Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro and Google Pixel 8 Pro, focusing on the practical implications of their specifications:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly taller but less wide and thinner, the Pixel is more compact but a bit thicker and wider. |
| Weight | 208g | 213g | Both are relatively heavy; the Xiaomi being only 5g lighter. Minimal difference for most people. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Similar robustness, Pixel 8 Pro has a slightly more scratch resistant screen. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Minimal difference, Mi 11 Pro offers slightly more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1344x2992 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro's higher resolution results in a slightly sharper image. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 489 PPI | The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro will appear slightly sharper, but the difference is not substantial. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent colors and contrast; difference in technology is not major for user experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; identical refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 2400 nits | Pixel 8 Pro offers much better visibility in direct sunlight due to its significantly brighter screen. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4nm) | Pixel 8 Pro's newer chipset provides overall better performance and better efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 1,142,984 | Pixel 8 Pro has higher performance across the board including games and demanding apps, indicating faster app load times and smoother operation. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Pixel 8 Pro is expected to offer superior graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.95, 1/1.12" sensor, 1.4µm pixels, Samsung GN2 | 50MP f/1.69, 1/1.31" sensor, 1.2µm pixels, Samsung GNV | The Mi 11 Pro has a larger sensor which should capture more light, but the Pixel has a wider aperture; Pixel 8 Pro has more advanced processing, leading to better low-light shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP f/2.3, 1/3.4" sensor, 0.8µm pixels, Samsung S5K3T2 | 10.8MP f/2.2, 1/2.65" sensor, 1.22µm pixels, Samsung S5K3J1 | The Mi 11 Pro has higher resolution, while the Pixel has a wider aperture, larger sensor and pixel size which are beneficial for low light and portrait shots. The Pixel is expected to perform better overall. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not available | 48MP f/2.8, 1/2.55" sensor, 0.70µm pixels, Samsung S5KGM5 | Pixel 8 Pro provides dedicated telephoto zoom for superior image quality at long range. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor, 1.12µm pixels, Omnivision OV13B10 | Not available | Mi 11 Pro provides dedicated wide angle lens for expansive capture. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not available | 48MP f/1.95 | Google Pixel 8 Pro offers macro capabilities within its wide-angle lens for close-up shots. |
| Telephoto + Macro | 8MP, 1/4.4" sensor, 1.00µm pixels, Omnivision OV08A10 | Not Available | Mi 11 Pro offers a dedicated telephoto macro lens for detailed macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Mi 11 Pro has a higher maximum video resolution with 8K but lacks OIS; Pixel 8 Pro has advanced stabilization and HDR at a 4K resolution. |
| DxOMark | 124 (Mobile), photo: 118, video: 132 | 153 (Mobile), photo: 155, video: 149, 145(Selfie), photo 143, video 149 | The Pixel 8 Pro has superior image quality over the Mi 11 Pro, both in photo and video. The Pixel 8 Pro also has superior selfie capabilities. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Comparable battery life, difference is insignificant. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging, 67W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | 30W Fast Charging, 23W wireless | The Mi 11 Pro charges much faster (67W vs 30W wired and 67W vs 23W wireless) offering quick top-ups; Wireless Charging is also faster |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Faster Charging: The 67W wired and wireless charging is significantly faster, a very noticeable advantage for people on the go.
- Larger Sensor: Larger main camera sensor that might give it a slight edge in image quality in certain scenarios although this is not supported by the DxOmark results.
- Higher Resolution Screen: Slightly higher screen resolution results in a sharper image.
- More Satellites for GPS: Better and more precise location tracking.
- Telephoto + Macro Lens: For great close up shots.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The newer Tensor G3 chipset offers better overall performance and efficiency than the Snapdragon 888.
- Brighter Display: The 2400 nits brightness is ideal for outdoor use, making it much more usable in direct sunlight.
