1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.5 mm | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is slightly taller and narrower, while Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is wider. Both are equally thick. |
| Weight | 208g | 190g | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Material | Not Specified | Not Specified | Impact on durability and feel is unknown, further information is needed |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro provides a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2412 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a much sharper display, providing finer details and clearer text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 395 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro's display is significantly sharper, resulting in a noticeable difference in visual clarity, especially for text and detailed images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks characteristic of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, resulting in a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 1300 nits | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is much brighter, making it significantly more visible outdoors in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm) | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro's Snapdragon 888 offers slightly higher overall performance. The 4nm process in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus may offer slightly better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 805,721 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro scores slightly higher, suggesting somewhat better performance in demanding tasks like gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Both are capable GPUs for gaming but the Adreno 660 in Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is slightly faster. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" Samsung GN2, 1.40µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Samsung GN9, 1.00µm | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a larger sensor, which allows for better light gathering and potentially better image quality, especially in low light. Nothing has a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" Samsung S5K3T2, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a higher resolution and wider aperture which can mean better selfie quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV13B10, 1.12µm | None | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus provides a versatile lens for both wide-angle and macro photography. |
| Telephoto + Macro Lens | 8MP, 1/4.4" Omnivision OV08A10, 1.00µm | None | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro provides optical zoom capabilities, better for detailed shots at a distance. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps with EIS | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro can record in higher resolution, giving you more flexibility in editing. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers better frame rates at 1080p for smoother slow-motion capture. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 124 (Photo: 118, Video: 132) | Not Available | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a very good dxomark score. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus' camera hasn't been tested. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical Zoom, Triple Camera, Ultra Stable Video, Laser AF | Time-Lapse, Dual Camera, Exposure Compensation, Night Mode | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is better for advanced photography and videography due to features like 8K video and optical zoom. The Nothing phone 2a has a dual camera setup but has a macro lens. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 50W fast charging | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro can charge faster, which is convenient when you need to quickly top up your battery. |
| Features | 67W wireless, 10W reverse-wireless | No charger in box | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is better for those who prefer wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities for other devices. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus does not include a charger in the box, which means extra cost for user. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density and significantly higher brightness, makes it better for media consumption and outdoor visibility.
- More Powerful Chipset: The Snapdragon 888 provides better overall performance, beneficial for heavy users and gamers.
- Superior Camera System: Larger main sensor, wide angle lens, telephoto lens and 8k video.
- Faster Charging: Faster 67W charging (and wireless charging) means the phone will be fully charged much quicker.
- Advanced Camera Features: 8K Video, Optical Zoom, and more advanced camera features provide greater versatility.
- Better screen protection: Has better Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
- More GPS options: More GPS system coverage allows for more accuracy.
- Heart rate sensor: Allows for monitoring of heart rate.
Practical Implications: The Mi 11 Pro is targeted towards users who prioritize the best possible screen quality and high performance. The significantly brighter screen allows for comfortable usage outdoors. The faster charging capabilities will be better for someone who needs quick top ups, especially wireless. The camera system is aimed towards advanced users, who take lots of photos/videos.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Advantages:
- Lighter Design: It is more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 14 which gives access to newer features and security updates.
- Better Selfie Camera: higher resolution and wider aperture.
- Wide Angle + Macro: The 2 in 1 lens offers extra versatility.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Supports Bluetooth 5.3, which may offer better power efficiency and connection reliability.
- More budget-friendly: Less expensive than the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
Practical Implications: The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is aimed towards users who prioritize a lightweight phone that can still do everything well. The newer software and Bluetooth is better for those who like to stay up to date. The camera system offers a very usable macro mode. The lower price makes it a very compelling phone.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro trades a heavier design and an older OS for a superior display, performance and camera capabilities.
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus trades superior performance and camera features for a lighter design, a newer OS and potentially better battery life due to a more efficient chip.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who frequently use demanding apps, games, or multitask heavily.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of video content and value a sharp, bright display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want to capture high-quality photos and videos with advanced options such as 8k recording.
- Outdoor Users: Those who spend time outdoors and need a very bright display.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming, video editing, watching movies/shows, professional photography, and use in bright sunlight.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Ideal Users:
- Everyday Users: Those who need a dependable phone for daily tasks, social media, and communication.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those who seek a good balance of features and price.
- Those who prefer light phones: Someone who likes to use their phone all day and wants a light phone in their hand.
- Users who like the latest software: Those who want the latest software version.
- Selfie Users: Those who use the selfie camera a lot.
Specific Use Cases:
- Social media browsing, general photography, communication, everyday tasks, travel, and gaming (lighter titles).
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality to you?
- If you value sharpness and brightness for media consumption and outdoor use, Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is better. If the difference isn't as crucial, then Nothing phone is perfectly fine.
- How much do you value the latest software and a light design?
- If having the latest software and a light phone is important to you, Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the better choice. If performance and features are more important than the latest software and lightness, Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is better.
- How important is the camera system?
- If having the latest features such as optical zoom and 8k video is important, then Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is better. If you would rather have a versatile macro lens on a capable camera, the Nothing phone (2a) Plus will suit you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (Performance & Display Priority): If you're a gamer or someone who watches a lot of videos and uses the camera a lot, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the better option. It provides a much better screen, a better main camera, and significantly better performance.
Scenario 2 (Budget & Everyday Use): If you're looking for an affordable, dependable phone for everyday tasks and don't need the absolute best screen or camera, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a very good option with its lighter build and updated software.
Scenario 3 (Selfie Focused): If you take lots of selfies and want the highest quality selfie, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus would be the better option as it has a significantly higher resolution selfie camera.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would pick the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. My reasoning is as follows:
- Display Quality: I prioritize a sharp, bright display for media consumption and clarity. The Mi 11 Pro's screen is significantly better.
- Performance: I prefer a fast and responsive phone for gaming and multitasking, and the Snapdragon 888 in the Mi 11 Pro is slightly better in performance.
- Camera System: I value the camera system the Mi 11 Pro offers as it has a much better and more versatile camera system.
- Charging: I prefer quick charging, both wired and wireless, and the Mi 11 Pro has both.
- Build quality: I prefer the better screen protection.
While the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a very good phone, my preference is to have the best screen, performance and camera capabilities even if it means a slightly heavier phone and older software.
