Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro vs. Blackview A96
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Blackview A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-02 | 2023-09-01 | Blackview A96 is significantly newer, potentially with longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 161.8 x 74.2 x 8.6 mm | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is slightly taller, but both are similar in width and thickness. |
| Weight | 208g | 193.9g | Blackview A96 is slightly lighter, which may be more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.5" | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a larger display, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers sharper visuals, noticeably better for text and detail. |
| PPI | 515 | 405 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has significantly higher pixel density, resulting in clearer and crisper images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has superior display technology offering better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers dramatically better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a flagship-level chipset, significantly faster and more powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 423,393 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is much faster for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a more powerful GPU for better graphics performance in games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4380mAh | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers potentially longer battery life due to its larger capacity. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Features | 67W wireless charging, 10W reverse-wireless, Reverse charging | Non-removable | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers versatile charging options and can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" | 48MP, f/1.6, 1/2" | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has larger sensor and larger pixel size for better low-light performance. |
| Front Selfie | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | 16MP, 1/3" | Blackview A96 has a slightly larger pixel size for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | 8MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has higher resolution and wider aperture for better quality wide-angle shots. |
| Macro | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Blackview A96 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, 1/4.4" | None | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro provides telephoto capabilities for zoomed shots. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1440p@30fps | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has significantly better video recording capabilities and higher resolution. |
| DXOMARK | Main 124, Photo 118, Video 132 | Not tested | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has been professionally tested and scores significantly higher in the camera department. |
| Features | OIS, Laser AF, RAW, 8K Video, Optical zoom, Digital zoom | Autofocus, HDR | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro provides more advanced camera features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Blackview A96 has a newer operating system, potentially with more recent features and updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro supports faster Wi-Fi standard with better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a more advanced Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | More systems | Basic systems | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has better GPS accuracy due to additional satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256GB | Both phones have a maximum of 256GB of storage. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/12GB | Both offer good multitasking with either 8 or 12 GB of RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has better audio with Hi-Res Audio support, better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Blackview A96 offers slightly more modern fingerprint scanner placement. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has better screen protection, potentially more resistant to damage |
| Sensors | |||
| Biometric: Fingerprint, Heart Rate; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro includes a Heart Rate sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution AMOLED with much higher brightness, offering significantly better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Flagship Performance: Significantly faster Snapdragon 888 chipset, better for gaming and demanding applications.
- Advanced Camera System: Better main, wide-angle, and telephoto lenses, with 8K video recording and advanced features like OIS and Laser AF resulting in better quality and flexibility.
- Faster Charging: 67W wired and wireless charging, significantly reducing charging times and offering convenient wireless options.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio, stereo speakers, 3 microphones, offering better sound quality and voice recording.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 providing more reliable performance.
- Advanced GPS: More satellite systems providing better positioning accuracy.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering more protection against scratches and drops.
Practical Implications: The Mi 11 Pro is a powerhouse for users wanting a premium smartphone experience. It excels in tasks where screen quality, processing power, camera performance and charging speeds are important.
Blackview A96 Advantages:
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13, potentially with more recent features, updates, and security patches.
- Lighter Weight: Lighter which could be better for extended use.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Slightly more ergonomic placement than a basic fingerprint sensor.
- Lower Price: Likely positioned as a budget phone offering better value to price ratio.
Practical Implications: The A96 focuses on being a reliable smartphone with a newer OS, a lower price point, and basic features, ideal for general usage.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a much higher price point and is an older phone.
- The Blackview A96 sacrifices display quality, camera capabilities, processing power, charging speed, wireless charging for its price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who require high performance for gaming, video editing, or demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize image quality and want advanced camera features.
- Media Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos, browse photos, and value a high-quality display.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the best performance, features, and connectivity options.
Use Cases: Gaming, professional photography/videography, content creation, and heavy multitasking.
Blackview A96 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Individuals looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Basic Users: Those who mainly use their phone for calls, messaging, social media, and basic browsing.
- Users focused on Newer Software: Those who prioritize having a more modern version of Android.
- Users needing a lighter phone: Those who need a lighter device due to prolonged usage.
Use Cases: Everyday communication, social media browsing, light gaming, and general usage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What's my budget? The Mi 11 Pro is likely significantly more expensive.
- What are my performance needs? Do I need top-tier performance or is basic functionality sufficient?
- How important is camera quality? Do I need advanced features and high video recording capabilities?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance & Camera: If performance, display quality, and a top-tier camera are a priority, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the clear choice, despite being an older model.
- Scenario 2: Budget & Basic Needs: If your budget is tight and your needs are basic, the Blackview A96 offers a decent user experience.
- Scenario 3: Best Value: If you want a balance of features and value and not worried about the age of the phone, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is recommended for its high quality build and features.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. Despite being an older model, the sheer gap in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and charging speed makes it a more compelling option for my needs. While the Blackview A96 offers a newer operating system and slightly lighter weight, these are not as critical as the other factors for my use case. I want a device that provides excellent performance in all areas, and the Mi 11 Pro delivers on this promise. The superior display, significantly faster processor, better camera, and significantly faster charging provide a much more premium experience. Although the Mi 11 Pro is an older device, it still has impressive specifications that surpass most budget devices. If I were choosing purely on price, the Blackview would be a solid choice, but I would want the Xiaomi for my own personal use.
