Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro vs Nokia C21 Plus - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date April 2, 2021 April 29, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 104.18 cm³ 107.57 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.27 "/g 3.66 "/g
Weight 208 g 178 g
Height 164.3 mm 164.8 mm
Width 74.6 mm 75.9 mm
Thickness 8.5 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Dark Cyan
  • Warm Gray

Display

Screen Size 6.81 " 6.52 "
Resolution 1440 x 3200 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 91.4 % 82.1 %
Pixel Density 515 PPI 269 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 1500 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 107.81 mAh/in² 118.79 mAh/in²
Battery Density 47.99 mAh/cm³ 46.95 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5050 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 660 IMG8322

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG microUSB 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureXiaomi Mi 11 ProNokia C21 PlusPractical Impact
Design
Launch Date2021-04-022022-04-29Nokia C21 Plus is a newer model, potentially with more up-to-date software support.
Dimensions164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mmXiaomi Mi 11 Pro is slightly narrower, potentially easier to handle for some users.
Weight208g178gNokia C21 Plus is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
Display
Size6.81"6.52"Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing.
Resolution1440x3200720x1600Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer images and text.
PPI515269Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro will have significantly crisper visuals.
TechnologyAMOLEDIPS LCDXiaomi Mi 11 Pro's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially better battery efficiency when using dark themes.
Refresh Rate120Hz60HzXiaomi Mi 11 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness1700 nits0 nitsXiaomi Mi 11 Pro will be much more readable under direct sunlight. Nokia C21 Plus brightness is unknown but clearly inferior.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm)Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a much more powerful processor for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking.
AnTuTu Score854,267109,200Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro delivers significantly faster performance in all tasks.
GPUAdreno 660IMG8322Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a much better GPU, essential for smoother gaming and graphics-intensive apps.
Camera
Rear Main Camera50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" sensor13MP, f/?, ?Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro will capture much more detailed and higher-quality photos.
Front Camera20MP, f/2.35MP, f/2.2Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro takes sharper selfies with better detail.
Wide Angle Lens13MP, f/2.2NoneXiaomi Mi 11 Pro provides wide angle perspective for group photos and landscapes.
Telephoto/Macro Lens8MPNoneXiaomi Mi 11 Pro can capture distant objects with optical zoom and detailed macro shots.
Portrait Mode LensNone2MP, f/2.4Nokia C21 Plus provides a dedicated depth sensor for bokeh effect in portraits
Video RecordingUp to 8K@24fps1080p@30fpsXiaomi Mi 11 Pro can record much higher resolution, professional-quality videos.
DxOMark Score124Not testedXiaomi Mi 11 Pro's camera is of higher quality according to DxOMark.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh4000mAhXiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a larger battery for potentially longer battery life.
Charging67W fast charging, wireless charging10W fast chargingXiaomi Mi 11 Pro charges much faster, both wired and wirelessly.
Battery FeaturesReverse charging, 67W Wireless ChargingNoneXiaomi Mi 11 Pro can wirelessly charge other devices and charges faster wirelessly.
Storage
Internal Storage128 GB or 256 GB32 GB or 64 GBXiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers much more storage capacity for apps, media, and files.
RAM8 GB or 12 GB2 GB or 4 GBXiaomi Mi 11 Pro has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding games.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone has expandable storage.
Software
Operating SystemAndroid 11Android 11Both phones run on Android 11
Connectivity
WiFiWiFi 6802.11nXiaomi Mi 11 Pro supports faster and more stable Wi-Fi.
Bluetooth5.24.2Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers more advanced Bluetooth features.
GPSMore optionsFewer optionsXiaomi Mi 11 Pro has more options for more accurate location tracking.
Audio
Audio QualityHi-Res Audio, Stereo SpeakersBasic audioXiaomi Mi 11 Pro provides much better audio quality.
Security
Fingerprint SensorBasicRear-mountedBoth phones have fingerprint sensor technology.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass VictusUnknownXiaomi Mi 11 Pro has more scratch resistant glass.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:

  • Superior Display: Much higher resolution, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and significantly higher brightness provide an excellent viewing experience.
  • Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset and much higher RAM deliver vastly superior performance for demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming.
  • Much Better Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, additional lenses (wide, telephoto/macro), and 8K video recording capabilities offer far greater versatility and image quality.
  • Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 67W wired and wireless charging, plus reverse charging, provides convenience and speed.
  • More Storage & RAM: Larger storage capacity and higher RAM allow more room for apps, media and multitasking capability.
  • Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers provide a superior audio experience.
  • Better Connectivity: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards offer more reliable and faster connections.
  • Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better scratch resistance.

Nokia C21 Plus Advantages:

  • Lighter Weight: More comfortable to hold for longer periods.
  • Newer Launch Date: Potentially with more up-to-date software support.
  • Lower Price: The Nokia C21 Plus will be significantly more affordable, which is its primary advantage.

Trade-offs:

  • The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers a flagship experience but at a higher price point.
  • The Nokia C21 Plus provides basic smartphone functionality at a lower cost but compromises heavily on performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro - Ideal User:

  • Power users who demand top performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
  • Photography enthusiasts who want high-quality photos and videos with versatile camera options.
  • Users who prioritize excellent display quality for media consumption and daily use.
  • Users who value fast charging and wireless charging capabilities.
  • Individuals who appreciate premium build quality and performance features.

Use Cases:

  • Playing graphically intensive mobile games
  • Editing high-resolution photos and videos
  • Watching HDR content with vibrant colors and deep blacks
  • Video conferencing for business or personal use where clear image and sound is necessary
  • Daily tasks requiring fast app switching and seamless multitasking

Nokia C21 Plus - Ideal User:

  • Budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability and basic smartphone functionality.
  • Users who need a simple and lightweight phone for calls, texts, and basic browsing.
  • Users who are less demanding on performance and camera quality.
  • Users who need a lightweight device for portability and comfort.

Use Cases:

  • Basic communication (calls, texts, emails)
  • Casual browsing and social media use
  • Light media consumption
  • Primary phone for basic tasks

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers a high price-to-value ratio for users who need the best possible performance, camera, and display quality.
  • The Nokia C21 Plus provides a basic smartphone experience at a much lower cost but makes significant compromises in terms of overall quality.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The price difference between these two phones will be significant.
  2. How important are performance and camera quality to you? If these are important, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the clear choice.
  3. What is your primary use case for a smartphone? Basic tasks vs. demanding tasks will greatly influence the selection.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: High-Performance User: If you are a gamer, avid photographer, or power user, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the recommended choice, despite the higher cost.
  • Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: If your primary concern is affordability and you only need basic smartphone functionality, the Nokia C21 Plus is a viable option.
  • Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you need a good balance of features, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has the superior screen, camera and better battery, and may be worth the cost.
  • Scenario 4: User Prioritizing Comfort: If you have a strong preference for a lightweight phone, the Nokia C21 Plus is the better choice.

My Choice

Given my needs and priorities, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. While it's more expensive, the massive jump in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and battery charging speeds are well worth the investment for me. I value a phone that can handle demanding tasks smoothly and take high-quality photos, and the Mi 11 Pro delivers on all fronts. The Nokia C21 Plus is a budget option for simple tasks, but for my use case, the compromise in quality is simply too significant. The enhanced connectivity features and better audio quality of the Mi 11 Pro are also added advantages for me.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
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  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.