Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro vs Sony Xperia 1 III - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date April 2, 2021 August 25, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 104.18 cm³ 96.06 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.27 "/g 3.49 "/g
Weight 208 g 186 g
Height 164.3 mm 165 mm
Width 74.6 mm 71 mm
Thickness 8.5 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Frosted Black
  • Frosted Gray
  • Frosted Purple

Display

Screen Size 6.81 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1440 x 3200 1644 x 3840
Aspect Ratio 20:9 21:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 91.4 % 84.2 %
Pixel Density 515 PPI 643 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 1500 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 107.81 mAh/in² 106.51 mAh/in²
Battery Density 47.99 mAh/cm³ 46.84 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 660 Adreno 660

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.1
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, Video Output

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureXiaomi Mi 11 ProSony Xperia 1 IIIPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm165 × 71 × 8.2 mmXiaomi is slightly wider and thicker, may feel less comfortable for one-handed use.
Weight208g186gSony is noticeably lighter, better for extended use and pocketability.
Display
Size6.81"6.5"Xiaomi provides a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming.
Resolution1440x32001644x3840Sony offers significantly sharper visuals, better for detailed content and VR.
Pixel Density515 ppi643 ppiSony's display is visibly sharper, text and images will appear clearer.
TechnologyAMOLEDOLEDBoth technologies offer excellent contrast and colors; negligible practical difference.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and animations; no practical difference.
Brightness1700 nits0 nitsXiaomi's display is significantly brighter, more legible in direct sunlight. Sony's brightness data is missing, which is a significant limitation.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 888 5GSnapdragon 888 5GBoth phones offer flagship performance for demanding tasks.
Antutu Score854,267889,100Performance is similar, both handle demanding games and multitasking well.
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 660Both offer similar graphical performance for gaming.
Camera
Main Camera Resolution50MP12MPXiaomi's higher resolution provides more detail, better for cropping and large prints.
Main Camera Aperturef/1.95f/1.7Sony's wider aperture lets in more light, beneficial in low-light conditions.
Main Camera Sensor Size1/1.12"UnspecifiedXiaomi's larger sensor gathers more light, better low-light performance and dynamic range.
Selfie Camera Resolution20MP8MPXiaomi offers more detailed selfies, better for cropping and social media.
Selfie Camera Aperturef/2.3f/2.0Sony's wider aperture allows for better low-light selfies.
Telephoto LensNoYesSony has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed photos, Xiaomi does not.
Wide Angle LensYesYesBoth offer wide-angle shots, similar performance overall.
ToF 3D SensorNoYesSony offers a ToF 3D sensor, potentially better depth sensing.
Telephoto + Macro LensYesNoXiaomi offers a dedicated telephoto + macro lens for close-up shots.
Video ResolutionUp to 8KUp to 4KXiaomi offers 8K video recording, better for professional videography.
Video StabilizationEISOIS + EISSony's Optical and Electronic stabilization provides more stable videos.
DXOMark Main Score124105Xiaomi has a significantly better camera score, better for photography and video quality.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh4500mAhXiaomi offers slightly better battery life for extended use.
Charging67W Fast Charging30W Fast ChargingXiaomi charges much faster, minimizing downtime.
Wireless Charging67WNoXiaomi offers high-speed wireless charging convenience.
Reverse ChargingYes (10W)NoXiaomi can charge other devices wirelessly, better for accessories.
Bypass ChargingNoYesSony offers bypass charging, allows gaming or other use while minimizing battery strain and heat.
Software & Connectivity
OSAndroid 11Android 11 (Upgradable to 13)Sony has better long term software support.
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6Both offer modern Wi-Fi standards, similar performance.
Bluetooth5.2, Multiple Profiles5.2, Extensive ProfilesSony has wider Bluetooth support, better for various wireless devices.
GPSMore SystemsFewer SystemsXiaomi offers slightly better location accuracy with more satellite systems.
SIMDual SIMDual SIMBoth offer dual-SIM support.
Storage & Audio
Internal Storage128/256GB256/512GBSony offers more storage, better for large media collections.
RAM8/12GB12GBSony offers a higher base RAM, better for intensive multitasking and long term usability.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone allows expandable storage.
Audio QualityHi-Res, StereoDolby Atmos, Hi-Res, StereoBoth offer high-quality audio experience, Sony has additional surround sound features.
Security
Fingerprint SensorbasicSide-MountedSony offers more convenient and faster fingerprint unlock.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass VictusGorilla Glass VictusBoth offer similar scratch protection.
Sensors
SensorsHeart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeProximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, BarometerSony offers additional environmental sensors, better for specific apps and use cases.
## 2. Key Differences Analysis

Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:

  • Significantly Brighter Display: The 1700 nits brightness makes the Mi 11 Pro much easier to use outdoors in sunlight.
  • Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 67W wired and wireless charging allows for much quicker charging and convenience.
  • Reverse Wireless Charging: Ability to charge other devices wirelessly.
  • Higher Resolution Main Camera: 50MP main camera captures more detail for superior photo quality.
  • Telephoto + Macro Lens: Versatile telephoto + macro lens allows for close-up shots and enhanced zoom capabilities.
  • Higher DXOMark Score: The Xiaomi performs significantly better in overall camera performance including photo and video quality, based on DXOMark benchmark.
  • More GPS Systems Better location accuracy due to the support of more satellite systems.

