Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro vs. Xiaomi Redmi A1+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi A1+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-02 | 2022-09-23 | Redmi A1+ is significantly newer, but that doesn't always imply better performance. |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly narrower and thinner; Redmi A1+ is more bulky. |
| Weight | 208g | 192g | Redmi A1+ is noticeably lighter, which could be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.52" | Mi 11 Pro has a larger display, good for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | Mi 11 Pro offers much sharper text and images; Redmi A1+ display will appear less crisp. |
| PPI | 515 | 269 | Mi 11 Pro has a much higher pixel density, leading to a significantly clearer display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Mi 11 Pro has superior display quality with deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors; better for viewing media. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Mi 11 Pro offers much smoother scrolling and animations; Redmi A1+ may feel less fluid. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 Pro is much easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight; Redmi A1+ brightness is not specified, which is a concern. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | MediaTek Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mi 11 Pro has a much more powerful chipset, leading to significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 95,000 | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly faster performance; Redmi A1+ is suitable for basic tasks only. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | PowerVR GE8320 | Mi 11 Pro has a much more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both phones have similar battery sizes, so endurance will be similar. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | Mi 11 Pro charges much faster; Redmi A1+ charging will be slow. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging (67W), Reverse Wireless (10W), Non-removable | Non-removable | Mi 11 Pro has a number of added charging features such as wireless and reverse wireless, providing added convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1.4µm | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm | Mi 11 Pro captures significantly more detail with better low-light performance due to larger pixel size and wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 0.8µm | 5MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Mi 11 Pro takes higher-resolution selfies with more detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | None | Mi 11 Pro allows for wider perspective shots; Redmi A1+ has no wide-angle capability. |
| Telephoto + Macro Lens | 8MP, 1.0µm | None | Mi 11 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities and macro shots; Redmi A1+ has no telephoto capabilities. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps, No stabilization | Mi 11 Pro records much higher resolution videos with better stabilization; Redmi A1+ recording capabilities are significantly lower. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 124, Photo: 118, Video: 132 | Not Tested | Mi 11 Pro has a very high DxOMark score, while the A1+ has not been tested |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, Optical Zoom, PDAF, Laser AF | Digital zoom, AF | Mi 11 Pro camera has much more advanced and extensive features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Redmi A1+ runs a newer version of Android out of the box, but the Mi 11 Pro can likely be upgraded. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Dual-band, MiMO | 802.11n, Single-band | Mi 11 Pro offers faster WiFi speeds and better performance in congested areas; MiMO can further improve wifi speed. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE, APT-x, LDAC | Bluetooth 5.0 LE, EDR | Mi 11 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version with better codec support. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1, B2), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System, QZSS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Mi 11 Pro has superior GPS accuracy due to supporting more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Both phones offer Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 32GB | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly more storage space. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 2GB | Mi 11 Pro has significantly more RAM, leading to better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Basic Audio Features | Mi 11 Pro offers superior audio playback with stereo speakers and better audio recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both provide fingerprint security, though the mounting position differs. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 Pro has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Mi 11 Pro has a more comprehensive set of sensors suitable for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness, offering a significantly better visual experience.
- Much Faster Performance: Flagship-level Snapdragon 888 chipset delivers exceptional speed for all tasks, including demanding games.
- Far Superior Camera: High-resolution main camera with a larger sensor, plus dedicated wide-angle and telephoto lenses, resulting in significantly better photo and video quality.
- Fast Charging & Wireless Charging: Much faster wired charging and the addition of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging add extra convenience.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers, and multiple microphones provide a better overall audio experience.
- More RAM & Storage: Significantly more RAM and storage provides better performance and greater capacity.
- Advanced Features: More advanced features and hardware for sensors, connectivity (Wifi 6), and battery.
Practical Implications: The Mi 11 Pro is designed for users who need a top-tier experience, excelling in areas such as mobile gaming, photography, and media consumption.
