Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro vs. ZTE nubia Flip
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | ZTE: Offers unique foldable design with a smaller form factor when closed, great for portability. Xiaomi: Traditional smartphone experience, may feel more robust in some scenarios. |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 170 x 75.5 x 7 mm | ZTE: Slightly taller but thinner. Xiaomi: More compact in height, thicker, a slightly larger volume than the ZTE nubia Flip. |
| Weight | 208g | 214g | Xiaomi: Slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.9" | ZTE: Marginally larger, negligible difference in actual viewing space. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1188 x 2790 | Xiaomi: Sharper visuals, crisper text, better detail for media consumption. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 439 | Xiaomi: Noticeably sharper display. More defined text, clearer images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | Xiaomi: Superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colours, better power efficiency for dark themes. ZTE: Display technology is unknown. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both: Smooth scrolling and animations, ideal for gaming and social media. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi: Excellent outdoor visibility even in direct sunlight. ZTE: Brightness information is missing, could be a major downside in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm) | Xiaomi: Faster processing, better gaming, and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 690,000 | Xiaomi: Higher benchmark score indicating superior overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 644 | Xiaomi: Better graphics performance for demanding games and graphic-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" sensor, 1.4µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.7, Unknown sensor, Unknown pixel size | ZTE: Wider aperture for potentially better low-light performance. Xiaomi: Larger sensor size and pixel size, implying better overall image quality and low light performance, along with better hardware. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4", 0.8µm pixels | 16MP, Unknown sensor, Unknown pixel size | Xiaomi: Higher resolution for detailed selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm pixels | None | Xiaomi: Ability to capture expansive landscapes and group shots. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown sensor, Unknown pixel size | ZTE: Dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects. |
| Telephoto/Macro Lens | 8MP, 1/4.4", 1.0µm pixels | None | Xiaomi: Ability to zoom in without losing detail; Macro photos for details. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 4K, Unknown FPS, No Stabilization | Xiaomi: Higher resolution and better stabilization for professional-grade video. |
| DxOMark | 124 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 132 (Video) | Not tested | Xiaomi: Camera performance is objectively better based on tests and scores. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4310mAh | Xiaomi: Likely longer battery life for all-day usage. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging, 67W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wireless | 33W Fast Charging | Xiaomi: Significantly faster wired and wireless charging speeds, also offers reverse wireless. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable, Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Xiaomi: More charging versatility, can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 13 | ZTE: More up-to-date OS, access to newer features and security updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual Band, Hotspot | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual Band, Hotspot | Both: Latest WiFi standards for high-speed internet. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, AptX, LDAC, AAC | 5.2, A2DP, LE, AptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | ZTE: Supports slightly more audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | Xiaomi: More accurate location tracking with more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | ZTE: More flexible connectivity options with the addition of eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | ZTE: Higher max storage capacity option. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB | Both: Ample memory for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both: Neither phone allows external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Basic Audio Features | Xiaomi: Enhanced audio quality for music and calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint sensor | ZTE: More modern and convenient fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi: More durable glass for better protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Pedometer | Xiaomi: Has Heart rate sensor which provides more health tracking data. ZTE: Pedometer for counting steps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED tech, and significantly higher brightness makes it ideal for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Higher Performance: Faster Snapdragon 888 chip and Adreno 660 GPU results in better overall speed and gaming capability.
- Better Camera System: More versatile with a dedicated wide-angle, telephoto/macro lens, and much better video recording (8K) performance with better stabilization. Higher DxOmark score.
- Faster Charging: 67W wired & wireless charging with reverse wireless charging capability for fast charging and powering other devices.
- More Accurate GPS: Better navigation with more satellite systems.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers with Hi-Res audio providing a richer sound experience, 3 microphones.
- Better Build Quality: More durable screen with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Heart Rate Sensor: Additional sensor that helps with health tracking.
ZTE nubia Flip Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Unique form factor offers portability when closed.
- More Modern OS: Android 13 for latest features and security.
- eSIM Support: Provides more flexible connectivity, digital carrier switching.
- Potentially Better Low-Light: Wider aperture on the main camera could have better performance.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient than a basic sensor.
- Higher Max Storage Option: Offers 512GB for storage-heavy users.
- Pedometer: Additional sensor that helps with step tracking.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: Older OS, bulkier, and no eSIM support.
- ZTE nubia Flip: Display quality, performance, camera, and charging speeds are inferior, screen protection is unknown, lower battery capacity, and lacks a versatile camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Ideal Users:
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize high-resolution, vibrant displays for watching videos and movies.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who need top-tier performance for demanding games.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with great video capabilities and optical zoom.
- Power Users: Those who need fast charging and the ability to wirelessly charge other devices.
- Users who require better audio output: People who frequently listen to music with headphones or speakers.
- Users who need reliable health tracking: People who need heart rate tracking for their health routine.
ZTE nubia Flip Ideal Users:
- Early Adopters: Users who are interested in foldable technology, enjoy new and unique device experiences.
- Users Who Value Portability: Individuals who prioritize a compact device when folded.
- Users Who Need e-SIM Support: Travelers or users needing digital carrier flexibility.
- Users Who Want Basic Smartphone Features: Those who prioritize a newer OS and are willing to sacrifice other features for a foldable device.
- Users who need a step counter: Users that want to easily track their steps.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality to you? (Xiaomi's display is significantly superior).
- Do you need the best possible performance and camera versatility? (Xiaomi excels in both).
- Is a foldable design and e-SIM support more important than other features? (ZTE is the only option)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Best Overall Experience: If display, camera, and performance are top priorities, choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. It is simply a better device overall.
- For the unique experience of Foldable phones: If you want a foldable phone and are willing to compromise on specs like display, camera, and performance, choose the ZTE nubia Flip.
- For Budget-Conscious Buyers: Consider how important foldable design is, if it's not essential, the Xiaomi provides more value for your money. If the user is happy to compromise, consider the ZTE Nubia Flip.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
While the ZTE nubia Flip's foldable design and eSIM support are compelling, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro offers a superior user experience in most critical areas. The significantly better display, performance, camera, and charging capabilities make it a more practical and enjoyable device for daily use. While the Nubia Flip has a newer operating system, the practical benefits of the Mi 11 Pro are too substantial to ignore. The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro also provides excellent build quality, with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offering protection against drops and scratches. The extra benefits of a Heart Rate sensor, Hi-Res Audio and better GPS also add to the quality of the phone.
