1. Specifications Comparison
Design
Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Flip3 offers a unique, compact form factor when folded, enhancing portability and style, while the Mi 11 Pro has a traditional, larger footprint. |
Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm | The Mi 11 Pro is wider and thicker, making it feel bulkier; the Z Flip3 is taller but significantly thinner when unfolded and more pocketable when folded. |
Weight | 208g | 183g | The Z Flip3 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for longer durations. |
Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Both phones offer premium screen protection. |
Display
Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Mi 11 Pro offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2640 | The Mi 11 Pro's higher resolution results in significantly sharper images and text, which is especially noticeable when viewing high-resolution content. |
PPI | 515 | 426 | The Mi 11 Pro's higher pixel density makes images and text appear clearer, especially noticeable for users with sharp eyesight. |
Technology | AMOLED | Mi 11 Pro's AMOLED technology likely provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and superior contrast compared to the Z Flip3; Display tech of the Flip3 is unknown. | |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience. |
Brightness | 1700 nits | 1200 nits | Mi 11 Pro has much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight due to higher peak brightness. |
Performance
Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 888 5G | Both offer flagship-level performance, suitable for demanding tasks and gaming. |
AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 898,700 | The Z Flip3 shows slightly better benchmark performance, indicating a marginal performance advantage in demanding tasks. |
GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 | Identical gaming and graphics capabilities. |
Camera
Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Main Camera Resolution | 50MP | 12.2MP | Mi 11 Pro's higher resolution allows for more detailed shots and better cropping. |
Main Camera Aperture | f/1.95 | f/1.8 | Z Flip3's wider aperture may perform slightly better in low-light conditions. |
Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.12" | 1/2.55" | Mi 11 Pro's larger sensor captures more light, potentially resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 10MP | Mi 11 Pro allows for higher resolution selfies and more detail in video calls. |
Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.4 | Mi 11 Pro's wider aperture allows slightly better low-light selfies |
Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/3.2" | Z Flip3's larger sensor may capture more light, potentially resulting in slightly better low light performance |
Wide Angle Camera | Comparable | Comparable | Both phones have a comparable wide-angle camera. |
Telephoto Camera | Yes | No | Mi 11 Pro offers telephoto capabilities, enabling optical zoom for more versatile photography. |
Video Resolution | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Mi 11 Pro supports higher-resolution video recording, suitable for professional content creators. |
Video Slow Motion | Up to 1920fps | Up to 960fps | Both offer slow motion recording, with Mi 11 Pro being capable of recording more frames for a more impressive slow-mo. |
DXOMark Score | Mobile: 124, Video: 132 | Mobile: 111, Video: 110 | Mi 11 Pro has better overall camera performance, and significantly better video, indicating better real-world photo and video quality. |
Camera Features | Extensive (8K video, OIS, Laser AF, etc.) | Good (OIS, PDAF, etc.) | Mi 11 Pro has more options for advanced photography, including Laser AF and RAW support. |
Battery
Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Capacity | 5000 mAh | 3300 mAh | Mi 11 Pro offers substantially longer battery life due to larger capacity, especially for heavy users. |
Charging Speed | 67W | 15W | Mi 11 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime and keeping you powered. |
Wireless Charging | 67W | No | Mi 11 Pro allows for fast wireless charging for added convenience. |
Reverse Charging | Yes (with 10W wireless) | Yes | Both can charge other devices, but the Mi 11 Pro has additional wireless options. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness lead to a sharper, clearer, and more vibrant visual experience, especially outdoors.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution, larger main sensor, dedicated telephoto lens, and superior DXOMark scores result in better overall photo and video quality and more versatile photography options.
- Significantly Larger Battery: Larger battery capacity and faster charging (wired and wireless) translate to longer battery life and less downtime.
- More Audio Features: Includes Hi-Res Audio and more microphones, offering enhanced audio quality for playback and recording.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G Advantages:
- Unique Foldable Design: Compact and pocketable when folded, adding a unique style and enhanced portability, and a more interactive front display experience.
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable to hold and carry for extended periods.
- Slightly better AnTuTu score: Offers a marginal performance advantage.
- eSIM Support: Provides flexibility in mobile carrier switching.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 Pro sacrifices portability and lightweight design for better performance in other areas, resulting in a bulkier experience
- Z Flip3 prioritizes form factor and style but compromises on battery, camera and display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality display and audio for consuming videos, photos, and playing games.
- Photography/Videography Buffs: Users who want a versatile camera system with excellent photo and video quality, including 8K support and advanced features.
- Power Users: Individuals who need long-lasting battery life, and fast charging to keep up with their busy lifestyle and heavy usage.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G:
- Fashion-Conscious Users: Individuals who prioritize style, portability and innovative form factors.
- Users Seeking Compact Design: People who want a phone that is easy to carry around in a pocket or small bag.
- Users wanting an interactive cover display: Allows for quick access to notifications, selfies, and certain apps without fully unfolding.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mi 11 Pro excels: Streaming 4K/8K videos, high-end mobile gaming, professional photography and videography, all day usage on a single charge.
- Z Flip3 excels: Taking quick selfies, discreet messaging/calls in public, easily fitting in a smaller pocket or bag, enjoying a unique and interactive user experience.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers more power and features for its price, making it a better value in terms of raw specifications and performance. The Z Flip3 prioritizes form factor and aesthetics over raw specifications, so its higher price point is only reasonable if you value the foldable form factor.
4. Decision Framework
3 Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is portability and a unique design to you? If having a compact, pocketable and stylish phone is very important, the Z Flip3 is a clear choice. If a more conventional but highly performant phone is acceptable, Mi 11 Pro is preferable.
- What do you value more: display and camera quality or unique features? If having the best visual experience, best video and photo recording capabilities is critical, the Mi 11 Pro is the better option. If the foldable design and an interactive front display is more desirable than superior display and camera, then the Z Flip3 is better.
- What is your typical daily usage pattern? If you are a heavy user that needs all day battery life and fast charging, the Mi 11 Pro is more appropriate. If you are a light to medium user who values style over battery, the Z Flip3 can suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I need a reliable phone for work with excellent camera and battery." - Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro due to its better camera quality, battery life, and fast charging.
- Scenario 2: "I want a stylish phone that easily fits in my pocket." - Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G due to its unique foldable design and compact size when folded.
- Scenario 3: "I am a content creator who needs the best possible video recording quality." - Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro with 8K recording and a more advanced overall camera system.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. Here's why:
- Superior Display: I value a high-quality display, and the Mi 11 Pro's higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness make it significantly more enjoyable to use for media consumption, reading, and general use, especially when outdoors.
- Better Camera System: I like taking photos and videos, and the Mi 11 Pro's significantly better camera performance would be a game changer. I also prefer more versatility when it comes to focal length, so the dedicated telephoto lens of the Mi 11 Pro is a major plus for me.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: I use my phone extensively, so longer battery life and fast charging are highly desirable. The Mi 11 Pro's significantly larger battery and much faster charging would ensure I rarely run out of power and get back to full charge quickly.
- Better Overall Value: Considering the Mi 11 Pro's stronger performance in key areas (camera, display, and battery) and its lower price point, it offers a much better value than the Z Flip3, which mainly emphasizes aesthetics and a unique form factor.
While the Z Flip3 has a unique and stylish design, the Mi 11 Pro is more practical and powerful for my use case. The Mi 11 Pro's overall performance, superior display, significantly better camera system, and significantly better battery life outweigh the unique form factor advantages of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3.