Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro vs. Oppo A96
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Oppo A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-02 | 2022-03-16 | Oppo A96 is newer, potentially having more up-to-date software features and longer support. |
| Size | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 164.4 × 75.7 × 8.4 mm | Similar size, A96 is slightly wider (1.1mm). |
| Weight | 208g | 191g | Oppo A96 is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.59" | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2412 | Mi 11 Pro has much sharper display, significantly improved text and image clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 401 PPI | Mi 11 Pro display appears much sharper, individual pixels are harder to discern for enhanced visual experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Mi 11 Pro display delivers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and better energy efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mi 11 Pro offers a smoother visual experience, especially for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 Pro is significantly more usable outdoors, much better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | Mi 11 Pro has a much more powerful chipset, handles demanding tasks and games much better. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 218,000 | Mi 11 Pro offers far superior performance, apps open faster, smoother multitasking and better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 610 | Mi 11 Pro has superior graphics processing, smoother gaming and faster graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity, likely providing comparable battery life under similar usage. |
| Charging | 67W fast, 67W wireless, 10W reverse | 33W fast | Mi 11 Pro charges significantly faster via wired and wireless charging and can reverse charge other devices. |
| Features | Reverse charging, wireless charging | Non-removable | Mi 11 Pro has additional convenience features like reverse charging & wireless charging |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.95, 1/1.12" Sensor | 50MP f/1.8 | Oppo A96 has a wider aperture, Mi 11 Pro has a larger sensor, both capture decent photos. Sensor size data is missing for A96 |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP f/2.3 | 16MP f/2.0 | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera, but A96 has a wider aperture for better low light. Sensor size data is missing for A96 |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP f/2.2 | None | Mi 11 Pro has an additional wide-angle camera for more versatile photography. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Oppo A96 has depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | None | Mi 11 Pro has a telephoto lens for zoom capabilities. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, EIS, HDR | 1080p@30fps | Mi 11 Pro can record much higher resolution videos and provides better stabilization for high quality results. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile 124, Photo 118, Video 132 | Not Available | Mi 11 Pro demonstrates better image quality, more stable footage & overall better performance in camera tests. |
| Features | Advanced features | Basic Features | Mi 11 Pro offers a more comprehensive suite of camera features, including OIS, 8K video, and raw capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both are running Android 11, but the Xiaomi has better support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Mi 11 Pro has a newer Wi-Fi standard, better speeds, less latency, better handling of congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 LE | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, slightly more energy-efficient and range-optimized. |
| GPS | Advanced Satellite Support | Basic Satellite Support | Mi 11 Pro has better accuracy for navigation, supporting more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both offer dual SIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB | Mi 11 Pro offers a higher storage option, more space for media, apps, and documents |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | Mi 11 Pro offers more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and better performance in heavy applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage, so storage choice at purchase is critical. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Mi 11 Pro offers higher quality audio with better sound separation and quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Side-mounted | Oppo A96 has a more convenient and faster side-mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 Pro offers better protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive Suite | Basic Suite | Mi 11 Pro offers a more comprehensive suite of sensors, beneficial for gaming, health tracking, and advanced apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly sharper, more vibrant AMOLED display with higher refresh rate and brightness for an immersive visual experience and outdoor usability.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers substantially faster performance for demanding applications, gaming, and multitasking, making the phone more future-proof.
- Advanced Camera System: Versatile triple camera setup with higher video quality, including 8K recording, optical image stabilization, and zoom capabilities, resulting in better photos and videos.
- Faster Charging: Much faster 67W wired and wireless charging, plus convenient reverse charging for other devices, increasing usability.
- Enhanced Audio: Higher-quality audio with stereo speakers and Hi-Res support.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards for better speeds and connection quality, plus better GPS with more satellite systems.
- More RAM/Storage Options Has more RAM and storage option available
Oppo A96 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended handling, pocketable for more convenience.
- Wider Aperture Selfie Camera Slightly better low-light selfies.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Scanner More advanced than the basic sensor on the Mi 11 Pro.
- Potentially Longer Software Support: Being a newer device, it might receive software updates for a longer period.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 Pro's performance vs Oppo A96's portability: The Mi 11 Pro prioritizes performance, screen quality, and camera capabilities, while the Oppo A96 emphasizes a lighter design and a slightly lower price point.
- Display Quality: The Mi 11 Pro's AMOLED display vastly outperforms the Oppo A96's LCD screen in all areas, but the A96 is still passable for basic use.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone who values a top-tier display and performance.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with demanding titles
- Professional-grade mobile photography and videography
- Intensive multitasking with multiple apps
- Enjoying high-resolution media on the go
- Users needing fast charging and wireless charging
Oppo A96:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, those who prefer a lighter device, and people with basic smartphone needs.
- Use Cases:
- Daily social media usage and browsing
- Basic photography for casual sharing
- Light gaming and media consumption
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Users not concerned with high performance or advanced features
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, photography, daily tasks, etc.)
- How important are display quality and performance? (Critical for power users, less so for casual users)
- What is my budget? (Mi 11 Pro is likely more expensive)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance & Quality Matters Most If you need top-tier performance, display, and camera quality, choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro, regardless of price. It offers a vastly superior experience.
- Scenario 2: Budget and Lightweight Design is Priority If budget is a primary concern and you value a lighter device for basic use, the Oppo A96 may be sufficient and offers good value.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Approach If you need a solid all-rounder with better display and performance, consider the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. If you prefer basic functionality and a lighter build go for Oppo A96.
- Scenario 4: Battery charging speed is essential: If fast charging is important, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a significantly faster charging speed.
What I would choose
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
Reasoning:
While the Oppo A96 is a more recent and lighter device, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers a significantly superior experience in almost every key aspect that matters to me as a user who needs a reliable, high-performing smartphone. Here's why:
- Display Quality: The AMOLED display of the Mi 11 Pro is a major advantage. The higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness make it far better for content consumption, gaming, and even just everyday use outdoors. The LCD on the A96 is just not comparable in terms of color accuracy, sharpness and outdoor visibility
- Performance: The Snapdragon 888 on the Mi 11 Pro is far more powerful than the Snapdragon 680 on the A96. As a user who tends to use a lot of resource-heavy apps and games, the higher performance of Mi 11 Pro is essential for my use case.
- Camera Versatility and Quality: The Mi 11 Pro's camera system, with its wide-angle and telephoto lenses, and the ability to shoot higher-resolution videos is far superior. It allows for more creative options for picture and video taking. The DxOMark scores further validate its superior camera quality.
- Faster Charging and Convenience: The 67W wired and wireless charging options on the Mi 11 Pro mean less time plugged in, plus the reverse charging adds convenience. This trumps the A96's slower charging.
- More RAM and Storage options: 12 GB of RAM will provide more smooth multitasking and performance and more storage will allow me to store much more pictures and videos.
- Better Build: The screen protection on the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is an added advantage, making the phone more durable.
While I appreciate the A96's lighter build, the performance, display quality and camera of the Mi 11 Pro are more important to me. The additional features in Mi 11 Pro, such as wireless charging, better audio, and stronger connectivity, make it the better choice for my use case. In this scenario, the superior performance and overall user experience far outweigh the advantages of the slightly newer and lighter Oppo A96.