Xiaomi Redmi A1+ Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with a newer version of Android (Android 12), potentially offering some newer features.
- Lower Price: This is not explicitly stated in the document, but is expected to be much lower price.
Practical Implications: The Redmi A1+ caters to users on a very tight budget and need a device for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and simple browsing.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 Pro: Higher cost, larger size and more weight.
- Redmi A1+: Noticeably slower performance, lower display quality, basic camera, and slower charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Power Users: Users who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos.
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos or movies on their phones and want a high-quality display.
- Professionals: Users that need top-end performance for productivity.
- Users who are not constrained by budget: Users looking for best in class experience.
Specific Use Cases for Mi 11 Pro:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games at high settings.
- Capturing professional-quality photos and videos.
- Watching HDR content with excellent brightness and color accuracy.
- Heavy multitasking between multiple apps.
- Using GPS for travel and navigation in multiple scenarios
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi A1+:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users looking for the most affordable smartphone option.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Users who mainly need a phone for calls, messages, and simple browsing.
- First-time Smartphone Owners: Simpler experience for those new to smartphones.
- Users who are looking for a phone for basic functionality and not heavy usage: Users that don't use their phone for much more than the most basic needs.
Specific Use Cases for Redmi A1+:
- Basic communication tasks (calls and messaging).
- Casual web browsing and social media use.
- Basic photo capture in well-lit conditions.
- Simple app use and running lightweight apps.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Mi 11 Pro: Offers exceptional performance and features for its (likely) higher price.
- Redmi A1+: Focuses on affordability, and value is based on it's much lower price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider Before Buying:
- What is my budget? The Mi 11 Pro will be more expensive; the Redmi A1+ is designed for budget users.
- What are my primary use cases? If you need high performance or great photos/videos, the Mi 11 Pro is the better option. If you need basic functionality, the Redmi A1+ will suffice.
- How important is display quality and performance? If these are critical for you, the Mi 11 Pro is significantly better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and High-Performance Needs: Choose Mi 11 Pro. The significantly faster processor and GPU along with high refresh rate screen is necessary.
- Scenario 2: Budget is the Primary Concern: Choose Redmi A1+ . It provides basic functionality for an affordable price.
- Scenario 3: Casual User with focus on Media Consumption: Choose Mi 11 Pro. The vastly superior display is critical.
- Scenario 4: Basic communication with minimal app usage: Choose Redmi A1+. The budget friendly price makes it a suitable device.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
Here's why:
- Performance is Key: As someone who values smooth multitasking and gaming capabilities, the Snapdragon 888 chipset in the Mi 11 Pro is essential. The massive difference in AnTuTu scores (854,267 vs 95,000) is not just a number; it reflects a substantial real-world difference in usability.
- Superior Display: I value a great display for both productivity and entertainment. The AMOLED screen with its higher resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and superior brightness on the Mi 11 Pro is a game-changer compared to the basic IPS LCD screen on the Redmi A1+. The 1700 nits brightness on the Mi 11 Pro will ensure the screen is visible in bright sunlight, something that cannot be guaranteed with the lack of specifications for the Redmi A1+ brightness.
- Camera Quality: I often use my phone for capturing photos and videos, and the Mi 11 Pro's camera system, with its larger sensor, wide-angle, telephoto, and much higher video capabilities (including 8K recording) is significantly superior. The DxO mark also shows a significant quality difference.
- Features and Functionality: Features such as Hi-Res audio, wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and a more complete sensor package provide a better overall user experience.
- Future Proofing: While the Redmi A1+ is newer, the high-end processing power and advanced features of the Mi 11 Pro will likely provide better long term performance and capabilities, making it a better long term investment.
While the Redmi A1+ is lighter and more budget-friendly, the trade-offs in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities are simply too significant for my needs. For me, the additional cost of the Mi 11 Pro is worth it for the vastly superior experience it provides. The Mi 11 Pro is clearly geared toward a very different user than the Redmi A1+, and for my usage profile, it wins by a wide margin.
