1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Motorola Edge 30 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 163.1 x 76 x 8.8 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly taller and narrower, while Edge 30 Pro is wider and thicker. Minor differences; preference will depend on hand size. |
| Weight | 208g | 196g | Edge 30 Pro is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Mi 11 Pro offers a marginally larger screen for more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | Mi 11 Pro has a significantly sharper and more detailed display. Noticeable difference when viewing high-resolution content. |
| PPI | 515 | 393 | Mi 11 Pro provides crisper text and images, better for reading and detailed content viewing. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; subtle differences in color accuracy may be noticeable to some. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 30 Pro offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations; may be noticeable in fast-paced games. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits (Spec missing) | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight due to its higher brightness. Edge 30 Pro's brightness is not available. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Edge 30 Pro has a newer generation chipset, providing faster processing and better performance in demanding tasks and newer games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 1,061,400 | Edge 30 Pro offers a measurable performance advantage, resulting in slightly smoother app loading and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Edge 30 Pro offers better graphics performance, leading to smoother gaming experiences. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP | 50MP | Both offer good resolution but differences are in sensor size and pixel size |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.95 | f/1.8 | Edge 30 Pro has a slightly wider aperture, which can improve low-light performance, but it's minimal. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.12" | 1/1.55" | Mi 11 Pro has a significantly larger sensor, allowing it to capture more light and detail for better image quality, particularly in low light. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 1.40 µm | 1.00 µm | Mi 11 Pro's larger pixels capture more light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Samsung GN2 | Omnivision OV50A | Different sensor types from different manufacturers with different image processing characteristics |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 60MP | Edge 30 Pro offers significantly higher resolution for detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.2 | Edge 30 Pro has a slightly wider aperture, which can improve low-light performance for selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/2.8" | Edge 30 Pro has a larger sensor for slightly better low light performance in selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Model | Samsung S5K3T2 | Omnivision OV60A | Different sensor types from different manufacturers with different image processing characteristics |
| Wide Angle Lens | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: 13MP | Motorola Edge 30 Pro: None | Mi 11 Pro offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: None | Motorola Edge 30 Pro: 2MP | Edge 30 Pro features a dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait mode quality |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: None | Motorola Edge 30 Pro: 50MP | Edge 30 Pro includes a dedicated macro camera integrated with the wide angle lens for detailed close-up shots. |
| Telephoto + Macro | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: 8MP | Motorola Edge 30 Pro: None | Mi 11 Pro offers a dedicated telephoto lens with macro capabilities for better zoom photos and close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps, 1080p@960fps | Both offer 8k but the edge has better slow motion capabilities |
| DxoMark Camera Score | 124 | 101 | Mi 11 Pro has a significantly better main camera according to DxoMark Scores |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly larger battery that may provide a bit more battery life. |
| Charging | 67W wired, 67W wireless | 68W wired, 15W wireless | Edge 30 Pro has marginally faster wired charging. Mi 11 Pro offers much faster wireless charging speed. |
| Features | 67W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | 15W wireless, 5W reverse charging | Mi 11 Pro has faster wireless and reverse wireless charging, useful for quickly topping up other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Edge 30 Pro ships with a newer Android version. Expect future OS updates on the Motorola, while the Xiaomi's updates are limited. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have fast WiFi but the Xiaomi has MiMO for faster wifi |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, Apt-x, LDAC | 5.2, Apt-x, LDAC, SBC | Both offer high-quality wireless audio, but the Motorola offers slightly wider codec support. |
| GPS | More systems | Fewer systems | Mi 11 Pro supports more satellite systems, potentially offering more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Edge 30 Pro offers a larger 512GB storage option, better for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB | Both provide ample RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Mi 11 Pro offers high-resolution audio support. Motorola Edge 30 Pro offers Dolby Atmos for a more immersive audio experience. Both have stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Edge 30 Pro has a more advanced, faster, and more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Mi 11 Pro has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Heart Rate, more | Fewer | Xiaomi has more sensors for features like heart rate monitoring |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density (1440x3200, 515 PPI), making images sharper and more detailed.
- Much Brighter Screen: 1700 nits peak brightness ensures excellent visibility in direct sunlight.
- Larger Camera Sensor: 1/1.12" main sensor captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance and overall image quality.
