1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 162 × 75.1 × 8.7 mm | Xiaomi is slightly taller; Realme is slightly wider and thicker; Overall, very similar in-hand feel. |
| Weight | 208g | 191g | realme 8 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.78" | Almost identical screen size; insignificant difference in terms of viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1264x2780 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a much sharper display; noticeable difference when reading text or viewing high-resolution images. |
| PPI | 515 | 450 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro's higher pixel density leads to visibly clearer details and smoother text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; similar viewing experience in terms of color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; no difference in terms of perceived fluidity. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is significantly brighter, offering excellent visibility in direct sunlight; realme 8 likely struggles in bright conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4nm) | realme 8 has a more modern chipset, likely offering more efficient performance with improved CPU and GPU capabilities. |
| Antutu Score | 854,267 | N/A | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a high score, suggesting strong performance; a direct comparison is not possible without realme 8 data. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 732 | realme 8's newer Adreno 732 is expected to offer better graphics performance and efficiency compared to Adreno 660. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" Samsung GN2, 1.40 µm pixels | N/A | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a very large sensor size and larger pixel size on the main camera offering significantly better image quality, particularly in low light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" Samsung S5K3T2, 0.80 µm pixels | N/A | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers better selfie quality thanks to its dedicated camera. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV13B10, 1.12 µm pixels | N/A | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has an ultrawide camera for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Telephoto + Macro | 8MP, 1/4.4" Omnivision OV08A10, 1.00 µm pixels | N/A | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro features a telephoto lens that enables better quality zooming, and a macro sensor for capturing closeup photos. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@60fps with HDR, EIS; Slow-motion: Yes, 1920 fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@120fps with OIS/EIS | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro records higher quality video up to 8K; Includes video stabilization and slow-motion features; Realme 8 video quality may have noticeable shake and the lack of slow-motion can be limiting for creative video. |
| DXOMark Scores | Main: 124 (Photo: 118, Video: 132) | N/A | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro's camera has been tested with strong results, confirming excellent real-world performance. |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K Video, Zoom, OIS, EIS, AF, HDR, RAW, Geotagging, etc. | N/A | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is packed with camera features, offering greater creative control and higher quality results. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 0mAh | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a larger battery, leading to potentially much longer battery life, especially under heavy usage. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | Standard | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro charges much faster, minimizing downtime and allowing for quick top-ups. |
| Charging Features | Reverse, Wireless, Reverse Wireless | Standard Features | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has more flexibility with wireless and reverse charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Display: Higher resolution and brightness offer a sharper and more visible screen, especially in bright environments.
- Advanced Camera System: The large sensor, multiple lenses, and advanced video capabilities offer a significantly better photography and videography experience.
- More Powerful Performance Flagship Snapdragon chipset offers better performance and efficiency for demanding games and apps, and for general multi-tasking.
- Faster Charging and More Battery Features: 67W fast charging and wireless charging significantly improve convenience.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers offer an enhanced audio experience for media consumption.
- More Comprehensive Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards for faster speeds and lower latency; Includes more global satellite navigation systems and supports dual sim.
- Enhanced Build Quality: Superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
realme 8 Advantages:
- Lighter: More comfortable for extended use.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 14 out of the box, offering newer features and security updates.
- Likely Lower Price: Due to its midrange specifications, it is expected to be much more affordable.
- Potentially More Efficient Chipset: Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is newer and may offer better power efficiency for everyday tasks, though direct comparison without benchmarks is limited.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: Trade-off is the higher cost and heavier weight.
- realme 8: Trade-off is a significantly less capable camera system, lower screen resolution, lower brightness and a smaller battery capacity and charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Photography/Videography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality and features, need high-resolution video, and require advanced features like zoom and OIS/EIS.
- Power Users: Those who need a smooth and responsive phone for heavy multitasking, gaming, and running resource-intensive apps.
- Multimedia Lovers: Users who enjoy watching high-quality video and listening to music on their phone; appreciate a high-resolution display, and stereo speakers.
- Users in Bright Environments: Users who frequently use their phone outdoors or in other bright conditions and need good screen visibility.
Ideal User for realme 8:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who prioritize affordability over top-tier features but still want a capable smartphone.
- Everyday Users: People who mainly use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic communication.
- Users who want a lightweight phone: Users who prefer a lighter device for extended use.
- Users who want the latest OS: Users who prefer to run the latest version of Android, with all the newest features and security patches.
Use Cases:
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: Professional photography, gaming, content creation, outdoor use, media consumption.
- realme 8: Basic web browsing, social media, messaging, everyday tasks, entry-level gaming, longer battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The realme 8 will likely be more affordable, while the Mi 11 Pro comes with a premium price.
- How important is camera quality? The Mi 11 Pro offers superior camera features, making it a must-have for photography enthusiasts.
- How much do I value display quality and brightness? The Mi 11 Pro has a significantly better display for clarity and visibility in bright conditions.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the primary concern. Choose the realme 8. It offers a decent experience for everyday use at a lower price.
- Scenario 2: Top-tier camera and display are crucial. Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. It excels in photography, videography, and display quality.
- Scenario 3: Balanced usage with importance on newer OS. Choose the realme 8 as it is a more modern phone with Android 14 but keep in mind that the performance, screen, and camera won't be as good.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
Reasoning:
While the realme 8 offers a more modern OS and a lighter build, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro excels in nearly every other crucial aspect, and these aspects are much more important to me. My primary considerations are:
- Superior Display: The higher resolution and significantly better brightness of the Mi 11 Pro's display are a huge advantage for my media consumption habits and for use in bright conditions.
- Exceptional Camera System: As someone who values taking high-quality photos and videos, the large sensor, versatile lenses, and advanced features of the Mi 11 Pro's camera are compelling.
- Performance: I would appreciate the raw power offered by the flagship Snapdragon 888.
- Connectivity: I value better support for newer WiFi standards, Bluetooth versions and the dual-sim option.
- Charging Speed: I greatly value the 67W fast charging and the wireless charging capabilities, as it can be very convenient. While the Mi 11 Pro is heavier and likely more expensive, its advantages in display, camera, and charging make it worth the trade-off for my usage scenarios. The realme 8, while a decent phone, simply does not come close to offering the same overall experience.
