1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly narrower and thinner, potentially feeling more comfortable in hand; A04s is a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 208g | 195g | A04s is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.5" | Mi 11 Pro offers a more immersive viewing experience with a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | Mi 11 Pro's display is significantly sharper, making text and images appear clearer. A04s may appear less sharp, particularly when viewing detailed content. |
| PPI | 515 | 270 | Mi 11 Pro's higher pixel density results in a significantly sharper and more detailed display. Individual pixels are much less noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | Mi 11 Pro's AMOLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, leading to a better visual experience, especially in dark mode. A04s LCD might look washed out in comparison. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mi 11 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the phone feel more responsive. A04s will be less smooth, though still better than 60Hz. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 Pro's substantially higher peak brightness allows for better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. The A04s brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Exynos 850 (8nm) | Mi 11 Pro's chipset offers significantly better performance, smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and more capable gaming. A04s will handle basic tasks, but struggle with demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 117,300 | Mi 11 Pro demonstrates substantially better performance and future-proofing. A04s will feel slow in comparison with less headroom for performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 | Mi 11 Pro's GPU provides superior graphics performance, better for gaming and graphic-intensive applications. A04s GPU is less powerful and may exhibit frame drops in games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer comparable battery life based solely on capacity. Actual battery life will depend on usage patterns and software optimizations. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Mi 11 Pro will charge significantly faster, reducing waiting time. A04s will require more time to fully recharge. |
| Features | 67W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wireless, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | Mi 11 Pro has significantly more advanced charging options. A04s does not offer wireless or reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8 | Mi 11 Pro has a larger sensor which will capture more light resulting in better low light photos. A04s main camera has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Front Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" sensor | 5MP, f/2.2 | Mi 11 Pro has a significantly higher resolution front camera allowing for better quality selfies. A04s has a slightly wider aperture for selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle lens | 13MP, f/2.2 | None | Mi 11 Pro offers an ultrawide lens for more versatile shots. The A04s does not have a wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A04s has a dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh effect. Mi 11 Pro does not have a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A04s has a dedicated macro lens for close up photos. Mi 11 Pro does not have a dedicated macro lens. |
| Telephoto + macro lens | 8MP | None | Mi 11 Pro has a telephoto lens for optical zoom which can also be used for macro. A04s does not have a telephoto lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Mi 11 Pro can record significantly higher resolution video, better for videography. A04s maximum video capture resolution is 1080p. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes (EIS) | No | Mi 11 Pro offers electronic video stabilization resulting in less shaky video. A04s lacks image stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | 124 Mobile Score, 118 Photo Score, 132 Video Score | N/A | Mi 11 Pro's camera is rated very highly in image quality, where the A04s score is not available suggesting a much lower performance. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | A04s comes with a newer Android version out of the box and is upgradable to 14, while Mi 11 Pro is running an older version with no confirmation on further updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Mi 11 Pro supports faster Wi-Fi standards, resulting in better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Mi 11 Pro has newer Bluetooth version with additional support for better audio codecs. |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Fewer satellite systems | Mi 11 Pro has a better GPS system with more satellite support for improved location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 32GB, 64GB or 128GB | Mi 11 Pro offers larger storage options, better for storing media and apps. The A04s storage might be limiting. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 3GB or 4GB | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly more RAM, resulting in better multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers the option to expand storage with an external memory card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Mi 11 Pro has superior audio quality for music and videos. The A04s has basic audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A04s has a more convenient and faster side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The Mi 11 Pro's fingerprint sensor is of a basic type. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 Pro's screen is protected by the most current Gorilla Glass Victus, making it more resistant to scratches and damage. A04s protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Mi 11 Pro has more sensor options available for more use cases, such as gaming which require the gyroscope sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, AMOLED technology, higher refresh rate, significantly brighter. This leads to a visibly better viewing experience.
- Significantly Faster Performance: Top-tier chipset and GPU result in smoother operation, faster app loading, and better gaming.
- Much Faster Charging: 67W wired charging drastically reduces charging times and also offers wireless charging which the A04s lacks.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution main and front cameras, telephoto lens, wide-angle lens, higher video resolution, and image stabilization resulting in better image and video quality and more versatility.
- Better Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio, stereo speakers, and 3 microphones improve the overall audio experience.
- More RAM and Storage: Higher RAM and storage options mean better multitasking and more space for apps and media.
- Superior Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions, as well as better GPS with more satellite support, result in better overall connectivity performance.
- Better Screen Protection: Uses the latest Gorilla Glass Victus for scratch and crack resistance.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Advantages:
- Newer Android Version: Comes with a newer Android version and upgrade path, meaning potentially longer software support.
- More Convenient Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally more convenient to use.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Cameras: Allows for better close-up photography and bokeh effects.
- Lighter: Lighter weight makes the device easier to carry for extended time.
- Wider Aperture on the main and front cameras: Allows for better low-light performance.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 Pro: More expensive, older Android version, lacks dedicated depth and macro lenses, heavier.
- A04s: Much weaker performance, inferior display, limited storage options, slower charging, basic camera system, basic audio, basic security sensor and lack of screen protection information.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users, tech enthusiasts, gamers, media consumers, photography enthusiasts, users who value performance and a premium experience.
- Use Cases: Gaming, video editing, high-resolution photography and videography, multitasking demanding apps, watching high-definition content, extended mobile use, users who require fast charging.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a high value for its performance and features but at a premium price compared to the A04s.
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, basic smartphone users, users who primarily use the phone for calls, texts, and light social media browsing.
- Use Cases: Casual web browsing, basic social media, messaging, calls, basic photography and video in good lighting conditions.
- Price-to-Value: Provides decent value for its very low price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? If you're on a tight budget, the Galaxy A04s is a more affordable option but it's performance is severely limited.
- How important is performance to you? If you value smooth multitasking, fast app loading, and gaming, the Mi 11 Pro is vastly superior.
- How do you primarily use your smartphone? For basic tasks, the A04s is sufficient. However, if you consume media, take pictures or play games, the Mi 11 Pro provides a premium experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance User: If you're a gamer, content creator, or someone who needs a high-performance device for demanding tasks, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is very limited and you only need a phone for basic functions, the Samsung Galaxy A04s will suffice although you will have to sacrifice many features.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you want a better experience than what the A04s can offer without needing the performance of the Mi 11 Pro and you're happy to spend a bit more, other options may offer better balance.
My Choice
Given the specifications and the types of users these phones target, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. While it is significantly more expensive, it provides a superior user experience in almost every aspect.
Here's why:
- Display Quality: The AMOLED screen with a high refresh rate and brightness is essential for an enjoyable viewing experience, especially for media consumption, which I do regularly.
- Performance: I often engage in multitasking and appreciate a smooth, responsive device, which the Mi 11 Pro provides with its powerful chipset.
- Camera Capabilities: As someone who values high-quality photos and videos, the versatile camera system of the Mi 11 Pro would be much more useful to me.
- Future Proofing: The significantly better chipset means the Mi 11 Pro will be useful for longer and will not become slow and frustrating as quickly as the A04s will.
While the Samsung A04s is a budget-friendly option, it compromises on too many areas that are important to me: display, performance, camera, and overall quality. I am willing to pay a premium for the better overall experience that the Mi 11 Pro offers.
