1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 161.1 x 74.6 x 6.8 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly taller and noticeably thicker; X8b is slimmer and likely more pocketable. |
| Weight | 208g | 166g | Honor X8b is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus (Screen), Unspecified Body | Unspecified Screen, Unspecified Body | Mi 11 Pro's screen has better known scratch resistance, other build qualities are unknown for both. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly larger screen, but the difference is minimal. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2412 | Mi 11 Pro's higher resolution offers a much sharper and more detailed display, noticeable when viewing high-res content or text. |
| PPI | 515 | 394 | Mi 11 Pro has a significantly higher pixel density, resulting in a sharper image quality. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mi 11 Pro has smoother scrolling and animations due to a higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 2000 nits | Honor X8b is noticeably brighter, making it easier to use in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mi 11 Pro’s chipset is significantly faster, providing better performance in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, and it supports 5G. X8b is geared for basic tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 250,000 | Mi 11 Pro offers a much smoother overall experience, particularly with intensive apps and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 610 | Mi 11 Pro’s GPU is significantly more powerful for graphically intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP | 108MP | X8b's higher resolution may capture more detail in ideal conditions. Note, more pixels don't always translate to better image quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.95 | f/1.75 | X8b's wider aperture could provide slightly better low-light performance by letting in more light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.12" | Unspecified | Mi 11 Pro’s larger sensor generally captures more light and detail, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 50MP | X8b’s higher-resolution front camera may capture more detail in selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.1 | X8b has a wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Camera Resolution | 13MP | 5MP | Mi 11 Pro has a higher resolution for its wide-angle lens. |
| Macro Camera | None | 2MP | Honor X8b has a dedicated macro lens, which the Mi 11 Pro lacks. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP | None | Mi 11 Pro has a telephoto lens for zoomed photos, which the X8b lacks. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly better video recording capabilities, including 8K, higher frame rates, and HDR. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Mi 11 Pro offers superior video stabilization, resulting in less shaky footage. |
| Slow-motion | Yes, 1920 fps | Yes, 120 fps | Mi 11 Pro can record at a much higher slow-motion fps, which translates to more detailed slow-motion videos. |
| DxOMark | 124 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 132 (Video) | Not Available | Mi 11 Pro has received a high rating on DxOMark, indicating strong overall camera performance. |
| Camera Features | Extensive, including 4K, 8K, optical zoom, OIS, RAW | Basic, including HDR and face detection | Mi 11 Pro has more advanced camera features, offering greater creative control. X8b offers basic features. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Mi 11 Pro's larger battery should provide longer battery life. |
| Charging | 67W wired, 67W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | 35W wired | Mi 11 Pro has significantly faster wired and wireless charging, and reverse charging capabilities for sharing power with other devices. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging | None | Mi 11 Pro has more versatile battery options. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Honor X8b has a more modern version of Android out of the box. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Mi 11 Pro supports newer, faster Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Mi 11 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version with potentially better performance and power efficiency. |
| GPS | Comprehensive, Dual-Frequency | Basic, Dual-Frequency | Mi 11 Pro provides better location accuracy thanks to a wider range of supported systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both allow the use of two SIMs simultaneously. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | Honor X8b provides a higher storage option. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8GB | Mi 11 Pro has a 12GB variant which offers better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, so users need to choose appropriate storage capacity at purchase. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Basic Audio | Mi 11 Pro offers superior audio for playback and recording. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Honor X8b has a more modern and often faster fingerprint reader. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Mi 11 Pro has more sensors making it suitable for specific apps and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Higher Quality Display: Higher resolution and pixel density (1440x3200, 515 ppi) result in a much sharper display.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers higher video recording capabilities (8K, 4K@60fps), a dedicated telephoto lens, and more advanced features like OIS, and RAW support.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: Significantly faster wired and wireless charging speeds, plus reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Superior Audio: Higher quality audio playback, stereo speakers and improved voice capture using its 3 microphones.
- More Sensors: Wide range of sensors that makes the device more versatile for specific apps and gaming.
- Better Wi-Fi Standard: Supports Wi-Fi 6 which provides faster speeds and lower latency.
- Better Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
Honor X8b Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More portable and comfortable for extended use due to its lighter weight and slimmer profile.
- Brighter Display: The 2000 nits brightness makes it easier to use in direct sunlight.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 50MP front camera for more detailed selfies.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro camera lens for close-up photography.
- More Modern OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box.
- Higher internal storage: 512 GB option, double the max storage of the Mi 11 Pro.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Often faster and more convenient to use.
- Lower Price: Likely costs less than the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 Pro excels in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities but is heavier and thicker, and likely more expensive.
- Honor X8b is more portable, has a brighter screen and a more modern OS and an excellent selfie camera. However, it compromises on raw performance and camera features compared to the Xiaomi.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who frequently engage in demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, or multitasking with intensive applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos, including features like optical zoom, 8K video, and OIS.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who watch high-resolution content and value excellent audio quality and a vibrant display with a high refresh rate.
Honor X8b Ideal Users:
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their smartphone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want a modern device with a good display and a focus on portability without needing the highest-end performance.
- Selfie Lovers: Those who prioritize high-quality front-facing camera performance and good low light performance.
- Users needing high display brightness: Users who are often using their phone in bright, outdoor environments.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mi 11 Pro: Gaming, professional video creation, high-resolution media consumption, detailed photography, and demanding multitasking.
- Honor X8b: Casual social media use, bright sunlight readability, comfortable handling for extended periods, and basic photography.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you need high performance for demanding tasks (gaming, video editing)? If yes, the Mi 11 Pro is the better choice.
- Do you prioritize a very bright display for outdoor use and a light design for comfort? If yes, the Honor X8b excels here.
- What is your budget? The Honor X8b will likely be the more affordable option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (High Performance & Media Creation): If you need top-tier performance, a high-quality display, advanced camera features, and are willing to pay more, choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
- Scenario 2 (Everyday Use & Portability): If you prioritize portability, a very bright screen, and a good selfie camera, while needing less power, opt for the Honor X8b.
- Scenario 3 (Budget-Conscious with Decent Features): If your budget is limited, the Honor X8b provides a good balance of features without breaking the bank.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would opt for the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. Here's why:
While the Honor X8b offers a lighter design, brighter screen, and a better selfie camera, the performance difference is too significant to overlook. As a user who values smooth performance for demanding apps, gaming, and a high-quality media experience, the Mi 11 Pro's Snapdragon 888 chipset, high-resolution display, and advanced camera capabilities make it the better option. The better Wi-Fi standard and the superior audio playback quality on the Mi 11 Pro also appeal to my usage patterns. Although the Mi 11 Pro is older, its specifications and features offer much better value for users who require a high-performance device, as long as budget is not a primary consideration.
