Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-02 | 2024-01-24 | S24 Ultra is significantly newer, benefiting from technological advancements. |
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 162.3 × 79 × 8.6 mm | Mi 11 Pro is taller and narrower, S24 Ultra is wider. S24 Ultra has slightly larger volume, meaning it will feel bulkier in the hand. |
| Weight | 208g | 232g | Mi 11 Pro is lighter, more comfortable for extended use. S24 Ultra is heavier, might feel more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.8" | Nearly identical screen size, negligible difference in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1440x3120 | Both are sharp; minor difference is not noticeable to the naked eye. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 505 PPI | Both are very sharp; negligible difference in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Specification Missing | Mi 11 Pro’s AMOLED offers better contrast and color vibrancy. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 2600 nits | S24 Ultra has significantly higher brightness, greatly improving visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24 Ultra has a much newer, more powerful, and efficient chip, leading to faster performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 1,814,869 | S24 Ultra demonstrates vastly superior performance in benchmarks, translating to snappier app loading and better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | S24 Ultra's newer GPU offers much better graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same capacity, likely similar battery life. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 45W fast charging | Mi 11 Pro charges faster, meaning less time plugged in. |
| Features | 67W wireless, 10W reverse-wireless | 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse-wireless, Bypass Charging | Mi 11 Pro offers faster wireless charging and reverse-wireless charging, but S24 Ultra offers bypass charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" sensor | 200MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3" sensor | S24 Ultra offers much higher resolution, better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | None | 50MP, f/2.4, 1/1.56" sensor | S24 Ultra has dedicated lens for portrait and telephoto shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Mi 11 Pro has higher resolution. S24 Ultra has slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/3.4, 1/3.52" sensor | S24 Ultra offers an additional telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | S24 Ultra has a larger sensor, typically better dynamic range. |
| Telephoto + Macro | 8MP, 1/4.4" sensor | None | Mi 11 Pro has dedicated telephoto macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@60fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 8K@30fps, HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound, 4K@120fps | S24 Ultra has more versatile video capabilities, offering 4K@120fps, and stereo sound. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 124 (Photo: 118, Video: 132) | Mobile: 144 (Photo: 144, Video: 137) | S24 Ultra excels overall, particularly in photo quality. |
| Camera Features | Multiple, including OIS, Laser AF, RAW | Multiple, including Night Mode 2.0, OIS, RAW | Both offer advanced photo options; S24 Ultra features more advanced software processing with night mode 2.0. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | S24 Ultra offers much newer software with better support and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | S24 Ultra has support for newer WiFi standards, providing faster speeds and less congestion. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S24 Ultra offers newer and more feature-rich Bluetooth. |
| GPS | Multiple systems incl. BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | Multiple systems incl. QZSS (L1 + L5) | Both have great location accuracy; Mi 11 Pro offers additional navigation satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM/eSIM | S24 Ultra includes the option for eSIM, which adds convenience. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024GB | S24 Ultra offers more storage options and capacity. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 12GB | Both offer ample RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Mi 11 Pro has higher audio quality; S24 Ultra offers noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both feature a standard fingerprint sensor for basic security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Armor | S24 Ultra has more recent screen protection tech. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S24 Ultra has a more comprehensive sensor suite, including a barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use and easier to handle.
- Faster Charging: 67W wired and wireless charging is significantly faster.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers better audio fidelity for audiophiles and a slightly better microphone setup.
- Telephoto Macro Lens: Provides dedicated macro photography capabilities.
- More Navigation Satellites: Better location accuracy due to supporting additional systems.
- Heart Rate Sensor: Has a built-in sensor, which could be beneficial for some users.
Practical Implications: The Mi 11 Pro is a great daily driver for those who value comfort, fast charging, and good audio quality.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Advantages:
- Significantly Newer Chipset: Much faster performance, better efficiency, and future-proofing.
- Superior Brightness: Excellent outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight.
- Better Camera System: Offers higher resolution main sensor, better telephoto capabilities, and overall improved image quality, especially in low light.
- Advanced Video Recording: More versatile and better video quality, including 4K@120fps.
- Newer Software: Runs the latest Android version, with likely longer software support.
- eSIM Support: Adds flexibility for international travel and multiple carrier options.
- Larger Storage Options: Offers greater storage capacity for media, apps, etc.
- More Feature-Rich Bluetooth: More versatile and better overall.
- Barometer: Useful for measuring altitude and air pressure
- Screen Protection: More recent Gorilla Glass protection.
Practical Implications: The S24 Ultra is a premium flagship phone aimed at power users who demand the best performance, camera quality, and overall cutting-edge features.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 Pro: Older, less powerful chipset, lower camera performance, and less bright display.
- S24 Ultra: Heavier, bulkier, slower wired and wireless charging speeds.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize comfort: Prefer a lighter phone for one-handed use and long periods of usage.
- Users who value fast charging: Want their device ready to go with minimal downtime.
- Users who want good sound quality: Benefit from Hi-Res audio and better microphones
- Users looking for a premium but slightly older phone Might be available at a more attractive price point.
Use Cases:
- Everyday social media browsing and communication
- Casual mobile gaming
- Listening to music
- General photo and video capture, including close-up macro shots
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Want the best possible performance for demanding tasks, including high-end gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Require the best photo and video quality available in a smartphone.
- Users requiring outdoor visibility: Need a bright display for use in direct sunlight.
- Users needing the most storage Benefit from largest storage capacity.
- Users who want to future-proof Require the most up-to-date features and software.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography
- High-end mobile gaming
- Demanding productivity tasks
- Outdoor work or recreation
- Users who need the latest features and software support.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Mi 11 Pro: May offer good value for the price, given it is an older flagship, particularly if you can find a good deal.
- S24 Ultra: Premium price for the latest features and performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
How important is top-tier performance and latest software to you? If you need the best speed and software, the S24 Ultra is the obvious choice. If good performance is enough, the Mi 11 Pro could save money.
How important is camera quality? If you are a dedicated mobile photographer, the S24 Ultra provides much more versatility and improved quality. For everyday casual use, the Mi 11 Pro may be sufficient.
- Is physical comfort a priority over the most advanced features? If weight and hand feel are vital, the Mi 11 Pro is lighter and narrower. If you're willing to sacrifice the smaller size for the latest technology, the S24 Ultra makes the most sense.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: If you primarily browse the web, watch videos, and handle basic tasks, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers a more comfortable, lighter form factor with fast charging, at potentially a lower cost.
Scenario 2: If you're a gamer, professional photographer, or someone who wants the best performance, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers an unparalleled experience at a premium price.
Scenario 3: If you spend a lot of time outside and need excellent display visibility in bright sunlight, the Samsung S24 Ultra will be the better option.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. While I appreciate the lighter weight and faster charging of the Mi 11 Pro, the performance gap and the significantly better camera system of the S24 Ultra are too compelling. For my own use, I need the fastest processing for demanding apps, and I value the versatility and image quality of the more advanced camera system of the S24 Ultra. The substantially brighter screen would make a big difference in daily use as well, especially outdoors. The newer software will also make for a longer lifespan before the device feels outdated.