Sony Xperia 1 III Advantages:

  • Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density (643 ppi) create a noticeably sharper visual experience.
  • Dedicated Telephoto Lens: Allows for better optical zoom capabilities with a dedicated lens, compared to digital zoom on Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
  • ToF 3D Sensor: Offers better depth sensing, beneficial for photography and AR applications.
  • More Stable Video Recording: Both Optical and Electronic Image Stabilization provide better video recording quality, minimizing shakiness and jitter.
  • Dolby Atmos Audio: Provides immersive audio for media consumption and gaming.
  • Bypass Charging: Reduces heat and battery strain during gaming or other heavy tasks.
  • Extensive Bluetooth Profile Support: Wider compatibility with different audio and Bluetooth accessories.
  • Longer Software Support: Provides a longer software update timeline.
  • Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More ergonomic placement of the fingerprint sensor.
  • Larger Internal Storage options Up to 512GB compared to 256GB on Xiaomi.
  • Barometer An additional environmental sensor for better environmental readings.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: Sacrifices zoom quality, some low-light camera performance, and portability for a brighter screen, faster charging, and overall superior camera performance based on DXOMark scores.
  • Sony Xperia 1 III: Sacrifices battery capacity and charging speed for superior display sharpness, telephoto capabilities, and other advanced features including audio, bypass charging and environmental sensors.
  • Sony's lack of Display Brightness information: This is a major drawback given that it makes it impossible to determine if it would perform well in direct sunlight.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal User for Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:

  • Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phone outdoors in bright sunlight will benefit from the high brightness display.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize overall camera quality based on the DXOMark scores and want to capture highly detailed images.
  • Power Users: Those who need fast charging and long battery life will appreciate the 67W charging and large battery capacity.
  • Multimedia Consumers: Those who enjoy consuming media on a larger screen will appreciate the larger display size.

Specific Use Cases:

  • Outdoor Photography/Videography: Shooting photos and videos in bright sunlight or challenging lighting conditions.
  • Gaming: The larger screen and fast charging are great for gaming.
  • Travel: The fast charging is ideal when on the move.
  • Social Media: The high resolution selfie camera is great for taking clear and detailed photos for social media.

Ideal User for Sony Xperia 1 III:

  • Visual Content Creators: Users who prioritize a sharp, color-accurate display for editing and viewing detailed content.
  • Audio Enthusiasts: Users who value high-fidelity audio and spatial audio for media consumption.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Users who need more advanced telephoto capabilities with a dedicated lens and want to capture better low light photos.
  • Gamers: Users who need a responsive and optimized gaming experience.
  • Professional Users: Users who require a professional grade smartphone with advanced and reliable features.

Specific Use Cases:

  • Professional Photography: Using the telephoto lens and advanced camera features for creative photography.
  • High-Quality Media Consumption: Enjoying movies and music with immersive audio and a high-resolution display.
  • Mobile Gaming: Utilizing bypass charging, and a smooth display to create an optimized gaming experience.
  • Specific Sensor Use: Applications that require advanced location or environmental sensor data.
  • Long term use: Users who prefer long term software support from their smartphones.

Price-to-Value Ratio: Price is not available so, a price comparison can not be made.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. How important is outdoor visibility? If you use your phone often in bright sunlight, the Xiaomi's brighter display is a significant advantage.
  2. What are my primary camera needs? If you value overall image quality and zoom flexibility, the Xiaomi is a better choice. However, if you value low light photography and optical zoom, the Sony's telephoto lens and wider aperture would be preferable.
  3. What is my charging style? If you prefer fast charging, reverse wireless charging and longer battery life the Xiaomi is a better choice. If you prefer to minimize battery strain during use through bypass charging, the Sony is better.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Frequent outdoor use, photography enthusiast, fast charging needs. Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro, for the brighter screen, faster charging, higher resolution camera, and overall better performance based on DXOMark scores.
  • Scenario 2: High-fidelity media consumption, professional user with a focus on visual detail, prefer telephoto zoom, and longer software support. Recommendation: Sony Xperia 1 III, for the sharper display, better optical zoom, enhanced audio and longer software support.
  • Scenario 3: Mobile gaming and heavy smartphone use. Recommendation: Both offer excellent performance, with the Xiaomi having the advantage of fast charging while the Sony offers optimized gaming features such as bypass charging. The final decision depends on the user's priorities.
  • Scenario 4: No access to price information. Recommendation: No recommendation could be made without this crucial information.

My Choice

If I had to choose, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. While the Sony Xperia 1 III offers a sharper display and more advanced telephoto lens, the practical impact of a brighter display for outdoor use and much faster charging on the Xiaomi are more important for my daily usage. The significantly higher DXOMark score also indicates a better overall camera performance. The lack of brightness information for the Sony is also a major drawback. For my typical usage, which involves a mix of outdoor photography, media consumption, and a need for a phone that can quickly charge, the Xiaomi's advantages outweigh the Sony’s.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.