1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro and Huawei nova Y90 specifications, focusing on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | Very similar sizes, should feel almost identical in hand. |
| Weight | 208g | 195g | The Huawei is slightly lighter which could be noticeable over long periods. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Xiaomi has a marginally larger display, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2388 | The Xiaomi offers significantly sharper visuals. Text and images will appear much clearer. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 391 PPI | The Xiaomi has a much more detailed screen, enhancing clarity for detailed content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi's AMOLED provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better contrast, enhancing the overall visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The Xiaomi offers smoother scrolling, animations, and improved responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi's superior brightness makes the screen easily viewable in bright outdoor conditions. (Huawei's brightness is not provided) |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G | The Xiaomi's chipset is much more powerful, offering significantly faster performance in all tasks, from gaming to app loading. |
| Antutu Score | 854,267 | 249,000 | Xiaomi provides a much smoother user experience, with vastly superior gaming and multitasking capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 610 | Xiaomi's GPU will handle graphically intensive tasks, such as gaming or video editing, much better. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life under normal use. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | Xiaomi will charge significantly faster, getting you back up and running in less time. |
| Features | 67W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wireless | None | Xiaomi can be charged wirelessly and can even charge other devices wirelessly. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" sensor, 1.40µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.70µm pixels | Xiaomi has a larger sensor and pixels, promising better low-light performance, despite the slightly narrower aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" sensor, 0.8µm pixels | 8MP, f/2.0 | Xiaomi's higher resolution and larger sensor should deliver superior selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm pixels | N/A | Xiaomi offers an additional ultrawide lens for more versatile photography. |
| Telephoto + Macro | 8MP, 1/4.4", 1.00µm pixels | N/A | Xiaomi includes a telephoto/macro lens for zoomed and detailed close up shots. |
| Secondary Camera | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei has a secondary camera whose purpose and benefits are unclear |
| Tertiary Camera | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei has a tertiary camera whose purpose and benefits are unclear |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi provides superior video recording quality, supporting higher resolutions and better stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | 124 Mobile, 118 Photo, 132 Video | N/A | Xiaomi's superior scores indicate excellent photo and video capabilities. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 | Unknown | Xiaomi offers a known Android experience, while information is missing for Huawei. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Xiaomi offers faster Wi-Fi speeds for compatible routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with APT-x, LDAC, AAC | 5.0 with EDR | Xiaomi supports higher quality audio codecs for better sound with compatible devices. |
| GPS | Extensive, including L1+L5 | Standard set | Xiaomi provides more precise location tracking. |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB | Xiaomi offers a 256GB option for those needing more space. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Xiaomi provides more RAM for better multitasking and more demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | Xiaomi provides a better audio experience through higher quality and stereo sound. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Huawei's fingerprint sensor is more convenient for daily use. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi offers better scratch resistance and durability for the display. |
| Sensors | Includes Heart Rate Sensor and Gyroscope | Includes Ultrasonic Proximity, Gravity | Xiaomi is better for gaming and health tracking, while Huawei has a basic proximity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, better technology (AMOLED), higher refresh rate, and much higher brightness for excellent visuals in all conditions.
- Significantly Better Performance: Flagship chipset and GPU result in a much faster and smoother experience for all tasks.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution main sensor, dedicated telephoto/macro and wide-angle lenses, superior video capabilities, and better image quality, including better low light performance.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Significantly faster charging and the addition of wireless charging.
- Enhanced Audio: High-resolution audio, stereo speakers, for better sound quality.
- Better Connectivity: More advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- More RAM/Storage options: Options for more RAM and storage space.
Huawei nova Y90 Advantages:
- Lighter Build: Slightly lighter which may make it more comfortable for some during prolonged use.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint: More ergonomic fingerprint sensor location.
- Lower Price Point: Likely to be more affordable.
- Has 2 additional cameras: Although their benefits are unclear, it has 2 additional lenses.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is likely much more expensive than the Huawei nova Y90.
- The Huawei nova Y90 is significantly less powerful, has a poorer display and a less impressive camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, and users who value the best possible display and performance.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming with high frame rates and graphic settings.
- Professional photo and video creation.
- Watching high-resolution content with vibrant colours.
- Multitasking with demanding applications.
- Users that like to use the latest features and connectivity.
- Users who need high screen brightness outdoors.
- Price-to-Value: Offers top-tier performance and features, justifying its high price for demanding users.
Huawei nova Y90:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users looking for a decent daily driver, who do not require high performance.
- Use Cases:
- General daily usage like social media, web browsing, and messaging.
- Casual photography and video recording.
- Users seeking longer battery life and a reliable smartphone.
- Users not interested in advanced gaming or video capture
- Price-to-Value: Suitable for users seeking a more affordable option with basic features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Mi 11 Pro is likely significantly more expensive.
- How important is performance? If you're a gamer or power user, the Mi 11 Pro is necessary.
- How important is camera and display quality? The Mi 11 Pro is far superior in both areas.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I need the best performance and camera for gaming and photography". Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: "I just need a reliable phone for basic daily tasks and don't want to spend too much." Recommendation: Huawei nova Y90 is suitable.
- Scenario 3: "I want a smooth display and good battery life." Recommendation: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro provides these in addition to significantly more capabilities.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro without hesitation. While the Huawei nova Y90 is likely cheaper, the difference in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities is so significant that it is worth the extra investment.
The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers a superior experience in almost every aspect. The smoother and more responsive display, significantly faster performance for gaming and everyday use, the better camera system, and the much faster charging make it a more future-proof option that will enhance my daily use.
The improved audio quality, better connectivity options, and the added features like wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, all contribute to a much better user experience. The only benefit of the Huawei nova Y90 is a side mounted fingerprint sensor. While convenient, it is not worth the severe drop in performance and quality in all other areas.
While the price would likely be higher, the overall value offered by the Mi 11 Pro is undeniable. It delivers a more powerful and satisfying experience across the board.
