1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Motorola Edge 40 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 159.6 × 72 × 7.9 mm | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is larger and bulkier; Edge 40 Neo is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 208g | 170g | Motorola Edge 40 Neo is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.55" | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro provides a more immersive viewing experience with its slightly larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a much sharper display, resulting in greater detail and clarity, which can be noticeable for text and images. |
| PPI | 515 | 402 | Sharper text and images on the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro, noticeable in side-by-side comparisons. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; real-world difference is negligible for most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola Edge 40 Neo offers a slightly smoother scrolling and animation experience, particularly noticeable during fast-paced activities. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 1300 nits | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has much better outdoor visibility, making it easier to use in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 7030 (6 nm) | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro's Snapdragon 888 offers significantly higher performance, for faster loading times, snappier multitasking, and high end gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 527,666 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is significantly faster in benchmarks, indicating a smoother experience overall, especially during intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G610 MC3 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro provides a better gaming experience with better graphics performance for demanding games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, but actual usage will vary. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 68W fast charging | Both phones charge very quickly with slightly faster charging speeds on the Motorola Edge 40 Neo |
| Features | 67W wireless, 10W reverse-wireless, reverse charging | Non-removable | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has added flexibility with wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing it to charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.95, 1/1.12" GN2 | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.55" OV50A | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a larger sensor, which allows for better low-light performance and image quality. Edge 40 Neo has wider aperture, aiding in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP f/2.3, 1/3.4" S5K3T2 | 32MP f/2.4, unspecified | Motorola Edge 40 Neo has higher resolution for more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP f/2.2, 1/3.06" OV13B10 | Not available | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing broader scenes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not available | 13MP f/2.2, unspecified | Motorola Edge 40 Neo has a wide-angle lens that also can function as a macro lens |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP f/x.x, 1/4.4" OV08A10 | Not available | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a telephoto lens for optical zoom and macro photography. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers higher video resolution and frame rates for professional-quality recordings. |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 124 (Photo: 118, Video: 132) | Main: 103 (Photo: 102, Video: 116) | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a significantly better camera, especially in video performance. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Motorola Edge 40 Neo offers a newer OS with updated features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers slightly faster speeds in ideal conditions. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.4 LE | Motorola Edge 40 Neo has a newer version with better power efficiency. |
| GPS | More Satellite Systems | Basic Satellite Systems | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro provides better accuracy and signal acquisition, especially in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Motorola Edge 40 Neo offers more flexibility with the option to use a digital eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB | Both devices offer ample storage; the Mi 11 Pro comes in 128GB which is less than the standard Edge 40 Neo. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, 3 mics | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers higher fidelity audio; Motorola Edge 40 Neo uses Dolby Atmos enhancement. Both offer good audio experience |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers much better scratch and shatter resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, etc. | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, etc. | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro includes heart rate sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 offers significantly better processing power, making it faster and more capable for demanding tasks like gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Better Display: Higher resolution and brightness for sharper visuals and better outdoor visibility.
- Superior Camera System: Larger sensor, telephoto lens, and 8K video recording give it a big advantage in photography and videography. Its dxomark score is significantly higher as well
- Advanced Battery Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and reverse charging add convenience and flexibility.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for significantly enhanced screen protection.
- Better Audio Quality: Hi-Res audio support and 3 microphones for better audio recording and playback.
- More GPS Systems: Improved location tracking in challenging situations.
- Heart Rate Sensor: An additional health-tracking feature not available on the Edge 40 Neo.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and more comfortable for extended use, particularly one-handed.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13 out of the box and is planned to receive future Android updates (up to Android 15).
- Slightly Smoother Display: 144Hz refresh rate offers a bit smoother experience compared to 120Hz.
- eSIM Support: Offers flexibility with digital carrier switching.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.4 for more efficient connectivity.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution (32MP vs 20MP) selfie camera.
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: Slightly wider aperture that may improve low light performance
- Wide Angle + Macro Lens: Single lens for both functions, convenient for versatility
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: Is larger, heavier, and its older OS might mean fewer future software updates. Its price is likely much higher
- Motorola Edge 40 Neo: Sacrifices performance, camera quality, and screen sharpness for a lighter build, more compact design and a newer OS.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Power Users & Gamers: Those who need top-tier performance for demanding games and apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want the best possible image and video quality.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who value a sharp, bright display for watching videos and browsing.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who like to have advanced features like wireless charging, and a heart rate sensor.
- Users who want the best of the best: Those who don't mind paying a premium for top-of-the-line hardware.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games at high settings.
- Capturing high-resolution photos and 8K videos.
- Watching HDR content in bright environments.
- Performing heavy multitasking, like video editing.
- Using wireless charging for convenience.
Ideal Users for Motorola Edge 40 Neo:
- Everyday Users: Individuals looking for a well-rounded phone that is comfortable and easy to handle.
- Users Prioritizing Software: Those who want a newer OS with longer software support.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a good phone without paying premium prices.
- Users who dislike large phones: People who find larger, heavier phones cumbersome.
Use Cases:
- Casual web browsing and social media usage.
- Taking good quality selfies and photos in good light.
- Smooth, everyday performance for standard apps.
- Using eSIM for international travel.
- Extended periods of one-handed use.
Price-to-Value:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro typically comes with a higher price tag and it likely wouldn't be a good value for most people.
- The Motorola Edge 40 Neo targets the mid-range segment, balancing performance, features and cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is top-tier performance and gaming capability to you? (Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro excels here.)
- Do you prioritize camera quality and advanced video recording features? (Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a superior camera system.)
- How important are comfort, size and software updates for your phone usage? (Motorola Edge 40 Neo is more comfortable, has a newer OS, and will likely receive more software updates.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Performance Focused: If gaming and performance are paramount, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the clear choice despite its age and slightly larger size.
- Scenario 2: Everyday Use & Convenience: If you need a reliable phone that is comfortable to use and has a modern OS, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo provides a more well-rounded experience.
- Scenario 3: Best Camera: If the camera is important and you need high quality photos and videos, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the preferred choice.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious & Practical Use: If you are looking for a capable phone that balances features and price, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo is a good option.
My Choice and Explanation
I would choose the Motorola Edge 40 Neo.
Here's why:
While the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is a powerhouse with a better display, camera and performance, it's an older phone now. The Motorola Edge 40 Neo better aligns with my personal needs and priorities:
- Comfort & Practicality: I value a phone that is easy to handle and use for extended periods. The lighter, more compact design of the Edge 40 Neo is much more comfortable for me.
- Software & Updates: The newer Android OS and future update plans on the Motorola are more desirable to me as this is a crucial factor for a good user experience.
- Cost-Effectiveness: I prefer the Motorola as it's more affordable without losing essential features. The Xiaomi has many "pro" features that I personally wouldn't fully utilize, therefore spending more money on those features is unnecessary.
- Good Enough Performance: While the Snapdragon 888 is superior, I don't require that much power. The Dimensity 7030 is perfectly adequate for my daily tasks and casual gaming.
- Good Enough Camera: While the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is definitely better, the camera system on the Edge 40 Neo is still very good for most users.
For these reasons, I would choose the Motorola Edge 40 Neo over the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. It’s important to choose a phone that fits your use case, and for me, the Edge 40 Neo hits the sweet spot of practicality, functionality and user experience. The Xiaomi is great, but it's an older and premium phone which I simply don't need.
