1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly taller; both are similar in width and thickness; Mi 11 Pro might feel slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 208g | 190g | nova 8i is 18g lighter, likely more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Glass Front, Aluminum Frame | Plastic frame, plastic back | Mi 11 Pro has a more premium feel and better durability, the Nova 8i has a more basic build. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 Pro provides significantly better scratch and impact protection for the screen. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.67" | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2376 | Mi 11 Pro has a noticeably sharper display with significantly more detail, ideal for media consumption and reading. |
| PPI | 515 | 391 | Mi 11 Pro's higher pixel density translates to crisper text and images, better clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Mi 11 Pro boasts superior blacks, contrast, and vibrant colors, better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Mi 11 Pro offers smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 Pro has significantly brighter display making it very usable under direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mi 11 Pro delivers significantly faster performance, better for demanding games, heavy apps, multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 201,000 | Mi 11 Pro is much faster in real-world usage; apps load quicker, smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 610 | Mi 11 Pro offers considerably better graphics performance for gaming and GPU-intensive apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.95, 1/1.12" sensor, 1.4µm pixels, Samsung GN2 | 64MP f/1.9, 0.8µm pixels | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a larger sensor, which typically translates to better low-light performance, while nova 8i has higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP f/2.3, 1/3.4" sensor, 0.8µm pixels, Samsung S5K3T2 | 16MP f/2.0 | Mi 11 Pro has higher resolution; nova 8i has a wider aperture which can result in better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor, 1.12µm pixels, Omnivision OV13B10 | 8MP f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | Mi 11 Pro offers higher resolution, allowing for more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Additional Cameras | 8MP Telephoto + macro lens | 2MP Portrait, 2MP Macro | Mi 11 Pro features a telephoto lens for zoomed shots; nova 8i has depth and macro sensors for specific effects. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Mi 11 Pro offers professional-grade video recording; nova 8i is limited to basic video capabilities. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has better image stabilization for videos. |
| DXOMark | 124 Mobile, 118 Photo, 132 Video | Not Available | Mi 11 Pro offers well-rounded imaging performance; note that DXOMark scores are based on comprehensive camera testing protocols. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | Mi 11 Pro offers a larger battery, likely providing longer usage times between charges. |
| Charging | 67W fast, 67W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | 66W fast | Mi 11 Pro charges slightly faster with a wired charger and also provides wireless charging and reverse wireless charging options. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate, higher resolution and brightness provides a much better viewing experience with richer colors, sharper images, and smooth animations, especially useful for media consumption and gaming.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Snapdragon 888 chipset offers a massive performance leap, ensuring smooth multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming.
- Premium Build Quality: More premium build materials make the device more durable, and adds to the premium feel of the device.
- Advanced Camera System: Better main camera, telephoto lens, 8K video, and more advanced stabilization offers significantly greater versatility and image quality.
- Faster & Wireless Charging: Offers both faster wired and wireless charging, adding convenience.
- More Connectivity Features Supports newer WiFi and GPS systems.
- Hi-Res Audio: Features a much better audio playback quality and better voice capturing.
Huawei nova 8i Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use, especially for those who prefer a lighter phone.
- Lower Price: The Huawei Nova 8i is generally more affordable.
- Macro & Depth Lenses Offers dedicated macro and depth sensors which might be better for some users depending on preferences.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor Provides faster and more comfortable unlocking experience.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 Pro sacrifices weight and a bit of physical comfort for its powerful specs.
- Nova 8i compromises on performance, display quality and camera versatility for a lower price and lighter feel.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Ideal User:
- Power Users: Gamers, multitaskers, and users who demand top performance.
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing, and reading.
- Photography/Videography Lovers: Users who need versatile camera capabilities, including telephoto zoom and 8K video.
- Users who want premium build quality
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming at high settings with smooth frame rates.
- Professional-level photo and video capture with high detail and dynamic range.
- Immersive media consumption with vibrant colors and sharp detail.
- Heavy multitasking with seamless performance.
Huawei nova 8i Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a more affordable option with decent features.
- Casual Users: Users who prioritize basic functionality, such as social media browsing, calls, and messaging.
- Users Preferring a Lighter Phone: Those who value a lighter and more comfortable phone for daily use.
- Users who like a side-mounted fingerprint scanner: For a more convenient unlocking experience.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like social media, emails, and calls.
- Casual photography for social media sharing.
- Basic media consumption.
- A device that is not too heavy and comfortable to hold for long periods of time.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a new phone?
- Performance Needs: Do you require top-tier performance for gaming and demanding apps, or is basic functionality sufficient?
- Display Quality: How important is a high-quality display for your daily use?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance Gaming and Media Consumption: If you want the best possible gaming, display quality, and camera experience, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the clear winner despite the higher price.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Casual User: If you are on a tight budget and need a lighter phone for basic tasks, the Huawei nova 8i is a reasonable option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Use: If you value some premium features and performance, consider researching other mid-range models that might provide a better balance between price and performance, as both of these options lean more toward one side of the spectrum.
Final Decision
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. The difference in performance, display quality and camera capability is far too significant to ignore. While it is heavier and more expensive, the vastly superior experience across all other categories makes it a far more worthwhile option. The Mi 11 Pro's superior performance means it will last much longer before needing to be replaced and provide a better all round user experience. While the Huawei Nova 8i is an acceptable budget option, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers a much better value for money and a much more satisfying user experience overall, so it's worth spending the extra money for a much better phone.
