1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Z Fold4 offers a larger screen when unfolded, providing a tablet-like experience but is less pocketable when folded. The Mi 11 Pro is a standard phone, more convenient for single-handed use. |
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 155.1 × 130.1 × 6.3 mm (Unfolded) | The Mi 11 Pro is taller and thicker, while the Z Fold4 is significantly wider when unfolded, making it less suitable for single hand use in that state. |
| Weight | 208g | 263g | The Mi 11 Pro is 55g lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and more pocketable. The Z Fold4 feels heavier and bulkier. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 7.6" | The Z Fold4 offers a larger viewing area, better for multitasking, media consumption and gaming but is less convenient for everyday use. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1812x2176 | The Mi 11 Pro has a slightly higher resolution, leading to sharper images and text on the screen. |
| PPI | 515 | 373 | The Mi 11 Pro has significantly higher pixel density, resulting in a sharper and more detailed display, particularly noticeable for reading text and viewing high-resolution images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | The Mi 11 Pro features superior display technology (AMOLED) offering deeper blacks, better contrast and vibrant colors; Z Fold4 display tech is not specified here. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits | The Mi 11 Pro's significantly higher brightness makes it much better for outdoor use in bright sunlight. The Z Fold4 brightness is not specified. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Z Fold4 has a newer and more powerful chipset, resulting in faster performance, better power efficiency, and improved gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 1,232,800 | The Z Fold4 demonstrates significantly higher performance in benchmarks, translating to smoother operation and faster app loading. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | The Z Fold4's more powerful GPU leads to better graphics performance in games and graphically intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP | 50MP | Both have the same resolution for their main camera. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.95 | f/1.8 | The Z Fold4 has a slightly wider aperture, allowing for better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.12" | 1/1.57" | The Mi 11 Pro has a larger sensor, which usually results in better light sensitivity and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 10MP | The Mi 11 Pro's selfie camera captures more detailed selfies in good lighting. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.2 | The Z Fold4's selfie camera has a wider aperture, potentially allowing for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 10MP | The Z Fold4 offers more versatility with an additional telephoto lens for zooming capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP | 13MP | Both have similar wide-angle capabilities. |
| Telephoto + Macro Lens | 8MP | No | The Mi 11 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Both offer similar high resolution video capabilities. |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | 124 | 124 | Both phones have the same overall score. |
| DxOMark Score (Photo) | 118 | 131 | The Z Fold4 has better image quality in photos. |
| DxOMark Score (Video) | 132 | 122 | The Mi 11 Pro excels in video recording. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | The Mi 11 Pro has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life and less frequent charging. |
| Charging Speed | 67W | 25W | The Mi 11 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime spent charging the phone. |
| Wireless Charging | 67W | 15W | The Mi 11 Pro has significantly faster wireless charging capabilities. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 10W | 9W | Both phones offer similar reverse wireless charging speeds. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 67W wireless charging, 10W reverse-wireless charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W | The Mi 11 Pro has a faster charging ecosystem with 67W wireless charging; Z Fold4 features bypass charging. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | The Z Fold4 comes with a newer OS, offering the latest features and security updates and will likely get more long term support. |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Both offer the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both support Bluetooth 5.2 and similar audio profiles. Z Fold4 offers more advanced profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The Mi 11 Pro offers more satellite systems support, leading to potentially more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The Z Fold4's eSIM allows for more flexibility, while the Mi 11 Pro allows two physical SIM cards simultaneously. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1TB | The Z Fold4 offers larger internal storage options, better for users who need lots of space for files, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 12GB | Both phones offer sufficient RAM for most users and multitasking capabilities, but the Z Fold 4 only has 12 GB option, so at a minimum, performance will be comparable to the 12 GB variant of the Xiaomi. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports memory cards for expanded storage, requiring the user to decide on required storage capacity upfront. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Mi 11 Pro offers Hi-Res audio, generally providing better quality audio for music playback, while Z Fold4's Dolby Atmos provides enhanced 3D sound through the speaker. The 3 microphones on the Mi 11 Pro offers better voice capture compared to Z Fold4. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Z Fold4 has a more convenient and modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor for faster and easier unlocking. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Both phones offer similar levels of scratch and shatter protection for their displays. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Gravity, Hall, Geomagnetic | The Z Fold4 provides additional sensors, making it more suitable for advanced use cases and games. Mi 11 Pro adds a heart rate sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density (515 PPI) provides clearer and more detailed images/text.
- Brighter Screen: 1700 nits peak brightness makes it significantly more usable in direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 67W wired and wireless charging, making it a lot faster to top up.
- Bigger Battery: Larger 5000mAh battery provides more battery life than the 4400mAh battery in the Z Fold4.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers a dedicated experience for audiophiles.
