Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro vs. Motorola Edge (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly taller and thicker; Edge is more compact and may be easier to handle. |
| Weight | 208g | 170g | Edge is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.6" | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | Mi 11 Pro offers much sharper and more detailed visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 399 PPI | Mi 11 Pro has a significantly clearer and crisper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar display tech, expect vibrant colors from both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits (Not specified) | Mi 11 Pro is much better for outdoor use and in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Mi 11 Pro has a higher-end chipset for better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 522,375 | Mi 11 Pro provides a noticeably faster experience, better for gaming and heavy tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Mi 11 Pro's GPU provides superior graphical performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor | Mi 11 Pro's larger sensor should capture more light and detail. |
| Front Camera | 20MP, f/2.3 | 32MP, f/2.45 | Edge has a higher resolution selfie camera; Mi 11 Pro has a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/1.5 | Edge has a significantly wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Macro Lens | None | 20MP, f/2.4 | Edge offers a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, 1/4.4" sensor | None | Mi 11 Pro allows better zoomed-in photos. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | Mi 11 Pro can record in higher resolutions and frame rates. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 124, Photo: 118, Video: 132 | Not Available | Mi 11 Pro has a rated camera performance from DxOMark. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, expect comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 67W wired, 67W wireless | 30W wired, 15W wireless | Mi 11 Pro charges much faster, both wired and wirelessly. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless charging | Reverse, Wireless charging | Mi 11 Pro offers faster wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | Edge ships with a newer OS version and potential upgrades. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar Wi-Fi capabilities, Mi 11 Pro has a slight edge with Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, aptX, LDAC, AAC | 5.2 | Mi 11 Pro has advanced audio codec support for better wireless audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), etc. | GPS, GLONASS, etc. | Mi 11 Pro supports a wider range of satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Edge offers eSIM support, which can be convenient for travelers. |
| Other | |||
| Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Same storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 6/8GB | Mi 11 Pro offers a higher RAM option, better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Edge has Dolby Atmos; Mi 11 Pro offers Hi-Res audio. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Mi 11 Pro offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Barometer, etc. | Fingerprint, Magnetometer, Barometer | Edge includes a Magnetometer and Barometer, Mi 11 Pro has a Heart rate sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset and higher AnTuTu score provide much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Higher Display Quality: The higher resolution and pixel density result in a significantly sharper and more detailed display.
- Brighter Screen: The much higher brightness makes it far more usable in outdoor sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 67W wired and wireless charging allows for much quicker power replenishment.
- Better Camera System: The larger main camera sensor, telephoto lens, and high-resolution video recording capability result in better overall image and video quality.
- Enhanced Audio: Features like Hi-Res Audio and advanced Bluetooth codecs (aptX, LDAC, AAC) provide a richer audio experience.
- More RAM: Up to 12GB of RAM offers better multitasking capabilities.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better protection against scratches and drops.
Motorola Edge (2022) Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for one-handed use and longer periods.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Provides slightly smoother animations on screen.
- Dedicated Macro Camera: Allows for detailed close-up photos.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 12 and upgradeable to 13 for latest features.
- eSIM Support: Offers the convenience of digital SIM activation.
- Wider Aperture on Wide Lens: Better low-light wide angle photos.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced spatial audio experience with supported content.
- Additional Sensors: Includes a barometer and magnetometer for better environmental and directional readings
Significant Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: Is heavier, bulkier, and its performance is better suited for power users.
- Motorola Edge (2022): Its performance and display are not as good as the Mi 11 Pro and the camera system is not as versatile.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, users who frequently consume media, and users that need a phone that works well in sunny conditions.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming with demanding titles, viewing high-resolution content, capturing photos and videos in diverse situations, using the phone outdoors for extended periods of time, multi-tasking with many apps open simultaneously, and those seeking the best available audio experience.
- Price-to-Value: Offers flagship performance with some very important features, albeit at a possibly higher price point.
Motorola Edge (2022):
- Ideal User: Users looking for a more compact and lightweight phone, prefer a very high refresh rate, users who want a newer operating system, those who take lots of close-up photos, and users who value ease of use.
- Use Cases: Casual gaming, everyday tasks, browsing social media, taking wide-angle and macro photos, for people wanting a phone with an eSim for travel, and those who enjoy immersive sound from Dolby Atmos.
- Price-to-Value: Provides a good set of features at a possibly lower price point than the Mi 11 Pro.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do I need top-tier performance?
- If yes, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro with its Snapdragon 888 is the better choice.
- If no, the Motorola Edge (2022) provides sufficient power for most common tasks.
- How important is display quality and brightness?
- If very important, the Mi 11 Pro's higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness make it much better.
- If less critical, the Motorola Edge (2022) offers a good viewing experience with it's high refresh rate.
- Do I prefer a lightweight, compact device or a feature-rich powerhouse?
- If lightweight, the Motorola Edge (2022) is lighter and more compact.
- If a feature-rich device is preferred, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers a broader range of capabilities.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For a Gamer: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the better choice due to its superior performance, display and charging.
- For an Outdoor Photographer: The Mi 11 Pro's brighter screen and better main camera sensor will perform better.
- For a Casual User: The Motorola Edge (2022) is good for everyday tasks, provides an eSim for travel, and will cost less.
- For a Content Creator: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro's ability to record 8K video and a more powerful camera system make it a better option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally go with the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. While the Motorola Edge (2022) is a decent phone, the Mi 11 Pro offers a substantially better experience in key areas that matter most to me. I value the top-tier performance of the Snapdragon 888 chipset, the significantly superior display with its high resolution and brightness, and the higher quality camera system with its versatile telephoto lens. While the Mi 11 Pro is bulkier and heavier, for my personal use, the superior performance and display quality are worth it. Additionally, the faster charging capabilities of the Mi 11 Pro would also be very convenient for my typical day to day use.
