Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 162 x 77.3 x 8 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly taller and thicker, S24 FE is wider. S24 FE is slightly more pocketable. |
| Weight | 208g | 213g | Mi 11 Pro is slightly lighter, may feel more comfortable for long usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2340 | Mi 11 Pro's higher resolution offers significantly sharper visuals, better for detail-oriented tasks. |
| PPI | 515 | 385 | Mi 11 Pro has noticeably sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both displays offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 1900 nits | S24 FE is more readable in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Exynos 2400e (4 nm) | S24 FE's newer chipset offers significantly better performance, resulting in faster app launches and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 1,600,000 | S24 FE offers a major performance uplift, much better for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Xclipse 940 | S24 FE's GPU provides better graphics performance, making it a superior option for gaming and other graphically intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly larger battery, may offer slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Mi 11 Pro charges much faster, reduces downtime significantly. |
| Charging Features | 67W Wireless, 10W Reverse | 15W Wireless, Bypass Charging | Mi 11 Pro offers faster wireless charging. S24 FE's bypass charging allows for gaming while plugged in without overheating the battery. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 50MP | 50MP | Comparable resolution, but different sensors with distinct image processing. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.12" | 1/1.57" | Mi 11 Pro's larger sensor should capture more light, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Main Pixel Size | 1.40µm | 1.00µm | Mi 11 Pro's larger pixels may result in more light absorption, better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 20MP | 10.8MP | Mi 11 Pro has a higher resolution selfie camera, might offer more detail. |
| Selfie Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/2.65" | S24 FE's sensor may capture more light due to the larger size. |
| Selfie Pixel Size | 0.80µm | 1.22µm | S24 FE has larger pixels, resulting in better low light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 8MP | S24 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP | 13MP | Comparable resolution with slightly different sensor sizes. |
| Telephoto+Macro Lens | 8MP | No | Mi 11 Pro has a dedicated telephoto+macro lens which can be used for taking macro shots |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K 60fps | Up to 8K 30fps | Both phones can record high resolution video, but S24 FE has a higher framerate for 4k video. |
| DxOMark Main Score | 124 | 133 | S24 FE has a slightly better camera than Mi 11 Pro. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | S24 FE has a newer version of Android, offering better features, security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24 FE supports Wi-Fi 6E, offering potentially faster and less congested wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S24 FE has newer Bluetooth version, offering improved connectivity, stability, and efficiency. |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Fewer satellite systems | Mi 11 Pro supports more satellite systems, better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM / eSIM | S24 FE offers the option of using an eSIM for more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | S24 FE provides a higher storage option, beneficial for users with large media libraries or apps. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8 GB | Mi 11 Pro can have 12GB, which helps with multitasking and demanding apps/games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion, requiring consideration when choosing configurations. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, 3 Microphones | Noise Cancelling Microphone | Mi 11 Pro is better for higher quality audio playback, better voice capture, S24 FE is good for voice calls and video recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both use basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Very similar protection, with the Victus+ being only slightly superior. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric and Motion | Motion and Environmental | Mi 11 Pro includes fingerprint and heart rate, S24 FE adds barometer and ultrasonic proximity. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density offer superior visual clarity.
- Faster Charging: 67W wired and wireless charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Larger Battery: Slightly larger battery capacity, potentially resulting in slightly better battery life.
- Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced audio experience with Hi-Res support and 3 microphones, better audio quality for media consumption.
- More RAM (Optional): Option for 12GB of RAM allows for heavier multitasking and smoother running of demanding games.
- Telephoto + Macro lens: Dedicated lens for taking macro shots
- GPS: Supports more satellite systems which leads to better location accuracy.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: Newer chipset provides a major boost in processing and graphics power.
- Brighter Display: 200 nits higher brightness provides better outdoor visibility.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 14, offering the latest features and updates.
- Wi-Fi 6E: Newer Wi-Fi standard offers faster and more stable wireless connections, particularly in congested networks.
- eSIM Support: Provides flexibility of using a digital SIM.
- Telephoto lens: Dedicated telephoto lens provides better zoom capabilities.
- Bypass charging: Better thermal control for extended gaming sessions.
- Better camera performance: Slightly better DxOmark score overall
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 Pro: Older chipset, less future-proof, lower outdoor brightness, and lower camera scores.
- S24 FE: Slower charging speeds, smaller battery, potentially lower battery life, slightly less sharp display, and less RAM compared to the optional higher RAM variant of the Mi 11 Pro.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Ideal User:
- Media Enthusiasts: Appreciates the sharper, larger display and enhanced audio for consuming videos, movies, and music.
- Users Focused on Speed and Multitasking: Users who prioritize quick charging, faster multi-tasking and app switching.
- Users Wanting a good Camera: Users who want great pictures using their smartphone with zoom capabilities
Use Cases:
- Enjoying high-resolution movies and streaming content.
- Casual gaming, and general productivity.
- Capturing high-quality images and videos.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Wants the fastest possible performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Outdoor Users: Needs a bright display that's readable in direct sunlight.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Wants the latest software, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth technologies.
- Travelers: Users who travel may want an eSIM.
- Gaming Enthusiasts: Will benefit from the bypass charging feature.
- Users Wanting a good Camera: Users who want great pictures using their smartphone.
Use Cases:
- Playing demanding games and performing CPU intensive tasks.
- Working and using their phone outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Utilizing the latest connectivity features for fast wireless speeds.
Price-to-Value:
- The S24 FE, being a newer device, will likely be priced higher. The Mi 11 Pro might offer better value for budget-conscious users if found at a significantly lower price, still providing a great display and fast charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, media, photography, daily tasks).
- How important is the latest performance? (Do you need the absolute fastest speeds, or is adequate performance sufficient?)
- How much storage do you need, and is it crucial to have the latest version of Android?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious, Media Focused): If budget is a primary concern, and you value a great screen for media consumption and fast charging, the Mi 11 Pro could be a more cost-effective choice.
- Scenario 2 (Performance-Driven, Gaming User): If you need the best performance for gaming and demanding apps and the latest software, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3 (Balance of Performance and Features): If you want a balance of good performance, a bright screen, eSIM support and updated software, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is the right option for you.
My Choice and Why
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. While the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a slightly sharper display, and fast charging, the performance difference between the two is too significant to ignore. The S24 FE offers a much more future-proofed experience due to the newer and significantly faster chipset, the latest version of Android and faster wireless connectivity. While the faster charging is attractive, the S24 FE offers bypass charging, which is a great feature for gaming. Lastly, the camera is slightly better. In my opinion, the advantages of the S24 FE outweigh the sharper display, faster charging, and larger battery of the Mi 11 Pro, making the S24 FE the better option overall.
