1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm | Mi 11 is taller & thicker, iPhone is wider. Mi 11 might feel slightly more elongated, iPhone may feel wider in hand. Both are large phones. |
| Weight | 196g | 201g | Mi 11 is slightly lighter, but both are substantial. Weight difference is marginal. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Unknown (screen) | Mi 11 has superior screen protection. iPhone 15 Plus screen protection is unknown but is likely to be robust. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Mi 11 has a slightly larger screen, but the difference is small. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1290x2796 | Mi 11 has a noticeably sharper display, finer details and crisper text. |
| PPI | 515 | 460 | Mi 11 offers a significantly sharper display. Noticeable difference in clarity, particularly when reading or viewing detailed content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both technologies offer vibrant colors, high contrast, and deep blacks. Practical difference is minor. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Mi 11 has smoother animations, scrolling, and gaming, resulting in a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 15 Plus is considerably brighter, offering significantly better visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | iPhone 15 Plus has a newer chip, leading to faster processing, and superior power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 1,470,000 | iPhone 15 Plus performs significantly better in benchmarks. Faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Apple GPU (5-core graphics) | iPhone's GPU is considerably more powerful. Better graphics rendering, especially noticeable in gaming. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12 GB | 6GB | Xiaomi has more RAM, which can enhance multitasking and heavy app usage. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 48MP | Mi 11 captures more detail in optimal conditions but might not always translate to better overall image quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.6 | iPhone 15 Plus has a wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.5" | Mi 11 has a larger sensor, potentially better detail capture in some conditions, but the iPhone is close. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 12MP | Mi 11 has a higher resolution, but doesn't mean it captures better selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/1.9 | iPhone 15 Plus' wider aperture should capture more light. |
| Additional Lenses | Wide Angle, Macro | Wide Angle + Macro | Xiaomi has dedicated wide and macro lenses, but iPhone combines the 2 into one, potentially losing individual lens benefits. |
| Video Resolution | Up to 8K | Up to 4K | Mi 11 can record higher resolution videos, although practical benefits depend on use case. |
| DxoMark Score | Selfie: 112 | Mobile: 145 | iPhone 15 Plus has a higher overall camera score for the main camera. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Triple camera, Laser AF | Cinematic Mode, Noise reduction, Dual camera, Optical Zoom | Different feature sets offer different shooting styles and needs |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4383mAh | Mi 11 has a slightly larger battery, potentially providing a little more battery life. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Mi 11 charges significantly faster. |
| Battery Features | 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | 15W MagSafe wireless, 7.5W Qi wireless | Mi 11 has faster wireless charging. The iPhone utilizes MagSafe and Qi. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density offer a crisper viewing experience.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations much smoother.
- Faster Charging: 55W wired and 50W wireless charging gets you back up and running much faster.
- More RAM: Up to 12GB of RAM offers better multitasking, especially with demanding applications.
- Versatile Camera System: Dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses offer additional shooting options, 8K recording.
- Advanced Wireless Features: Includes wireless reverse charging.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A16 Bionic chip offers significantly better processing power and overall speed.
- Brighter Display: 2000 nits max brightness makes the screen much easier to see in direct sunlight.
- Better Camera Quality (Overall): Higher DxoMark score suggests better overall image quality, especially on main camera.
- More Refined Software Experience: iOS is known for its fluidity, stability, and consistent updates.
- More Modern Bluetooth: Newer bluetooth version may be better for wireless audio.
- More Storage Options: Offers up to 512 GB of storage.
Practical Implications and Trade-offs
- Display: Mi 11's display is sharper and smoother, but the iPhone's is brighter and easier to see outdoors.
- Performance: The iPhone 15 Plus wins with performance in benchmarks and is generally faster.
- Camera: The Mi 11 offers more versatility with dedicated lenses and 8k, but the iPhone 15 Plus provides better overall image quality and video quality.
- Charging: The Mi 11 charges much faster, but it might have a slightly shorter battery life.
- Software: Android and iOS are very different, and the preference depends entirely on the user's familiarity and needs.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal Users:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who watch a lot of videos or play graphics intensive games will appreciate the higher resolution and refresh rate.
- Power Users: Those who frequently multitask and need faster charging will benefit from the ample RAM and rapid charging.
- Photography Experimenters: Those who like to use different lenses and shoot videos, especially with higher resolutions.
- Android Users: Those who are comfortable with or prefer the Android ecosystem, and enjoy customization options.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for high-end specifications at a potentially more affordable price.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies on a crisp display with a high refresh rate.
- Playing high-end graphic intensive games.
- Long travel with access to charging, due to the fast charging.
- Experimenting with different camera lenses and shooting modes.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Ideal Users:
- Performance Seekers: Those who prioritize speed and responsiveness for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright screen for comfortable visibility in sunlight.
- Camera Enthusiasts: Those who value high-quality photos and videos, and a streamlined experience.
- iOS Users: Those who prefer the iOS ecosystem for its ease of use, stability, and privacy.
- Long-term Users: Those who appreciate long-term software support and updates.
Specific Use Cases:
- Using the phone in direct sunlight due to the higher brightness.
- Gaming, video editing, or photo editing due to the superior processing power.
- Daily use with quick responsiveness and no slowdowns.
- Taking high-quality videos and pictures with a simpler streamlined experience.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 was launched in 2021, making it a more affordable option, however is no longer sold on main marketplaces. This offers a high-performance experience for a lower price on the used market.
- The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is the newer phone, but is more expensive.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is more important: display sharpness/smoothness, or brightness? (Mi 11 excels at sharpness/smoothness; iPhone 15 Plus excels in outdoor brightness)
- Do I prioritize raw processing power or charging speed and battery versatility? (iPhone 15 Plus offers more power; Mi 11 offers faster charging and additional features)
- Am I firmly in the Android or iOS ecosystem? (Mi 11 is Android; iPhone 15 Plus is iOS)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Multimedia: If you're an avid gamer or watch a lot of videos, the Mi 11’s sharper, smoother screen and faster charging will be very attractive. However, if high-performance gaming is a main concern, the iphone may be more optimal.
- Scenario 2: Outdoor Usage: If you frequently use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight, the iPhone 15 Plus's brighter display is a better fit.
- Scenario 3: Photography: If you prioritize versatility and 8K video, the Mi 11 has more options. If you prefer great image quality and a simpler experience, the iPhone is better.
- Scenario 4: Everyday Use: If you want smooth, fast, and reliable daily usage and long-term updates, the iPhone 15 Plus will perform better.
- Scenario 5: Budget conscious: If price is a main driver, the Mi 11 is a more affordable alternative, but is only available on the used market.
Final Decision
If I had to choose, I would pick the Apple iPhone 15 Plus.
While the Xiaomi Mi 11 has some tempting features, such as a higher resolution display and very fast charging, the iPhone 15 Plus offers a more balanced and refined experience. The significantly more powerful chipset and better GPU make for a smoother experience with everyday tasks, and will keep the phone relevant for longer. The brighter display is a big plus for outdoor use. The consistent software updates, and better camera quality (according to the DxoMark scores) are hard to ignore. The only thing that the iphone has a disadvantage in is charging speed and refresh rate. The improved overall camera quality, speed, and brighter screen make the phone a better overall device.
It's not that the Xiaomi Mi 11 isn't a great phone, but the iPhone 15 Plus offers a more modern and future-proof experience, making it the better choice for the majority of users.
