide-angle + Macro lens. |
| Telephoto + macro | 8MP, 1/4.4" sensor | None | Xiaomi has a dedicated telephoto + macro camera. |
| Video | Up to 8K 24fps | Up to 8K 24fps, 4k 120 fps | Both phones offer similar high-quality video recording, but Asus has a higher frame rate at 4K. |
| DXOMark | 124 (Mobile) | Not tested | Xiaomi camera is tested and has score of 124 on DXOMark |
| Features | Optical Zoom, Triple Camera, Laser AF | Gimbal, Dual Camera | Xiaomi has more traditional camera features while Asus features gimbal stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | Asus has newer OS and will get more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support fast Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both offer same Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | L1+L5, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | L1+L5, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Asus offers more accurate location. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer same internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/16GB | Asus offers higher RAM option. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Asus has noise cancellation microphone for clearer calls |
| Security | |||
| Features | In-display Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Asus has side-mounted fingerprint sensor while Xiaomi has in-display fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have durable screen glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Xiaomi includes Heart Rate sensor. Asus features additional Gravity and Hall sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Larger, Higher-Resolution Display: Offers a more immersive experience for media consumption and better visual clarity.
- Brighter Screen: Significantly better visibility in bright sunlight, making it suitable for outdoor use.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Longer battery life and much quicker charging for those on the go.
- Wireless & Reverse Charging: Added convenience for charging other devices and more charging options.
- Triple Camera Setup: Offers more versatile photography with dedicated telephoto and ultrawide lenses.
- Heart Rate Sensor: Unique health feature.
- Higher DXOMark Camera score: Shows a better all-around camera experience in testing
Asus Zenfone 9 Advantages:
- More Powerful Processor: Faster performance and smoother operation in demanding tasks and gaming.
- Lighter and More Compact Design: More comfortable in hand and easier to carry, ideal for one-handed use.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 12 (upgradable to 14) offering newer features and likely better software support.
- Gimbal Stabilization: Improved video stabilization and smooth video capture.
- Additional Sensors: More comprehensive sensor suite.
- Faster 4k 120 fps video recording: better quality and slow motion for videos.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi: Larger size and weight, older OS.
- Asus: Smaller screen, less impressive camera, slightly slower charging, shorter battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Ideal User: Media consumers, gamers, photography enthusiasts who value screen size and battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos on a large, high-resolution screen.
- Playing graphics-intensive games without worrying about battery drain.
- Taking varied photos with its triple-lens setup and telephoto lens.
- Users who want a bright screen for outdoor viewing.
- Users who want wireless charging and power sharing capabilities
- Value: Offers a premium experience with great screen, battery, and cameras.
Asus Zenfone 9:
- Ideal User: Power users who value performance, portability, and a smooth user experience.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding tasks and mobile gaming.
- One-handed use and comfortable carrying.
- Users who want the latest Android version and updates.
- Users who prioritize stability and good video quality.
- Users who want additional sensors for better accuracy in their tasks.
- Value: A top performer in a small, well-rounded package.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What size phone do you prefer? (Larger for immersive or smaller for portability)
- Is performance or battery life more important? (Power for speed or capacity for endurance)
- What is more important for you? Camera versatility or video stability?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Mobile Gaming, Video Creation & Heavy Usage: If you prioritize top-tier performance, want a smooth video experience, and don't mind slightly shorter battery life, the Asus Zenfone 9 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption, Outdoor Use, All day use and charging on the go: If you prioritize screen size, brightness, battery life, and versatile camera options, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: For a mix of features and good camera quality, Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has the advantage with a better camera score.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 9. While the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a larger and brighter display and a more versatile camera system, the Zenfone 9's compact size, significantly faster processor, and newer OS are more important to me. As a power user, I value a phone that is both convenient to use and can handle demanding tasks without any lag. The higher frame rate 4k video, newer OS, and additional sensors make the Zenfone 9 more appealing for my specific needs, even though it requires a slight compromise in battery capacity and screen size. For me, the increase in performance with the 8+ gen 1 chip combined with the compact form factor, outweighs the advantages of the Xiaomi.
