Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy A03s
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A03s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | Xiaomi is slightly narrower and thinner, but the A03s has a negligibly smaller overall size, meaning that both phones will feel similar in the hand and during pocket use. |
| Weight | 208g | 196g | The A03s is slightly lighter (12g), which might be noticeable during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.5" | Mi 11 Pro has a larger screen, making it better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | Mi 11 Pro has a much sharper display, with text and images appearing clearer and less pixelated. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 270 PPI | Mi 11 Pro display looks significantly sharper, more detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | Mi 11 Pro's AMOLED offers better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Mi 11 Pro's 120Hz refresh rate results in much smoother scrolling and animations, which is a noticeable difference for daily use and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits (specification missing) | Mi 11 Pro display will be much more readable in bright sunlight due to higher brightness output. This is a major advantage. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) | Mi 11 Pro offers vastly superior performance, enabling smoother multitasking, faster app loading and significantly better gaming experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 117,049 | Mi 11 Pro delivers drastically better performance in real-world usage scenarios such as heavy gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | PowerVR GE8320 | The Adreno 660 in the Mi 11 Pro delivers much better graphics performance, essential for gaming and GPU-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12", 1.4µm | 13MP, f/2.2 | Mi 11 Pro's main camera will produce higher resolution images with better detail, especially in low-light conditions. The larger sensor and wider aperture also allows for better low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 5MP, f/2.0 | Mi 11 Pro selfie camera offers far more detail and potentially better dynamic range. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | Not Available | Mi 11 Pro provides an extra wide-angle lens offering additional shooting flexibility. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.3 | A03s has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, lacking on Mi 11 Pro. |
| Telephoto + Macro Lens | 8MP, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | Not Available | Mi 11 Pro offers a telephoto lens for zoomed shots, also functioning as a macro. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, EIS, HDR, 1920 fps slow-mo | 1080p@30fps | Mi 11 Pro can capture much higher quality and more versatile video footage. Its also has advanced video stabilization features as well. |
| DXOMark | 124 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 132 (Video) | Not Tested | Mi 11 Pro demonstrates that it's a very capable phone for photography. |
| Camera Features | Extensive | Basic | Mi 11 Pro has a wealth of features including OIS, advanced video recording modes, RAW capture and more, which provides enhanced control and capabilities for photography and videography enthusiasts. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity, so comparable battery life is to be expected. |
| Charging | 67W Fast, 67W Wireless, 10W Reverse | Standard | Mi 11 Pro's fast charging significantly reduces charging time and provides the convenience of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, which the A03s lacks. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | A03s has the potential to be upgraded to a newer OS version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-Band, MiMO | 802.11n | Mi 11 Pro will connect to Wi-Fi faster and more reliably, with broader feature support for more consistent performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | Bluetooth 5.0 | Mi 11 Pro offers a more advanced Bluetooth version with support for higher quality audio codecs for better wireless audio experiences. |
| GPS | Comprehensive, dual-band | Basic | Mi 11 Pro supports more satellite systems which is beneficial for more accurate location tracking and navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 32GB/64GB | Mi 11 Pro has much more internal storage, better for storing more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 3GB/4GB | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and better performance in demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so users must choose a variant that suits their long term needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Basic audio | Mi 11 Pro offers a superior audio experience for music, video, and calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted sensors offer more natural and convenient access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 Pro's screen offers superior scratch and drop resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| List | Comprehensive sensor suite | Limited sensors | Mi 11 Pro offers more sensors that can enhance features for more advanced activities and better gaming experiences. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness, offering a vastly improved visual experience.
- Exceptional Performance: Significantly more powerful processor and GPU, providing vastly improved performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a much better primary camera, a wide-angle lens, telephoto lens with macro capabilities, higher video recording capabilities, and significantly more features, leading to better photography and video capture experiences.
- Fast Charging: Much faster 67W wired and wireless charging capabilities and reverse charging, offering more convenient and quicker power replenishment.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 with advanced audio codecs, and more GPS satellite systems for better connectivity and location accuracy.
- More Storage and RAM: Larger storage options and more RAM, which allows for better multi-tasking and storage management.
- Superior Audio: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio support, providing better audio quality.
- Robust Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which provides better screen protection.
Samsung Galaxy A03s Advantages:
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Potentially more OS Support: It may support newer OS releases than the Mi 11 Pro.
- Slightly lighter: Easier to handle during extended use.
- Side-mounted fingerprint reader: Potentially more natural to use for some users.
- Lower Price: Significantly more affordable, which is it's biggest advantage.
Trade-offs
- Mi 11 Pro: More expensive, heavier and slightly larger.
- Galaxy A03s: Significantly lower performance, basic camera system, inferior display, and lacks many advanced features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: Ideal Users
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of videos and movies and want the best possible display and audio experience.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with many features and high-quality results.
- Tech-Savvy Individuals: Users who appreciate advanced features, faster connectivity, and the latest technologies.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with demanding graphics settings.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Binge-watching movies and TV shows.
- Capture high quality photography in various scenarios.
- Extensive multi-tasking between apps.
Samsung Galaxy A03s: Ideal Users
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who need a basic smartphone for essential tasks and are price-sensitive.
- First-Time Smartphone Users: Those who are new to smartphones and need a simple, easy-to-use device.
- Users with Basic Needs: Individuals who primarily use their phones for calling, texting, basic social media, and web browsing.
Use Cases:
- Making and receiving phone calls.
- Texting and messaging.
- Basic browsing and social media.
- Taking occasional photos and videos.
- Light, non-demanding app usage.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- Mi 11 Pro: Offers premium features and performance, making it a better value if the budget allows for it.
- Galaxy A03s: Provides basic functionality at a low price, making it suitable for those with tight budget constraints.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? (The A03s is much more affordable, while the Mi 11 Pro is a premium device)
- How important is performance and display quality to you? (The Mi 11 Pro is much better in this regard.)
- What is your main use case for a phone? (The Mi 11 Pro is for demanding use, while A03s is for basic tasks)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance & Photography: If you want a phone for gaming, content creation, and want a great camera, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Basic Use and Tight Budget: If your primary use is calls, texts and social media, then the Samsung Galaxy A03s provides better value for its price.
- Scenario 3: All-Rounder and Some Gaming: If you want a slightly better performance and gaming experience but do not need the highest quality, it might be worth looking at phones that have performance that is in between these two devices, because the A03s is very slow for gaming, and the Mi 11 pro is overkill if you do not need that level of performance.
My Choice and Why
Based on my analysis, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. Although it is more expensive, the superior display, much faster performance, advanced camera system, faster charging, and better audio quality offer a significantly better user experience. As a power user who values performance and versatility, these are features that I deem to be worth the extra cost. I also value having a quality camera, as I frequently use the camera features on my phone. The Mi 11 Pro's advanced video and photo capabilities will allow me to create high-quality content, and its performance would be able to handle heavy editing workflows. The advanced audio also enables a more immersive experience for watching videos and gaming. While the Samsung Galaxy A03s would be a more affordable option, the tradeoffs in display, performance, and camera quality are too significant for my usage patterns.