- Better Video Recording: Superior video recording performance (DxOMark score).
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: Larger 1/1.12" sensor generally provides better image quality.
- Lighter Weight: 55g lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
- More Affordable: Generally lower price than the Z Fold4.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Offers a unique tablet-like experience with a larger 7.6" display.
- Newer Chipset: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 provides better overall performance and efficiency.
- Superior Photo Quality: As per DxOMark scores.
- More Telephoto Lens: Greater zoom range with a dedicated telephoto lens.
- More Storage Options: Up to 1TB of internal storage for users with demanding storage needs.
- eSIM Support: More flexible with eSIM capability.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and modern fingerprint unlocking.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 12 and will likely be supported for a longer time.
- More Advanced Bluetooth Profiles: Z Fold4 supports more advanced Bluetooth audio profiles.
- Additional Sensors: Includes Barometer, Gravity, Hall, Geomagnetic.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Z Fold4 is heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than the Mi 11 Pro.
- The Z Fold4 screen's brightness is not stated, but is likely to be significantly lower than the Xiaomi.
- The Mi 11 Pro does not have the Z Fold4's foldable design and telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Ideal Users:
- Users on a budget: Provides a high-end experience with many premium features at a lower cost.
- Photography enthusiasts who prioritize main camera quality, with a large sensor and great video.
- Heavy users of display: Who want bright, sharp and detailed displays.
- Users who prioritize battery life and faster charging: The large battery and fast charging make it ideal for on-the-go use.
- Users who want a light weight smartphone: Makes it more comfortable to use single-handed and use over long periods of time.
- Users with strong emphasis on audio: The Hi-Res audio and 3 microphone combination makes it a great option for audiophiles.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Use Cases:
- Viewing high-resolution content, such as videos, and photos.
- Long days away from a power source.
- Taking high quality photos and videos.
- Demanding tasks that will benefit from faster CPU and GPU
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Ideal Users:
- Tech enthusiasts: Who desire a modern foldable design and cutting-edge features.
- Multitaskers: Benefit from a large display for productivity.
- Users who want a tablet and smartphone in one device: Combines the best of both worlds with a foldable form factor.
- Users who need lots of storage: Offers up to 1TB for large media libraries.
- Business professionals: The large screen is great for reading documents and working on the move.
- Gamers: Benefit from the more powerful chipset and GPU.
- Users who enjoy mobile gaming: Can use the larger screen for a more immersive gaming experience.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Use Cases:
- Reading documents and working on the go.
- Watching multimedia on a large display.
- Mobile gaming.
- Using multiple apps simultaneously, benefiting from the larger screen real estate.
- Capturing photos in different focal lengths, using zoom capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you need a foldable phone? If so, the Z Fold4 is the obvious choice. If not, the Mi 11 Pro might offer better value.
- What is your budget? The Mi 11 Pro is generally more affordable. If price is not a concern, consider the Z Fold4.
- Do you need a brighter display? If you often find yourself using your phone in direct sunlight the Mi 11 Pro might be the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: On-the-Go User - If you're constantly on the go and need a reliable device for communication, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro's lighter weight and longer battery life might be a better fit.
- Scenario 2: Content Creator - The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 with its larger display and better image quality, is better suited for multimedia editing and detailed photo and video work, if you are not needing the best video recording features.
- Scenario 3: Value-Oriented User - The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro provides a lot of value at a lower price point.
- Scenario 4: Tech Enthusiast - The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 offers unique features and cutting-edge design.
My Choice and Why
Given the choice, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is an impressive piece of technology, the practical benefits of the Mi 11 Pro align more with my typical usage. Here's why:
- Display: The higher pixel density and significantly brighter screen of the Mi 11 Pro are crucial for my daily use, especially outdoors. The lack of a specified brightness for the Z Fold4 is concerning, given I need good outdoor visibility.
- Battery and Charging: The larger battery and significantly faster charging capabilities of the Mi 11 Pro are important to me because I prefer not to be tethered to a charger.
- Weight and Ergonomics: I value a lighter and easier-to-handle device for single-handed operation, making the Mi 11 Pro a much better fit.
- Camera: The larger main sensor, better video quality, and additional macro lens on the Mi 11 Pro meet my photography needs well.
- Cost: The Mi 11 Pro offers better value for the features it provides, and is generally significantly cheaper than the Z Fold4.
While the foldable display of the Z Fold4 is intriguing, I find it to be a niche feature that I wouldn't fully utilize every day, especially considering the trade offs in weight, bulk and price. I also don't need the additional advanced bluetooth profiles or some sensors that are available on the Z Fold4. The practical advantages of a lighter, brighter, and longer-lasting device outweigh the unique features of the Z Fold4 for my needs.
