1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Motorola Edge 20 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 163 × 76 × 7 mm | Xiaomi is slightly taller and thicker, Motorola is wider, Xiaomi has larger overall volume, Motorola is slimmer. |
| Weight | 208g | 163g | Motorola is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Xiaomi offers a slightly larger screen, which can be better for media consumption or multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi's higher resolution provides a sharper image with more detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 385 | Xiaomi's higher PPI results in visibly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both provide excellent colors and contrast; difference is minimal in practical use |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola's 144Hz refresh rate provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi's significantly higher brightness ensures better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 778G 5G | Xiaomi has a more powerful chipset for demanding tasks like gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 589,200 | Xiaomi has higher performance for faster app loading and smoother overall experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | Xiaomi has a more powerful GPU, leading to better gaming performance and smoother graphics. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4020mAh | Xiaomi's larger battery offers longer battery life, lasting through heavy usage days. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Xiaomi's 67W charging fills the battery significantly faster than Motorola's 30W charging. |
| Wireless Charging | 67W wireless, 10W reverse | No Wireless Charging | Xiaomi can wirelessly charge and reverse wirelessly charge, offering more convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, 1/1.12" | 108MP, 1/1.52" | Motorola has higher resolution, Xiaomi has a larger sensor, impacting low-light performance and dynamic range. Xiaomi has larger pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP | 32MP | Motorola captures slightly more detailed selfies with higher resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP tele + macro | 8MP telephoto | Xiaomi offers a dedicated telephoto + macro lens while the Motorola offers just telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP | 16MP wide angle+macro | Xiaomi offers a dedicated wide angle lens while the Motorola offers a wide angle+macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps | 4K@30fps | Xiaomi supports higher video resolution and has better stabilisation, great for video creators. |
| DxoMark | Main: 124, Photo:118, Video:132 | Not Tested | Xiaomi has a DxO score of 124 overall with photo score of 118 and video of 132 while the Motorola was not tested. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 with update to 12 | Motorola is upgradeable to android 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both phones offer similar high-speed WiFi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both have the latest Bluetooth standard with similar audio codecs. Motorola has an additional SBC audio codec |
| GPS | L1/L5 Dual-band | Standard GPS | Xiaomi offers more advanced dual-band GPS for more precise location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | Xiaomi offers more RAM, better for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo | Basic audio features | Xiaomi has better audio features with stereo speakers, high-res audio, and multiple microphones, better for immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted | Motorola has a more convenient and advanced side-mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi has much better screen protection for higher durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate; Proximity; Motion | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity; Motion, Gravity | Xiaomi has additional Heart Rate sensor while the Motorola has Gravity sensor. Both phones have similar sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness for a crisper, clearer, and more visible screen, particularly in sunlight.
- Stronger Performance: More powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset and Adreno 660 GPU for better performance in demanding tasks and gaming.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Larger 5000 mAh battery and 67W fast charging, providing better battery life and much quicker recharges.
- Wireless Charging: Includes 67W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging, adding convenience.
- Better Camera System: Larger main camera sensor, telephoto + macro lens, and 8K video with better video stabilization make it better for demanding photography and video scenarios. Higher DxO scores for camera.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers, Hi-Res audio, and multiple microphones offer a more immersive and higher-quality audio experience.
- Advanced GPS: Dual-band GPS for more precise location tracking.
- Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen protection.
- Additional Sensors: Includes Heart Rate Sensor
Motorola Edge 20 Advantages:
- Lighter and Slimmer Design: More comfortable for prolonged use due to its lighter weight and slimmer profile.
- Smoother Display: Higher 144Hz refresh rate for slightly smoother scrolling and animations.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 32MP front camera for more detailed selfies.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient fingerprint sensor.
- More Up to Date OS: Upgradable to Android 12.
- Telephoto Lens: A dedicated Telephoto lens, useful for optical zooming.
- Wide Angle + Macro Lens: A dedicated Wide Angle + Macro lens.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: Heavier, bulkier, more expensive.
- Motorola Edge 20: Lower screen resolution, lower brightness, less powerful chipset, slower charging, and a less advanced camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who value a sharp, bright display for watching videos and enjoying content.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, particularly video capabilities and low-light performance.
- Users needing long-lasting battery: Those who are looking for a long lasting battery.
Use Cases:
- Gaming with high graphic settings
- Professional video creation and editing
- Outdoor usage under bright sunlight
- Heavy multi-tasking with resource-intensive apps
Motorola Edge 20 Ideal User:
- Casual Users: Individuals who prioritize a lightweight and slim design for comfortable everyday use.
- Budget-conscious consumers: Those who are looking for a good phone for a lower price.
- Users wanting a smooth experience: Those who are looking for a smoother experience, with a higher refresh rate display.
- Selfie Lovers: Those who take lots of selfies
Use Cases:
- Everyday social media browsing and messaging
- Reading and watching videos
- Taking detailed selfies
- General use cases while wanting a light and comfortable phone
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you need top-tier performance for heavy gaming and resource-intensive apps, or is a mid-range performance sufficient?
- Display Quality: Do you prioritize a higher resolution and brightness for sharper visuals, especially under sunlight, or is a smoother display more important to you?
- Camera Priority: Do you need the best possible camera for photography and video, especially low-light and 8K recording, or are you fine with a less advanced setup?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Demanding User If you are a gamer or power user who needs the best performance, a larger battery, higher resolution, and a top tier camera, choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User If you value comfort, a smoother experience, and a lower price, and don't need top-tier camera or performance, the Motorola Edge 20 is a good option.
- Scenario 3: Camera Focused If you focus on camera quality for professional level photo and video recording, and high detail, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the better option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. While the Motorola Edge 20 offers a lighter design and a smoother display with its 144Hz refresh rate, the Mi 11 Pro simply provides a more complete package for my needs. As a user who values high performance, the Snapdragon 888 chipset, combined with the Adreno 660 GPU, offers a superior experience for demanding applications and gaming. Additionally, the higher resolution and significantly brighter display are essential for both media consumption and outdoor use. The larger 5000 mAh battery coupled with the 67W fast charging is a practical advantage for heavy usage. Lastly, the superior camera, with its larger sensor, 8K video recording capabilities, and additional features, provides a more versatile option for my photography needs. Despite the extra weight, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro's comprehensive suite of features and capabilities make it the superior choice for my use cases.