- Significantly Better Camera: The Google Pixel 8 Pro has superior image quality, video quality, and more versatile camera options across its lenses.
- Software: Latest Android version and updates, along with pixel exclusive features.
- 5G: Supports both mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G for superior connectivity.
- eSIM: Easy to change providers, especially useful when traveling.
- Longer Software Support: Google Pixel phones usually get longer software updates and support than Xiaomi phones.
- More Storage Options: Offers up to 1TB of storage for users who require more storage space.
- Pro Video Mode: Provides full manual control over video parameters and allows users to customize video profiles
- Thermometer: Can measure body temperature and other surfaces.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi: sacrifices the best performance and camera, but provides faster charging speeds and slightly sharper screen.
- Google: sacrifices charging speed and a dedicated wide-angle lens but provides better performance and a significantly better camera, alongside better software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize charging speed: Individuals who need to quickly charge their phones and are often on the go.
- Users who take lots of macro photography: The dedicated macro lenses will be very beneficial.
- Users with very specific GPS needs: The superior GPS capability will be beneficial for those requiring precise location tracking.
Users on a Budget: This device will be cheaper due to its older age.
Use Cases:
- Quickly charging between meetings
- Capturing detailed macro images of objects
- Using GPS for precise location in remote areas.
- Budget friendly users who require excellent specs for an affordable price.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Ideal Users:
- Photography enthusiasts: Individuals who want the best possible smartphone camera performance, advanced features, and consistently great photos.
- Outdoor users: Individuals who use their phones in bright sunlight and require a highly visible display.
- Performance focused users: Individuals who want smooth performance in all tasks, including gaming.
- Users who prioritize software and updates: Individuals who want the latest Android version with timely software updates.
- Users who take videos The Pixel 8 pro has better video capabilities and quality as well as OIS and EIS for smooth videos.
- Users who like to travel. The eSIM capabilities and support for more 5G bands are beneficial for travelers.
Use Cases:
* Capturing high-quality photos in various conditions.
* Using the phone outdoors in direct sunlight without visibility issues.
* Playing demanding mobile games smoothly and without lag.
* Receiving regular software and security updates from Google.
* Capturing pro level videos with full manual control.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro represents a strong value for those on a budget, offering impressive specs at a lower price.
- The Google Pixel 8 Pro is the higher-end option, offering better overall performance, a significantly better camera, and the latest software at a higher price point.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for buyers to consider, along with scenario-based recommendations:
1. How important is camera quality and advanced features to you?
- If Extremely Important: The Google Pixel 8 Pro is the clear choice with its superior camera capabilities, photo quality, and advanced features.
- If Moderately Important: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro may be sufficient if other aspects are more critical.
2. How crucial is fast charging for your daily usage?
- If Crucial: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the better choice with its very fast 67W charging.
- If Not Essential: The Google Pixel 8 Pro is an option since both phones will easily last a day.
3. Are you looking for the latest software updates and cutting-edge features?
- If Yes: The Google Pixel 8 Pro will provide the newest Android updates, advanced Google features, and a superior user experience.
- If No: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is a suitable option with its older, but still capable, software.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Travel Photographer: The Google Pixel 8 Pro due to its superior camera quality and eSIM.
- On-the-Go Professional: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro due to its faster charging speeds and slightly larger display.
- Budget Conscious Gamer: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro because of its more affordable price and reasonable specs.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Google Pixel 8 Pro for the superior camera quality and post-processing software.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Google Pixel 8 Pro.
Reasoning:
While the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers some compelling advantages like faster charging and slightly larger sensor, the Google Pixel 8 Pro excels in more critical areas that are important to my needs. The superior camera performance, brighter display, more up-to-date software, and better processor provide a significantly better overall user experience that is worth the premium. Specifically, I value the higher quality images and video, the ability to see the screen clearly in direct sunlight, and the promise of consistent software updates for years to come. As such, the Google Pixel 8 Pro would be my phone of choice.
