1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Honor 50 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 160 x 73.8 x 7.8 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly larger and thicker; Honor 50 is more compact. |
| Weight | 208g | 175g | Honor 50 feels lighter and more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.57" | Mi 11 Pro offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2340 | Mi 11 Pro has a much sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 392 PPI | Mi 11 Pro offers a noticeably sharper viewing experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar quality displays, both offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 Pro has vastly superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Honor 50 brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 778G 5G | Mi 11 Pro offers higher performance, better for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 582,766 | Mi 11 Pro will load apps and games faster and handle heavy tasks more smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | Mi 11 Pro has a more powerful GPU, giving better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | |||
| Resolution | 50MP | 108MP | Honor 50 captures higher-resolution photos with more detail, while Mi 11 Pro has a much larger sensor for better light capture. |
| Aperture | f/1.95 | f/1.9 | Honor 50 has a slightly wider aperture, for better low light performance. |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.12" | 1/1.52" | Mi 11 Pro's larger sensor captures more light, improving low-light photography. |
| Selfie Camera | |||
| Resolution | 20MP | 32MP | Honor 50 has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.2 | Honor 50 has a wider aperture. |
| Other Cameras | |||
| Wide Angle | 13MP | 8MP | Mi 11 Pro captures wider scenes with more detail. |
| Portrait (Depth) | N/A | 2MP | Honor 50 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP | Honor 50 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Telephoto/Macro | 8MP | N/A | Mi 11 Pro provides telephoto zoom and macro capabilities with a dedicated lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Mi 11 Pro is capable of recording much higher quality video than Honor 50. |
| DxOMark Score | 124 | N/A | Mi 11 Pro camera performance is significantly higher than Honor 50 camera, per benchmark tests. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | Mi 11 Pro will likely have better battery life, lasting longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 67W wired, 67W wireless | 66W wired | Mi 11 Pro has slightly faster wired charging and also features wireless charging. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Charging | Reverse Charging | Mi 11 Pro supports both wired and wireless charging with reverse charging capabilities, while Honor 50 supports wired and reverse charging only. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both run on Android 11, although the user interface may differ. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support modern high-speed WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, AAC) | 5.2 (APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC) | Both support high-quality audio codecs; Mi 11 Pro has added A2DP support, and low-energy profiles. Honor 50 includes SBC. |
| GPS | L1+L5 | L1+L5 | Mi 11 Pro has more GPS satellites and systems, offering better accuracy and precision. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Storage Options | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM Options | 8/12GB | 6/8/12GB | Similar RAM options are available, which greatly help with multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards, limiting storage after purchase. |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Hi-Res Audio | Mi 11 Pro has a better audio experience, particularly when listening without headphones, plus 3 microphones. |
| Security & Build | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both phones have standard fingerprint sensors. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 Pro has a superior level of screen protection against drops and scratches. |
| Heart Rate Sensor | Yes | No | Mi 11 Pro has additional heart-rate monitoring capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and significantly higher brightness. Practical impact: Sharper text and images, excellent visibility in direct sunlight.
- Higher Performance: Faster processor and GPU. Practical impact: Smoother app performance, better gaming, more responsive UI.
- Better Camera System: Larger main camera sensor, telephoto lens, 8K video. Practical impact: Better low-light photos, more zoom options, professional-grade video recording.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery, plus wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. Practical impact: Longer battery life, more flexible charging options.
- Premium Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, Heart Rate sensor. Practical impact: More durable screen and health tracking capabilities.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo Speakers. Practical impact: More immersive audio experience without headphones.
Honor 50 Advantages:
- Lighter & More Compact: More comfortable to hold for extended periods. Practical impact: Easier to handle with one hand.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP sensor. Practical impact: More detailed photos in good lighting conditions.
- Dedicated Macro Lens and Depth Sensor: Practical impact: Provides better close-up shots and improved portrait photography.
- Slightly wider apertures on main and selfie cameras: Practical impact: Slightly better low-light performance compared to the Mi 11 Pro.
- More affordable: Practical impact: Potentially more accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: Bulkier, heavier, potentially more expensive.
- Honor 50: Lower display quality, weaker performance, less versatile camera, lower battery capacity, unknown screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users, photographers, mobile gamers, media consumers, professionals that need high-quality video.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming: Smooth performance, high refresh rate, and a powerful GPU.
- Photography and Videography: Excellent main camera, telephoto lens, 8K recording.
- Media consumption: Large, high-resolution display, stereo speakers.
- Outdoor use: Excellent screen brightness in direct sunlight.
- Users requiring long battery life with wireless charging.
- Price-to-Value: Justified for users who prioritize performance and media quality.
Honor 50:
- Ideal User: Casual users, social media enthusiasts, those wanting a lighter and more compact phone.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks: Browsing, social media, messaging, standard applications.
- Casual photography: Decent all-around camera for social media and casual photos.
- Users that want a lighter and more comfortable device.
- Users that want a dedicated macro and portrait sensor.
- Price-to-Value: Higher value for users who do not need top-tier performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is display quality and outdoor visibility? (Mi 11 Pro has a much brighter and sharper screen)
- What type of performance is needed? (Mi 11 Pro is better for gaming, heavy apps and multitasking)
- How much does camera versatility matter? (Mi 11 Pro is better in general but lacks dedicated macro and portrait)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming & High Performance: If you prioritize gaming and smooth performance, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2: Everyday Use & Portability: If you need a reliable phone for daily use, prefer lighter devices, and plan on doing basic photography, the Honor 50 is a solid choice.
- Scenario 3: Premium Mobile Photography and Videography: If you need high quality video and a large sensor for better low light performance, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the obvious choice.
- Scenario 4: Casual Photography on a Budget: If you are on a budget, but still want a respectable camera for photos and selfies, and don't mind a weaker chipset, the Honor 50 is a good option.
My Choice
Based on the analysis, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. While both phones have their merits, the Mi 11 Pro's superior display, significantly faster performance, more versatile camera system with 8K video, wireless charging, and higher build quality make it a more compelling option for my needs. The larger display and stereo speakers are ideal for media consumption and the more robust camera and performance are important for someone who values those features.
The Honor 50, while lighter and more affordable, compromises on too many core areas that I value, such as display sharpness, camera quality and performance. Though the Honor 50 is lighter and has dedicated macro and portrait sensors, it's not enough to offset the Mi 11 Pro's other advantages. For me, the investment in the Mi 11 Pro's better overall performance and features would be worth the extra cost.
