Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-02 | 2022-07-01 | The Samsung is newer, potentially offering more up-to-date software |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 165.1 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly smaller & thinner making it easier to hold for some users, A13 is wider and thicker with a larger overall volume |
| Weight | 208g | 195g | The Samsung is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.6" | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2408 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a significantly sharper display, leading to clearer text and images, providing a more detailed viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 400 PPI | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro's higher pixel density results in a noticeably sharper and more detailed display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, making media consumption and gaming more engaging, with superior power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers much smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience, particularly in gaming. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is much better in bright sunlight, ensuring visibility in all lighting conditions. Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) brightness information is missing |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers significantly better performance, faster app loading, and smoother multitasking due to a more powerful processor and more modern architecture. |
| Antutu Score | 854,267 | 200,150 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has substantially superior performance in benchmarks, indicating much smoother gaming and overall use. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro's GPU is significantly better for graphically intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable endurance on a single charge, however real life usage may differ due to different chipset efficiency |
| Charging | 67W fast charging, Li-Ion Polymer | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime, and uses a more modern battery tech. |
| Features | 67W Wireless, 10W Reverse-Wireless | Non-removable | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly, adding convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, sensor size unknown | The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro's larger sensor size often allows for better low-light performance, and the slightly narrower aperture could impact depth of field effects. Samsung aperture is wider. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" sensor | 8MP, f/2.2, sensor size unknown | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a much higher resolution selfie camera, resulting in more detailed selfies, while the Samsung has a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor | 5MP, f/2.2, sensor size unknown | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a significantly higher resolution for wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4, sensor size unknown | Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) has a dedicated depth sensor which the Xiaomi lacks. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4, sensor size unknown | Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while the Xiaomi lacks this functionality. |
| Telephoto + Macro | 8MP, 1/4.4" sensor | Not Available | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro provides a telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities and macro shots, while the Samsung does not. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers higher video resolution and advanced stabilization for more professional-looking videos. |
| DxoMark | 124 (Mobile) | Not Available | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has an overall better camera performance according to DxoMark results. The Samsung has not been tested by DxoMark. |
| Camera Features | Extensive features like OIS, laser AF, 8K video | Basic features | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers more advanced features for better overall picture and video quality, including stabilization for less shaky video. Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) has a quadruple camera vs triple in the Mi 11 Pro. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 with Android 13 update | Samsung has a newer OS and a promised upgrade to the next version, potentially providing access to newer features and improvements. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi 5 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers a newer Wi-Fi standard for potentially faster wireless speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with aptX, LDAC, AAC | 5.2 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers higher quality audio codecs for better audio quality with compatible headphones. |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Fewer satellite systems | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro provides more reliable and accurate location data. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones allow using two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | Unspecified | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro comes in 128GB and 256 GB which means more space for user data, apps, and media. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | Unspecified | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro provides a much better audio experience with louder, clearer audio, and better sound separation, and better voice capture via it's 3 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a more scratch-resistant screen for better durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Heart Rate, Gyroscope | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a wider range of sensors which is useful for more advanced features and better gaming. Samsung's ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor may have some benefits to a standard proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness, making it significantly better for media consumption, gaming, and outdoor visibility.
- Much Higher Performance: A flagship-level chipset delivers significantly faster speeds, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers telephoto, optical zoom, OIS, and significantly better video recording features and resolution, including 8K capability and better performance according to DxoMark tests, along with better selfie and wide angle camera resolutions.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster wired and wireless charging, reducing downtime and improving usability.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio with stereo speakers, providing a superior audio experience for both music and video playback, as well as better voice capture through it's 3 microphones.
- Better Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better screen protection.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Heart rate sensor and gyroscope for more advanced features and better gaming experience.
- Faster WiFi: Offers newer WiFi standard and MiMO
Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) Advantages:
- Newer OS: Comes with a newer version of Android with a promised upgrade, potentially offering better long-term software support, however it is to be noted that the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro can also have newer updates through custom roms.
- Lighter: Slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient in some scenarios than a basic fingerprint sensor.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Lenses: Offers additional lenses for portrait and macro photography.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro sacrifices a dedicated depth and macro lens for overall better imaging and more advanced camera features. It is heavier and older and has a basic fingerprint sensor.
- Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) compromises significantly on display quality, performance, and camera capabilities for a lower price point and newer Android OS. It is missing sensor information, brightness information and storage options in the supplied data, which makes it difficult to make a comparison in these areas.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who demand high performance for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive apps.
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize display quality, immersive audio, and high-resolution video for content consumption.
- Photography Lovers: Users who need advanced camera features, OIS, optical zoom, and better video recording capabilities.
- Users Who Value Speed: Those who appreciate fast charging and efficient performance.
Specific Use Cases for Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games at high settings.
- Watching HDR movies and TV shows with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions, including low light.
- Quickly charging the phone during short breaks.
Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks without breaking the bank.
- Users Primarily Focused on Basic Functionality: Those who prioritize calls, texting, social media browsing, and simple apps.
- Users who like side-mounted fingerprint sensors.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137):
- Browsing social media and the web.
- Making calls and sending messages.
- Casual photography with decent results in good lighting.
- Basic usage for the average consumer.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers exceptional value for users who demand high performance, a superior display, and a better camera system.
- The Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) is designed to be a budget-friendly option.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) is the budget option in this comparison.
- How important is display quality to you? The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers a significantly better display compared to the Samsung.
- What is your primary use case? If you are a heavy user, gamer or camera enthusiast the Mi 11 Pro is more suited. If your need is basic tasks and longevity in software updates, the Samsung may be a better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance is Key: If you need a high-performance smartphone for gaming or demanding applications, choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
- Scenario 2: Budget is Paramount: If you only need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks and want to save money, consider the Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137).
- Scenario 3: Balance is Important: If you want a well-rounded smartphone that performs well in most tasks and has the best display, and camera, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers a far superior experience for the extra price.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. While it is the older device in this comparison and comes with an older version of Android OS, the practical benefits of it's greatly superior display and chipset are far more appealing for a user like me. I value higher performance and a good quality display above all else, and the difference here is vast. The better camera system, faster charging, better audio experience, better build and better sensors are also a big plus. While the side mounted fingerprint sensor of the Samsung is a nice feature and it is newer, it isn't enough to make up for the compromises in nearly all other aspects of performance and user experience.
