1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly narrower and thinner, potentially feeling more premium and comfortable in hand. A04 is slightly bulkier. |
Weight | 208g | 192g | A04 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, while Mi 11 Pro feels more substantial. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.81" | 6.5" | Mi 11 Pro offers a more immersive experience with a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | Mi 11 Pro has significantly sharper and more detailed visuals, while A04's display is visibly less sharp. |
PPI | 515 | 270 | Mi 11 Pro delivers crisp text and images, while A04's display will show noticeable pixelation. |
Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | Mi 11 Pro offers superior blacks, contrast and color vibrancy, while A04's LCD will look more washed out. Mi 11 Pro has power saving potential with dark themes. |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Mi 11 Pro offers much smoother scrolling and animations, making the user experience more fluid. |
Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 Pro is significantly easier to see in bright sunlight, while A04's outdoor visibility might be problematic. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. A04 is adequate for basic tasks. |
AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 124,000 | Mi 11 Pro provides a significantly more responsive user experience, with a huge difference in overall performance. A04 will struggle with demanding tasks. |
GPU | Adreno 660 | PowerVR GE8320 | Mi 11 Pro delivers much better graphics performance, crucial for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
Camera | |||
Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12", 1.4µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | Mi 11 Pro has larger sensor and pixels for superior low-light performance, while A04 has a wider aperture. |
Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 5MP, f/2.2, | Mi 11 Pro captures significantly more detailed selfies, with a smaller aperture. |
Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | None | Mi 11 Pro offers greater versatility with the ability to capture wider shots. |
Depth Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A04 has a dedicated depth camera to create bokeh effect |
Telephoto + Macro | 8MP, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | None | Mi 11 Pro offers more versatile photography options, with optical zoom capabilities. |
Video | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | Mi 11 Pro allows for professional-grade video recording, while A04 is limited to basic HD recording. |
Features | 4K,8K, OIS, EIS, Laser AF, PDAF, RAW | Digital zoom | Mi 11 Pro offers more advanced features for photography |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity suggests comparable battery life under similar use, though real-world battery life is heavily usage dependent. |
Charging | 67W Fast, Wireless, Reverse | No fast charging | Mi 11 Pro allows for much faster recharging times and convenient wireless charging options. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11 | Android 12/13 | A04 has a slightly more recent Android version. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Mi 11 Pro offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi, better for heavy network use. |
Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Mi 11 Pro has a newer version of Bluetooth, with better power efficiency and connection reliability, and better audio codec support. |
GPS | Advanced (L1+L5) | Basic | Mi 11 Pro has higher precision location services, better for navigation and location based apps |
Storage | |||
Internal | 128GB/256GB | 32GB/64GB/128GB | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly more internal storage, better for users with large media libraries or lots of apps. |
RAM | 8GB/12GB | 3GB/4GB/6GB | Mi 11 Pro provides more RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding apps. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Mi 11 Pro delivers a more immersive audio experience with higher-quality sound. |
Security | |||
Features | Fingerprint sensor | Basic | Mi 11 Pro offers biometric security with a fingerprint sensor. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 Pro offers superior screen protection from scratches and damages |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer | Mi 11 Pro has a comprehensive set of sensors including fingerprint and gyroscope. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness offer a vastly superior viewing experience.
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides significantly faster performance for all tasks, including gaming and demanding applications.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a more versatile camera system with a telephoto lens, a wide-angle lens, larger sensor and advanced features, including 8K video recording and OIS
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging (wired and wireless) and reverse charging capabilities make it much more convenient to keep powered up.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers offer a superior audio experience.
- More Storage & RAM: Comes with significantly more storage and RAM, enabling better multitasking and long-term usability.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wifi and Bluetooth versions.
- More Sensors: Provides a wider range of sensor options, including a fingerprint sensor and heart rate monitor.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: The A04 is lighter, making it slightly more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with a newer version of Android, though the Mi 11 Pro can likely be updated.
- Wider aperture: In the main and selfie cameras, for slightly better low light performance.
- Lower Price: The A04 is significantly more affordable, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro prioritizes a high-end user experience with premium features but is heavier and likely more expensive.
- The Samsung Galaxy A04 offers a more basic experience, prioritizing affordability and lighter weight at the cost of performance and features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, professional photographers, video creators, users who prioritize performance and media consumption.
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos
- Enjoying media content with rich visuals and sound
- Heavy multitasking with demanding apps
- Users who need quick charging times
- Users who need very bright screen for outdoor use
Samsung Galaxy A04:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, first-time smartphone buyers, or those who need a simple device for basic tasks.
- Use Cases:
- Making calls, sending texts, and basic social media browsing
- Casual photography in well-lit conditions
- Users who need a basic smartphone with good battery life.
- Users who prefer a lightweight phone.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Mi 11 Pro offers incredible features for its likely higher price, making it a good option for users willing to pay for a premium experience.
- The A04 provides a basic experience at a lower price point, making it a good option for budget-conscious consumers.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Performance Needs: What types of tasks will you perform on your phone, and how much performance do you need?
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a high-quality display with vibrant colors and sharp visuals?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious): If your budget is the primary concern and you only need a phone for basic tasks, the Samsung Galaxy A04 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Performance and Media): If you prioritize performance, camera quality, and a top-notch display, and are willing to pay more, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the obvious option.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you have a higher budget and want premium features, but don't need a top of the line experience, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the clear choice. The performance increase alone is worth it, not to mention the vast increase in display and camera quality.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
While the Samsung Galaxy A04 is a decent budget phone, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers a vastly superior experience in almost every category that I value in a smartphone. The drastically better display, significantly faster performance, higher quality cameras, faster charging, and additional features make it worth the likely higher cost. As someone who values the best possible performance, a great display and high quality photography the Mi 11 Pro is the only phone that fulfills my needs and offers the best experience.