Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro vs. Realme Narzo 50A Prime
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Realme Narzo 50A Prime | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | Similar size; Mi 11 Pro is slightly thicker, Narzo 50A Prime is slightly wider. |
| Weight | 208g | 189g | Narzo 50A Prime is 19g lighter, which makes it more comfortable for long use. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Realme Narzo 50A Prime | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.6" | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly larger screen, which provides a more immersive experience for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2408 | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly sharper images and text due to higher pixel count. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 400 | Mi 11 Pro's higher PPI results in much clearer visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Mi 11 Pro boasts superior contrast, deeper blacks and better power efficiency, making colors more vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Mi 11 Pro displays smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 Pro is significantly better in bright sunlight due to dramatically higher brightness. Brightness for Realme is unknown. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Realme Narzo 50A Prime | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Mi 11 Pro's flagship chip offers faster processing speeds, better app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 224,223 | Mi 11 Pro has much better overall performance for all tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mi 11 Pro's GPU delivers superior graphics performance, essential for demanding apps and high-fidelity gaming. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Realme Narzo 50A Prime | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life, depending on usage. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Mi 11 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime waiting for a full charge. |
| Features | 67W Wireless, Reverse Charging, 10W Reverse Wireless | Non-removable | Mi 11 Pro offers wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly, adding extra convenience. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Realme Narzo 50A Prime | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" sensor, 1.4µm pixels, Samsung GN2 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Mi 11 Pro's larger sensor and pixel size should capture more light, resulting in better low-light performance. Realme has wider aperture which may be better in some lighting. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" sensor, 0.8µm pixels, Samsung S5K3T2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Mi 11 Pro has higher resolution selfie camera, but Realme has a wider aperture which could be better in some conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor, 1.12µm pixels, Omnivision OV13B10 | None | Mi 11 Pro offers the flexibility of a wide-angle lens for capturing more in a single shot. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Narzo 50A Prime can take close-up macro shots, which Mi 11 Pro lacks. |
| Black & White Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.8 | Narzo 50A Prime has a dedicated sensor that can capture artistic black and white photos |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, 1/4.4" sensor, 1.00µm pixels, Omnivision OV08A10 | None | Mi 11 Pro offers optical zoom capability to magnify objects without much loss in image quality. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS, Slow-motion: up to 1920 fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion: 30fps | Mi 11 Pro records much higher quality video and has more versatile slow motion features. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 124, Photo: 118, Video: 132 | Not Tested | Mi 11 Pro is a tested high-quality camera system. |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K Video, Optical Zoom, OIS, EIS, RAW, Advanced AF Features | Digital Zoom, PDAF, CDAF, basic features | Mi 11 Pro offers superior image stabilization, more advanced autofocus and manual control. Realme has CDAF. |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Realme Narzo 50A Prime | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Same OS, differing UI. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual Band, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, MiMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Hotspot | Mi 11 Pro offers newer WiFi standard, faster speeds and advanced connection features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX, LDAC, AAC | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE | Mi 11 Pro provides newer BT standard for better stability and higher audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Mi 11 Pro has more comprehensive satellite systems for accurate location. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support using two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 64/128GB | Mi 11 Pro offers more storage capacity. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 4GB | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports external storage. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Basic audio features | Mi 11 Pro offers a superior sound experience with higher quality playback. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Realme uses a better finger print sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 Pro provides better scratch and damage resistance. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Mi 11 Pro offers additional biometric sensors. Realme has Geomagnetic sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and extreme brightness for better viewing experience.
- Flagship Performance: Snapdragon 888 chipset for significantly faster processing and graphics, ideal for gaming and demanding apps.
- Advanced Camera System: Multiple lens setup, higher quality photo and video capabilities with 8K recording, better low light performance, and advanced autofocus features.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Capabilities: 67W fast charging and the inclusion of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging add extra convenience.
- Better Audio Experience: Higher quality audio playback through Hi-Res Audio, stereo speakers and multiple microphones.
- More RAM and Storage: More RAM available for multitasking, and greater storage options without microSD expandability.
Better Connectivity Faster wifi and Bluetooth version for better experience.
Practical Implications: This phone offers a premium, high-performance experience suitable for demanding users who want the best display, camera and performance.
Realme Narzo 50A Prime Advantages:
- Lighter and Slightly Thinner: More comfortable for extended use.
- Lower Price: A more budget-friendly option.
- Macro and Black & White Camera: For niche photography enthusiasts.
- Practical Implications: This is a more affordable device, suitable for users looking for a more basic smartphone experience, that still has a good main camera.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: Higher price, bulkier and heavier design
- Realme Narzo 50A Prime: Significantly lower performance, inferior display, basic camera performance compared to Xiaomi. No telephoto or wide angle camera. Slower charging and basic audio capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Ideal Users:
- Power users who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other intensive tasks.
- Photography enthusiasts who need a versatile camera system with high image and video quality.
- Users who value a premium viewing experience with a high-quality display.
- Users who want fast charging with wireless capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with smooth graphics and fast response times.
- Professional photography and videography for high-resolution content.
- Extensive media consumption, including high-quality video streaming.
- Demanding multitasking with resource-intensive apps.
Realme Narzo 50A Prime:
- Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users looking for a basic but reliable smartphone.
- Users who prioritize battery life over high-end performance.
- Users who do not require demanding performance and want a secondary camera.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday use, including social media, browsing, and calling.
- Basic photography with a focus on standard shots.
- Users who value affordability more than premium features.
- Light Gaming
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide between these two phones:
How much is performance important for you? If you're doing anything beyond basic daily tasks (gaming, video editing, content creation) the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the clear choice, especially with better ram and storage.
How much do you value display and camera quality? If you value a high quality display and a versatile camera with great image quality, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is by far the better choice.
Is budget a major constraint? If you're looking for an affordable option that covers basic smartphone usage, the Realme Narzo 50A Prime will be satisfactory, but for those who can afford it, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers far more value with its significantly better specs.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For High-Performance Users: If gaming, content creation, and high-quality media consumption are your main priorities, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the ideal option.
- For Budget-Conscious Users: If affordability is your primary concern and you only need basic features, the Realme Narzo 50A Prime may be enough.
- For Camera Enthusiasts: If you want a versatile camera system with advanced capabilities and high image quality, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro will be the superior option.
Personal Choice
Given the specifications, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. While the Realme Narzo 50A Prime is more affordable, the Mi 11 Pro offers a superior experience in nearly every aspect that is important to me including the display quality, camera capabilities, performance, charging speeds, and audio capabilities. The dramatically better display alone would be enough to push me towards the Mi 11 Pro, and the fact that this is coupled with vastly superior performance and camera, and the Mi 11 Pro is the clear winner. I am also willing to spend more to get these features, making the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro the more suitable phone for my needs.
