Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro vs. TCL 50 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 168.2 × 75.5 × 8.1 mm | TCL 50 SE is slightly taller and less thick; the Mi 11 Pro is more compact overall |
| Weight | 208g | 195g | TCL 50 SE is slightly lighter, may be more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.78" | Negligible difference in screen size; both offer immersive viewing |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2460 | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly sharper text and images; more detail in high-resolution content. |
| PPI | 515 | 396 | Mi 11 Pro will have a noticeably sharper and crisper display due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Mi 11 Pro offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors; better viewing experience and superior efficiency for dark modes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mi 11 Pro provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 900 nits | Mi 11 Pro will be much easier to view outdoors under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 250,000 | Mi 11 Pro delivers vastly superior performance, suitable for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mi 11 Pro has much higher graphics processing capability, better for gaming and GPU-intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, sensor size unknown | Mi 11 Pro has a larger sensor which will capture more light; TCL 50 SE has a wider aperture, beneficial for low light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" sensor | 8MP, f/2.0, sensor size unknown | Mi 11 Pro offers higher resolution and more detailed selfies. TCL 50 SE has a wider aperture for better low light selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2 | None | Mi 11 Pro offers wide-angle shots for landscape and group photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | TCL 50 SE allows for close-up macro photography. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | None | Mi 11 Pro provides optical zoom for detailed photos from a distance. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Mi 11 Pro offers much higher video quality; suitable for content creation. |
| DxOMark Score | 124 | N/A | Mi 11 Pro has been independently rated as having a very capable camera system. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Similar battery capacity; both should offer similar battery life on a full charge. |
| Charging | 67W wired, 67W wireless | 33W wired | Mi 11 Pro charges significantly faster; also has wireless charging |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging | None | Mi 11 Pro offers wireless charging convenience and can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | TCL 50 SE has a newer Android version out of the box; potentially longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | Mi 11 Pro offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in congested areas |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | Mi 11 Pro has a newer version of Bluetooth, improving connectivity with devices |
| GPS | Advanced | Standard | Mi 11 Pro has more accurate GPS tracking, beneficial for navigation. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Same storage options; no expandable storage on either device |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB/6GB | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly more RAM, better for multitasking |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Stereo Speakers | Mi 11 Pro offers better audio quality and clarity; better for sound recording and music. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | TCL 50 SE's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally more convenient |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 Pro has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity | Mi 11 Pro has more sensors, benefiting gaming and other applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, higher refresh rate, and dramatically higher brightness offer a much better viewing experience, especially in bright environments.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides vastly superior processing power, making the phone ideal for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a more versatile camera setup with a larger main sensor, telephoto lens for optical zoom, and superior video recording capabilities (8K).
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Supports much faster wired charging (67W) and wireless charging; more convenient for power users.
- Hi-Res Audio & More Sensors: Offers better audio quality and more sensors for enhanced functionality, such as heart rate monitoring.
TCL 50 SE Advantages:
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 14 out-of-the-box; might get longer OS and security updates.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More ergonomic and convenient for unlocking the device.
- Wider Aperture on Main and Selfie Camera: Potentially better low-light performance for these two cameras.
- Slightly Lighter: May be more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Lower cost: Typically available at a lower price, making it more accessible for budget-conscious consumers.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: The main trade-off is the older operating system (Android 11) which might mean fewer software updates in the future. Its complex feature set also tends to be more battery consuming.
- TCL 50 SE: It significantly lags behind in performance, display quality, and camera versatility. Its limited video capabilities are a major disadvantage for some.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Ideal User:
- Power Users: Users who need a device for heavy multitasking, resource-intensive apps, and demanding mobile gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with high image quality and 8K video recording capabilities.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-quality display with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth animations for watching videos and browsing.
- Users who Need Fast Charging: Those who need to charge their phone quickly, plus want the convenience of wireless charging.
TCL 50 SE Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who prioritize affordability and are not demanding high-end performance.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Users who primarily use their phones for calls, messaging, social media, and light browsing.
- Users who Prefer Simple Experience: Users who don't need a lot of complex features, and prefer a lightweight OS experience.
- Users needing a more ergonomic fingerprint sensor: People who prefer a side mounted sensor.
Specific Use Cases:
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: High-end mobile gaming, professional-quality photography and video, watching high-resolution movies, and using complex applications on the go.
- TCL 50 SE: Everyday social media browsing, basic photography, streaming videos at 1080p, light app usage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my budget? If you are on a tight budget, the TCL 50 SE is the more cost-effective choice, while if money is not the biggest problem, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers better value for its price.
- What are my primary use cases? If gaming, high-quality camera or video capture, or intensive app usage are important, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the better choice. If you need basic phone functions, the TCL 50 SE would be enough.
- How important is display quality and performance? If a high-quality screen with smooth performance is critical, the Mi 11 Pro is superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance & Best Visuals: If you need the absolute best performance and display quality for gaming or media consumption, choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Friendly and Basic Use: If you primarily need a phone for basic tasks, you should choose the TCL 50 SE.
- Scenario 3: Video & photo Capture: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a much better camera system that captures higher quality video and photos compared to the TCL 50 SE.
My Choice:
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. While it is an older device, its superior performance, display quality, and camera capabilities make it a better long-term investment, especially for my usage patterns that involve media consumption and frequent multitasking. While the TCL 50 SE has the advantage of a newer operating system and a slightly lighter build, the practical benefits provided by the Mi 11 Pro in terms of performance, display, and camera are much more significant for my needs. The lack of expandable storage on both is not a problem for me. The fast charging and wireless charging features are additional conveniences that make it a better overall choice.
