1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm | Xiaomi is taller, Nothing Phone is wider, both are similarly thin. Impact on pocketability and one-handed use is minor. |
| Weight | 208g | 193.5g | Xiaomi is slightly heavier, might feel more substantial, Nothing Phone is a bit lighter, better for long usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.55" | Xiaomi has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. Nothing Phone slightly smaller, more pocket-friendly. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi's screen is significantly sharper, resulting in more detail and clearer text. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 402 PPI | Xiaomi has noticeably higher pixel density, providing a sharper image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both are high-quality screens with deep blacks and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 1200 nits | Xiaomi's display is significantly brighter, making it much better for use in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Xiaomi has a flagship processor, leading to faster app loading and smoother multitasking for demanding users. |
| Antutu Score | 854,267 | 624,253 | Xiaomi performs better in benchmarks, indicating superior performance under load. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | Xiaomi has a more powerful GPU, providing a better gaming experience. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Xiaomi has a larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Xiaomi charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 67W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | 15W wireless, 5W reverse wireless | Xiaomi has faster charging for both wired and wireless, as well as reverse wireless charging. Nothing Phone ships without a charger in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" sensor | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" sensor | Xiaomi has a larger sensor, resulting in better low-light performance and detail. Nothing Phone has a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" sensor | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.13" sensor | Xiaomi has higher resolution; Nothing Phone has a wider aperture, slightly larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP | N/A | Xiaomi has a dedicated ultrawide lens, offering greater versatility. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 50MP, f/2.2 | Nothing Phone has a dedicated ultrawide + Macro, offering greater versatility. |
| Telephoto + Macro Lens | 8MP | N/A | Xiaomi has a telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | Xiaomi captures higher resolution video with better frame rates. |
| DxoMark | 124 (Mobile) | N/A | Xiaomi has been independently rated by DxoMark for superior camera quality. |
| Features | Triple Camera, Optical Zoom, Laser AF | Dual Camera, Night Mode | Xiaomi has more versatile camera setup, Nothing Phone includes a dedicated night mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Nothing Phone has a newer OS out of the box and expected updates to Android 15. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest WiFi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | 5.2, LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Nothing Phone also includes support for SBC. |
| GPS | Multiple systems, Dual Frequency | Multiple systems, Dual Frequency | Xiaomi supports more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both offer dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both come in similar storage configurations. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi has higher quality audio playback. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both provide basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Additional | Heart Rate | RGB | Xiaomi includes a heart rate sensor. Nothing Phone includes an RGB sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, sharper, and significantly brighter screen, excellent for media consumption and outdoor use.
- More Powerful Performance: Flagship Snapdragon 888 provides significantly better performance for demanding tasks.
- Better Main Camera: Larger main camera sensor for better low-light performance.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes a dedicated telephoto lens and wide angle lens.
- Faster Charging: Much faster 67W wired and wireless charging, and faster reverse wireless.
- Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced audio for immersive music experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better scratch and drop resistance.
- More Satellite Systems: Better GPS positioning, for use in more environments
Practical Implications:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is geared towards users who prioritize a top-tier display experience, powerful performance for gaming or heavy apps, and versatile camera capabilities.
Nothing Phone (1) Advantages:
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 12 out of the box and has confirmed updates up to Android 15, offering a more modern experience.
- Lighter and Slightly Smaller: Easier to handle and more pocket-friendly.
- Unique Design: Transparent back with glyph interface appeals to users seeking a distinctive aesthetic.
- Slightly wider aperture on the main camera.
- Macro + Wide Angle Camera: Added versatility for macro and wide angle photography.
- More bluetooth codecs: Addition of SBC allows more connectivity with devices that use SBC.
Practical Implications:
- The Nothing Phone (1) is suited for users looking for a stylish, lighter, and more modern phone with a solid overall performance and up to date software.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: Heavier and bulkier, may be less pocket-friendly for some.
- Nothing Phone (1): Lower display resolution and brightness, less powerful chipset, slower charging speeds, less versatile camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, media enthusiasts, photographers, users needing excellent outdoor visibility.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming (due to high performance and better screen)
- Watching HDR content (brighter, sharper display)
- Professional photography and video (versatile camera system)
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight (due to high brightness display)
- Long term use where a larger battery and fast charging are needed
Nothing Phone (1):
- Ideal User: Style-conscious users, those who value a unique design, users seeking a modern Android experience.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday use (social media, browsing, messaging)
- Casual photography and videography
- Users preferring a lighter and more pocketable device
- Users who want a phone with a unique, modern design
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro typically is sold for more and has more expensive components such as the camera, display, and chipset. The Nothing Phone (1) is generally a more affordable phone. The cost differences reflect the performance differences.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do I prioritize display quality and performance? If yes, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the stronger choice.
- Do I prefer a lightweight phone with a unique aesthetic and modern software? If yes, Nothing Phone (1) may be a better fit.
- How important is camera versatility and quality for my usage? If you need telephoto or high resolution video, Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro for its superior performance, brighter screen, and better audio.
- Scenario 2: Casual User: Choose Nothing Phone (1) for its unique design, lighter build, and modern software.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Photographer: Choose Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro for its brighter screen and versatile camera system.
- Scenario 4: Budget-conscious buyer: Nothing Phone (1) will be a more affordable option that provides great software and a unique experience.
What I would choose and why!
My Choice: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro
Given my focus on performance, display quality, and camera versatility, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro aligns better with my priorities. While the Nothing Phone (1)'s unique design and modern OS are appealing, the Xiaomi's significantly better display, faster processor, more versatile camera system, and faster charging are more important to me. I also value the better battery life and high quality audio from the Mi 11 Pro. The slightly heavier weight and larger size are acceptable trade-offs for the gains in performance and display. If those were not the priority, the Nothing Phone (1) would be a better option.
