1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly taller; M5s is negligibly thinner. Size difference is noticeable but might not impact daily use |
| Weight | 208g | 178.8g | M5s is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods and one-handed use. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Mi 11 Pro offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.43" | Mi 11 Pro's larger screen is more immersive for media consumption and gaming; M5s is more compact for easier handling. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Mi 11 Pro has a sharper display, resulting in clearer images and text, especially noticeable for detailed content. |
| PPI | 515 | 409 | Mi 11 Pro provides a significantly crisper viewing experience due to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Mi 11 Pro's smoother animations and scrolling are more fluid and responsive, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 1100 nits | Mi 11 Pro's brighter screen is much more visible under direct sunlight, improving outdoor usability dramatically. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly faster processing speeds, more efficient performance, and supports 5G connectivity, making it suitable for gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 418,627 | Mi 11 Pro exhibits superior overall performance for demanding tasks, ensuring a snappier experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mi 11 Pro offers much better graphics performance, more suitable for high-end gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" sensor, 1.4µm pixels | 64MP, f/1.9, 1/2" sensor, 0.7µm pixels | Mi 11 Pro's larger sensor captures more light, potentially resulting in better low-light performance despite the lower resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" sensor, 0.8µm pixels | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" sensor, 1.12µm pixels | Mi 11 Pro offers higher resolution selfies but a smaller sensor. M5s has larger pixels that may provide better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor, 1.12µm pixels | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor, 1.14µm pixels | Mi 11 Pro's wide-angle lens captures more detail due to the higher resolution, but M5s has a slightly larger sensor. |
| Portrait Mode | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor, 1.75µm pixels | M5s has a dedicated depth sensor, potentially resulting in better background blur effects in portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor, 1.75µm pixels | M5s has a dedicated macro lens for capturing close-up shots. |
| Telephoto + Macro Lens | 8MP, 1/4.4" sensor, 1.00µm pixels | N/A | Mi 11 Pro has a telephoto lens for zoomed shots, and is also used for macro capture. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS (unspecified) | Mi 11 Pro offers higher video quality and more advanced features. |
| DxOMark | 124 (Mobile) | N/A | Mi 11 Pro has a camera quality advantage. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery life with moderate usage, actual endurance will depend on display and CPU load. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Mi 11 Pro recharges its battery significantly faster, reducing the waiting time for charging. |
| Other | 67W wireless, 10W reverse wireless charging | Reverse Charging | Mi 11 Pro provides more charging options and can wirelessly charge other devices, enhancing convenience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate (120Hz), and brightness. This translates to a much sharper, smoother, and more vibrant viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Flagship Performance: Much more powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset and Adreno 660 GPU provide a dramatically better performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Advanced Camera System: Larger main sensor, better video recording capabilities (8K, 4K@60fps), and a telephoto lens offer more versatility and higher image quality.
- Faster Charging: 67W wired charging, 67W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging offer much more charging flexibility and convenience.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections.
- Better Build Quality: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering superior screen protection.
- Better Audio: 3 Microphones allow for better audio quality for recordings and calls.
Xiaomi Poco M5s Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: The lighter build and slightly smaller size make it easier to hold and use, especially with one hand.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: Features a dedicated macro lens and a depth sensor, which may offer more versatility in specific photography scenarios.
- Newer Android OS: Launched with Android 12 which may come with some additional features.
- Potentially Lower Cost: Usually priced lower than the Mi 11 Pro, making it more budget-friendly.
Trade-offs:
- The Mi 11 Pro sacrifices size and weight for performance, display quality, and camera features.
- The Poco M5s compromises significantly on display, performance, and camera quality in order to achieve a lighter build and a lower price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, and users who prioritize top-tier performance and display quality.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with smooth graphics and fast loading times.
- Professional or enthusiast photography and videography with versatile camera capabilities.
- Media consumption (movies, shows) with a vibrant, high-resolution display.
- Multitasking with demanding apps with seamless switching.
- Outdoor use where screen visibility is essential.
Xiaomi Poco M5s:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, casual gamers, users who prioritize portability, and basic photography needs.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Casual gaming with less demanding titles.
- Basic photography and video recording with additional macro and portrait options.
- Users who prefer a lightweight phone and a smaller form factor.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Mi 11 Pro: Offers premium features and top-tier performance at a higher price. The value is justified for users who will utilize those advanced capabilities.
- Poco M5s: Offers good value for the price, focusing on essential features and a comfortable build. A great fit for budget-conscious consumers who don't need flagship-level performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary usage scenario for the phone? (Gaming, photography, media, daily tasks?)
- How important is display quality and performance to you? (Do you need a very sharp screen with smooth performance or are you okay with a basic experience?)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay a premium for top features or do you need a more budget-friendly option?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance User: If gaming, heavy multitasking, and top-tier display quality are critical, then the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the better choice, despite its higher price.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: If your main use cases are everyday tasks, some casual gaming, and you need a lightweight device, the Xiaomi Poco M5s provides a good balance of features and affordability.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If mobile photography and video recording are crucial, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro's larger sensor, better video capabilities, and telephoto lens make it more suitable despite not having a depth or macro sensor.
- Scenario 4: Portable and lightweight: If you find larger devices difficult to use, or are looking for a very lightweight device the Poco M5s provides a smaller form factor, while sacrificing in display and performance.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
While both phones have merits, my preference lies with the Mi 11 Pro due to its superior display, performance, camera capabilities, and fast charging. As someone who frequently consumes media, games on their phone, and values good mobile photography, the Mi 11 Pro's advanced features outweigh the drawbacks of its size and weight. The 120Hz refresh rate, higher resolution display, and powerful processor make a noticeable difference in daily use, offering a smoother and more responsive experience. The improved camera system is also important to me for capturing higher-quality photos and videos in diverse scenarios. While the Poco M5s is a decent budget option, the premium features of the Mi 11 Pro are worth the additional cost for my specific use cases and preferences.