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom for better long-distance shots, and macro for close ups.
- Faster Wireless Charging: 67W wireless charging and faster reverse charging are very convenient.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior scratch and shatter resistance compared to Gorilla Glass 3 on the Edge 30 Pro.
- More GPS Systems Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro supports more satellite navigation systems for more accurate positioning.
- Additional Sensors: Includes a heart rate sensor.
- Better DxoMark Scores: The overall camera performance of the Mi 11 Pro is significantly better according to DxoMark scores.
Motorola Edge 30 Pro Advantages:
- Newer, Faster Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers better performance, efficiency, and graphics compared to Snapdragon 888 in the Mi 11 Pro.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 144Hz screen refresh rate provides slightly smoother animations and scrolling.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Offers a 60MP selfie camera for more detailed images.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Integrated with the wide angle, allows for enhanced macro capabilities for more versatile photography.
- Portrait Mode (depth) Lens: Offers improved portrait photos.
- Potentially Better Software Support: Comes with Android 12 with confirmed update to 13, promising more future OS updates.
- Faster Wired Charging: Offers a marginal increase in wired charging speed.
- More Internal Storage Option: Available with a 512GB internal storage option.
- More Codec Support: Bluetooth codec support for SBC.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has better screen quality and overall main camera quality but the Motorola has faster performance, slightly smoother display, and an advanced selfie camera.
- The Mi 11 Pro has an older chipset but offers better wireless charging and overall better display and camera.
- The Edge 30 Pro has a newer chipset and potentially better software support but has an inferior display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize top-tier image quality, especially in low-light conditions, and want the flexibility of optical zoom and macro.
- Media Consumption Lovers: Users who want a high-resolution, bright display with vibrant colors for watching videos and browsing content.
- Frequent Wireless Chargers: Users who benefit from fast wireless charging and appreciate the ability to reverse-charge other devices quickly.
- Outdoor Users The higher brightness makes it better in sunny conditions.
Specific Use Cases for Mi 11 Pro:
- Professional photography and videography where detailed images and flexibility of optical zoom is needed.
- Mobile gaming on a larger, high-resolution display.
- Watching high-definition videos with great color and clarity.
- Using outdoors, where the brightness of the display is important.
Ideal Users for Motorola Edge 30 Pro:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Those who prioritize speed and responsiveness for demanding apps and gaming.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Users who value high-resolution and quality for their selfies.
- Users who Prefer Fast Refresh Rates: Those who want smoother animations and scrolling experience on their display.
- Users who Desire up-to-date software: Users who want the newest software as well as future updates.
- Users who need more storage: Users who want a larger storage option of 512GB.
Specific Use Cases for Edge 30 Pro:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- High-quality video calling and detailed selfie capture.
- Multitasking between various applications and tasks.
- Users who prefer a very smooth user experience.
- Users who take a lot of photos and videos and require more storage.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers more value if a user highly values a superior display, main camera and wireless charging capabilities.
- The Motorola Edge 30 Pro is more value-driven if one is looking for the newest Android version, faster performance, and an excellent selfie camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize camera quality and display sharpness?
- If yes, Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the better choice.
- Is performance and software updates a bigger concern?
- If yes, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro should be considered.
- How often do you use wireless charging and need to charge other devices wirelessly?
- If frequently, the Mi 11 Pro’s much faster wireless and reverse wireless charging are advantageous.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography and videography enthusiast needing the best image quality, especially in low light and flexible zoom.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro, due to its much larger sensor, dedicated telephoto and wider angle lenses and overall better camera performance.
- Scenario 2: Mobile gamer wanting a smooth and fast performance and an up-to-date software experience
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 30 Pro for its newer chipset and higher refresh rate, as well as more software updates.
- Scenario 3: Casual user who watches videos a lot and needs a device with a bright, sharp display and good battery life.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro, due to its significantly better display and slightly larger battery and fast wireless charging.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. While the Motorola Edge 30 Pro offers a newer chipset and higher refresh rate, my priority is a superior camera and display. The Mi 11 Pro's larger camera sensor, higher resolution display, and faster wireless charging are more compelling for my daily usage, which includes frequent photography and video consumption. Additionally, the better screen protection is important for longevity. The performance difference, while measurable, is less impactful in my use case than the display and camera improvements offered by the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
