1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 164.2 × 76.4 × 7.4 mm | Xiaomi is thicker but narrower, M52 5G is thinner and slightly wider. Mi 11 Pro might feel more compact in hand, M52 5G is slimmer. |
| Weight | 208g | 173g | M52 5G is significantly lighter (35g), more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly larger screen, offering a bit more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Mi 11 Pro's display is much sharper (77.8% more pixels), resulting in finer details. |
| PPI | 515 | 393 | Mi 11 Pro has higher pixel density (122 ppi difference), leading to crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks characteristic of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 800 nits | Mi 11 Pro has much better outdoor visibility, especially under direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Mi 11 Pro's chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 589,200 | Mi 11 Pro has a 45% higher benchmark score, indicating superior performance in demanding tasks like gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | Mi 11 Pro's GPU is more powerful, providing better graphics performance for gaming and heavy use. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" sensor | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.97" sensor | M52 5G has higher resolution; Mi 11 Pro has larger sensor, generally better low light performance and dynamic range |
| Front Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" sensor | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | M52 5G has higher resolution and slightly larger sensor, potentially better selfie quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2 | None | Mi 11 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | M52 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | M52 5G offers a wide angle and macro lens for versatile photography. |
| Telephoto + macro | 8MP | None | Mi 11 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom and macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Mi 11 Pro supports higher resolution video recording, potentially better for professional use, with more advanced stabilisation. |
| DxOMark Score | 124 (Mobile) | Not tested | Mi 11 Pro has a benchmark score, indicating better image and video quality according to DxOMark test. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Mi 11 Pro charges much faster, reducing waiting time. |
| Features | 67W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wireless, Reverse Charging | None | Mi 11 Pro offers wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities, adding convenience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and brightness for sharper and clearer visuals, especially outdoors.
- Significantly Higher Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU for smoother multitasking, gaming, and overall performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Dedicated wide-angle and telephoto lenses, along with 8K video recording, providing more versatility and quality.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Much faster wired charging (67W vs 25W) and wireless charging capabilities.
- Better Audio Quality Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones for better sound quality and voice capture.
- Stronger Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better scratch and drop resistance.
- More GPS Satellites: Improved location accuracy.
Samsung Galaxy M52 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Build: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Potentially better selfies.
- Portrait Mode & Wide Angle + Macro lens More diverse options for photos.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 13, potentially offering longer software support
- More Bluetooth Features: Variety of extra features.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Provides a more seamless experience.
- Lower Price Point: Typically more affordable, offering better value for money.
Trade-offs:
- The Mi 11 Pro is heavier, and the added bulk might not be desirable for everyone. It is also older.
- The M52 5G’s camera system, while versatile, does not match the Mi 11 Pro's overall quality and features, especially in low light.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, and those who prioritize display quality and performance above all else.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with demanding graphics.
- Professional-quality video recording and photography.
- Heavy multitasking and intensive app use.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight requiring a very visible display.
- Users who value the latest in audio technology.
Samsung Galaxy M52 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who want a lightweight phone with a good display and versatile camera features for everyday use and a more modern OS.
- Use Cases:
- Casual gaming and social media.
- Everyday photography and video recording.
- Users who want an easier to carry phone with solid battery life.
- General media consumption and browsing.
- Users who like a more modern operating system.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, Photography, General use?)
- How important is display quality and outdoor visibility? (Do you frequently use your phone under direct sunlight?)
- What is your budget and value preference? (Are you willing to spend more for high-end performance?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- High Performance and Display: If you need the best possible performance and display, with superior camera capabilities, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the better choice, despite being older.
- Value and Portability: If you want a lightweight phone with a good display, versatile camera features, a newer OS, and solid battery life, the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G will provide the value.
What I would choose and why
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro despite it being older and slightly bulkier. Here’s why:
- Display: The significantly sharper and brighter display is a huge advantage for me. I frequently consume media on my phone and often use it outdoors, so the superior clarity and brightness would be a very noticeable daily benefit.
- Performance: As someone who does some mobile gaming and often multitasks between apps, the powerful chipset and GPU will provide a far smoother experience, with less lag, quicker loading times and generally a better and more responsive phone.
- Camera: The versatility of a dedicated wide-angle and telephoto lens, combined with 8K video capability, would make the Mi 11 Pro more enjoyable for photography and video recording purposes.
- Charging Speed & Convenience: The 67W charging combined with the wireless and reverse wireless charging are a significant improvement and convenient, something I appreciate for keeping my phone ready to go when needed.
- Audio: The higher quality sound with Hi-Res audio is something I value when listening to music or watching videos.
While the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G is lighter and has a more modern OS, the raw performance, display quality, camera capabilities and charging technology of the Mi 11 Pro make it the superior choice for my needs, and would be worth the compromise in weight and age. I am also not too worried about the Android OS version, as both are very usable, and would generally prefer the overall quality of the phone rather than the minor upgrade in operating system.
