1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, focusing on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Motorola ThinkPhone | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 158.8 × 74.4 × 8.3 mm | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is taller, may be less comfortable for one-handed use. ThinkPhone is slightly smaller. |
| Weight | 208g | 188.5g | Motorola ThinkPhone is noticeably lighter, feels more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Motorola ThinkPhone | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.6" | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers a larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| PPI | 515 | 399 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro's higher pixel density provides a significantly clearer and more detailed display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, similar experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola ThinkPhone offers slightly smoother animations, particularly noticeable in gaming and fast scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 1200 nits | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Motorola ThinkPhone | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Motorola ThinkPhone has a newer, more powerful, and more efficient processor, leading to smoother operation and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 1,232,700 | Motorola ThinkPhone has a notably higher benchmark score, indicating faster app loading, and smoother performance overall. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Motorola ThinkPhone has a more capable GPU, resulting in better gaming and graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Motorola ThinkPhone | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP | 50MP | Both offer high-resolution main cameras for detailed images. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.12" | 1/1.55" | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro's larger sensor captures more light, likely resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.95 | f/1.8 | Motorola ThinkPhone's slightly wider aperture also helps in low light and depth of field. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 32MP | Motorola ThinkPhone offers higher resolution selfies for more detail and cropping flexibility. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.45 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro's slightly wider aperture might have slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes (13MP) | No | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a dedicated ultra-wide lens for capturing wider scenes. |
| Portrait mode (depth) Camera | No | Yes (2MP) | Motorola ThinkPhone can capture portrait shots with blurred backgrounds, providing a more professional look to the photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | No | Yes (13MP) | Motorola ThinkPhone has a dedicated wide-angle lens with macro mode for wide and close up shots. |
| Telephoto + Macro Lens | Yes (8MP) | No | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has dedicated telephoto lens for long distance and close up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@60fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 8K@30fps, HDR, EIS | Both capture 8K video. Both offer video stabilization (EIS). The Xiaomi has slightly more options. |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 124, Photo: 118, Video: 132 | N/A | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a certified score that positions it as a good camera, whereas the Motorola has no available data. |
| Camera Features | More features, including Laser AF, Manual Focus, Ultra Stable Video | Good amount of features including Exposure Compensation | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers more advanced features for professionals, while Motorola has basic user control. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Motorola ThinkPhone | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life due to the same capacity. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging, 67W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | 68W fast charging, 15W wireless | Both charge fast but Motorola has a slightly faster wired charging and slightly faster wireless charging. Xiaomi has reverse charging capabilities. |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Motorola ThinkPhone | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Motorola ThinkPhone has a newer OS, potentially longer software support and newer features. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support Wi-Fi 6 for fast and stable internet. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC) | 5.2 (A2DP, LE) | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro supports higher quality Bluetooth codecs for audio. |
| GPS | More comprehensive | Less comprehensive | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has better location accuracy. |
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256 GB | Both are generous for storage; the Xiaomi is available in 128 GB variant too. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8 GB | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro with 12GB RAM option is better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res, 3 mics | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a slight edge in audio recording and playback quality. |
| Security | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both have basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have similar scratch protection. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Xiaomi has additional sensors for specific use cases such as heart rate tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density for sharper, more detailed images and text, plus a brighter screen for better outdoor visibility.
- More Versatile Camera System: Telephoto lens and ultra-wide lens provides additional flexibility when capturing images.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res audio and 3 microphones for a better audio experience.
- More RAM (Optional): 12GB RAM option available for smoother multitasking.
- Advanced Camera Features: Advanced features, such as laser AF, manual focus, continuous auto focus and ultra stable video.
- More Comprehensive GPS: Better location accuracy.
Motorola ThinkPhone Advantages:
- Newer, More Powerful Chipset: Significantly better performance with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.
- Lighter Build: More comfortable for extended use and easier to carry.
- Slightly Smoother Display: Higher refresh rate for smoother animations.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 13, likely to receive longer software support.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution for more detailed selfies.
- Additional Camera Lens: Has macro camera and a depth sensor, missing on the Xiaomi.
- Faster Charging Speeds: Slightly faster wireless and wired charging speeds.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a better display and camera system overall, but is heavier, runs on an older chip, and is bulkier.
- The Motorola ThinkPhone is more powerful and smoother, but lacks some of the premium features found on the Xiaomi, such as superior screen, dedicated zoom lens, and comprehensive audio capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing, and enjoying detailed images.
- Photography Buffs: Users who value versatile camera capabilities, advanced camera control, and great low-light performance.
- Power Users: Those who want the option of 12 GB RAM for heavy multitasking.
- Users needing advanced audio: Those who are looking for High-Res audio and a better audio recording experience.
Ideal User for Motorola ThinkPhone:
- Performance Seekers: Users who want the fastest and smoothest possible smartphone experience and appreciate a more modern chipset for gaming.
- Practical Users: Those who value a comfortable, lightweight phone with a reliable camera and the latest OS.
- Users needing more camera lenses: Users who want to have all basic lenses with no need for a telephoto lens.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions to consider when choosing between these phones:
- How important is display quality?
- If having the sharpest, brightest display is critical (e.g., for detailed media consumption or outdoor visibility), the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the clear choice.
- How much do you value performance and smoothness?
- If peak performance, gaming capabilities, and a newer OS are important, then the Motorola ThinkPhone is the better pick.
- Which camera features are most important to you?
- If you need a versatile zoom lens, or better low light images, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is better. If you prefer close-up macro shots, or portrait shots, then the Motorola is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent traveler needing a reliable camera and battery: The Motorola ThinkPhone is lighter, has fast charging, good battery, and a good camera.
- Scenario 2: Mobile gaming enthusiast: The Motorola ThinkPhone is the better choice thanks to its more powerful chipset, smoother display, and better gaming performance.
- Scenario 3: Photography enthusiasts who frequently capture photos and videos: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is more versatile and offers more camera control options, more zoom lens, as well as a high-quality display to see the captured photos and videos.
- Scenario 4: High quality audio, and high screen clarity: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is a better choice, as it offers hi-res audio, and a higher quality screen.
What I would choose and why!
I would choose the Motorola ThinkPhone. While the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a superior display and a more versatile camera system on paper, the ThinkPhone's more powerful processor, lighter build, newer OS, and better selfie camera make it a more appealing daily driver for me. I value smooth and fast performance, and also the slightly smoother screen with its 144Hz refresh rate. I also like the slightly faster charging capabilities. The compromises are acceptable as the camera system on the Motorola is also very good, and the screen is still great quality even if it is not as sharp as the Xiaomi's.
