Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro vs. Huawei nova 11
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Huawei nova 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 161.3 x 75 x 6.9 mm | Xiaomi is taller and thicker, Huawei is slimmer and more pocketable. |
| Weight | 208g | 168g | Huawei is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Xiaomi offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1084 x 2412 | Xiaomi provides significantly sharper images and text due to higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 391 PPI | Xiaomi’s display will appear noticeably clearer, especially for reading and detailed graphics. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent color and contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 950 nits | Xiaomi is significantly brighter, much better for outdoor visibility in sunny conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Snapdragon 778G 4G (6nm) | Xiaomi offers higher performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 587,561 | Xiaomi is considerably faster, resulting in smoother app launching and better multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | Xiaomi’s GPU is more powerful, providing better graphics performance for games and other GPU-intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Xiaomi’s larger battery offers potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 67W wired, 67W wireless, 10W reverse | 66W wired, reverse charging | Xiaomi provides both faster wired and wireless charging and reverse wireless, offering more flexibility. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12", 1.4µm | 50MP, f/1.9, (sensor size and model missing) | Xiaomi’s larger sensor likely captures more light, but the lack of info on the Huawei's sensor makes it difficult to make a full assessment. |
| Front Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 60MP, f/2.4, 1/2.8", 0.61µm | Huawei offers higher resolution and a larger sensor for better low-light selfies, but the aperture is narrower. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | None | Xiaomi has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in a scene. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, (sensor model and pixel size missing) | Huawei includes a combo wide-angle and macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Telephoto+ Macro | 8MP, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | None | Xiaomi has a telephoto zoom lens for close ups |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | 720p@960fps with EIS | Xiaomi allows higher resolution video capture and has more capabilities for video content creators |
| DXOMark | 124 | N/A | Xiaomi's camera has been independently tested and rated, which is a good indicator of performance compared to the unrated Huawei. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | Huawei provides a 512GB option for users who need substantial storage. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 6/8/12GB | Both offer adequate RAM for multitasking; the 12 GB variants are better for heavy use. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, requiring careful consideration of internal storage needs. |
| Audio | Hi-Res, Stereo speakers, 3 mics | Stereo speakers | Xiaomi offers better sound recording and playback with Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers and 3 microphones. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | (Unknown) | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is running Android 11 while the Huawei's OS is unknown. This impacts how updated the phone is. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly better processing power and graphics performance compared to the Snapdragon 778G, resulting in snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Superior Display: The higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness make the display noticeably sharper and more visible, especially outdoors.
- Better Camera System: The Xiaomi includes a dedicated wide-angle lens and telephoto, offers 8k video, higher DXOmark scores, more camera options and features, making it better for versatile photography and videography.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: Xiaomi offers faster wired and wireless charging, plus reverse wireless charging, providing much more flexible battery options.
- Better Audio Features: The Xiaomi has Hi-Res Audio and 3 microphones for improved sound quality and recording.
- Screen protection: The Xiaomi comes with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection making it more resistant to scratches and cracks.
Huawei nova 11 Advantages:
- Lighter and Slimmer Design: The phone is much more pocketable and comfortable for extended use.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: The 60MP front camera should provide more detailed selfies, especially in good lighting.
- Larger Storage Option: The 512GB option is ideal for users with extensive storage needs, but this does come at a cost.
- Lower Weight: This phone is 40 grams lighter making it much easier to hold and carry around.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is bulkier and heavier but provides superior performance, screen, cameras and battery features.
- The Huawei nova 11 has a more convenient size but compromises on power, camera versatility, display and charging speed.
- The Xiaomi's main camera specs are better known, so we know that it includes an excellent sensor, but we don't know the same for the Huawei.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is Ideal For:
- Power Users & Gamers: Those who demand the best performance for demanding games and applications.
- Content Creators: Users who need high-quality video recording, photography, and fast file transfer times.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who prioritize display quality for movies and TV shows.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: People who need a bright screen that is visible in direct sunlight.
- Users who prioritize versatility and power: With its versatile camera system, multiple charging options and powerful performance, this is a phone for those who need it all.
Huawei nova 11 is Ideal For:
- Users who value Slim Design: Those who need a lightweight phone that fits comfortably in pockets.
- Selfie Lovers: Users who prioritize high-resolution front camera for detailed selfies.
- Users with extensive storage needs: Those who need the large 512 GB storage option for apps, pictures, and videos.
- Casual users who don't need top-tier performance: If you're not a heavy gamer or content creator, then this will be a phone that works for all your needs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- How important is performance? If high performance is critical for gaming or other demanding tasks, the Xiaomi is the clear winner. If performance is not as critical, then the Huawei is an option.
- What is the primary use case for the camera? If versatile photography and video recording are priorities, the Xiaomi is the better choice. If primarily selfies are the focus, the Huawei might be adequate.
- How much storage do you need, and how much is portability important? If you need 512GB of storage the Huawei is the only choice here. If portability is more important than performance, the Huawei is the better choice because of its light and slim design.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power user/gamer needs: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. It provides the best performance, display, and overall features for demanding users.
- Scenario 2: Casual user, who takes many selfies: Choose the Huawei nova 11. It's lighter, slimmer, and has a high-resolution front camera, and a large storage option.
- Scenario 3: User who wants the best of all worlds: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. It provides more versatility in the camera department, plus more battery features.
What I Would Choose and Why
Given my focus on performance, versatile camera capabilities, and excellent display quality for media consumption, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. While I appreciate the Huawei nova 11's lighter design and higher-resolution selfie camera, the Xiaomi's superior chipset, significantly brighter and sharper display, and its more comprehensive camera system, combined with faster charging and better sound, align more with my primary needs for a top performing smartphone. The lack of information for the Huawei's main camera sensor and operating system makes the choice more difficult as well. The Xiaomi is clearly the more versatile and powerful smartphone.
