1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Asus Zenfone 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 146.5 × 68.1 × 9.4 mm | Mi 11 is significantly larger, Zenfone 10 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 196g | 172g | Zenfone 10 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 5.92" | Mi 11 has a much larger screen, better for media consumption. Zenfone 10 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Mi 11's display is sharper, with more detail. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 445 PPI | Mi 11's text and images will appear crisper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 10 has slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1100 nits | Mi 11 is much more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Zenfone 10 has a significantly faster and more power-efficient chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 10 offers dramatically better performance, snappier apps, and superior gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 | Zenfone 10 has a more powerful GPU, better for graphics-intensive tasks and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | Mi 11 has a higher resolution sensor, potentially better detail in bright light. |
| Selfie | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" | Zenfone 10 has higher resolution selfie camera |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.3 | None | Mi 11 has a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.0 | None | Mi 11 has a dedicated macro lens |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | Zenfone 10 has a combined wide-angle and macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K | Up to 8K | Both capture high-resolution video with stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4300mAh | Mi 11 has a slightly larger battery, potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 55W Fast | 30W Fast | Mi 11 charges significantly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | 15W | Mi 11 offers much faster wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | 10W Wireless | 5W Wired | Mi 11 can reverse charge wirelessly, Zenfone 10 wired only |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | Zenfone 10 has a newer OS, more future-proof. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Zenfone 10 supports the latest Wi-Fi standards for faster speeds and less congestion. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Zenfone 10 has a newer version for more efficient connections. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | Zenfone 10 has a larger 512GB storage option. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB or 16GB | Zenfone 10 offers more RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows for additional storage. |
| Audio | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | Zenfone 10 has a noise cancellation mic for better call quality |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Zenfone 10's side sensor is more convenient and reliable. |
| Other | |||
| Build Quality Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have good screen protection |
| Sensors | Heart Rate, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity, Gravity, Hall | Both have a full suite of sensors, with minor differences. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Larger, Sharper Display: The 6.81" display with higher resolution and pixel density offers a more immersive and detailed viewing experience, particularly for media consumption and gaming.
- Brighter Screen: The significantly higher brightness of 1500 nits makes the Mi 11 much more usable in direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 55W wired and 50W wireless charging is noticeably faster, ensuring less time plugged in.
- Dedicated Telephoto and Macro Lenses: It gives more flexibility in different shooting scenarios
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can wirelessly charge other devices, adding a convenience factor.
Asus Zenfone 10 Advantages:
- Compact and Lighter Design: The smaller size and lower weight make it more comfortable to hold and carry around.
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip provides a massive performance boost, making it faster and more responsive for all tasks including gaming.
- Newer OS and Wi-Fi: Android 13 and Wi-Fi 7 offer a more up-to-date software experience, with improved future proofing.
- More RAM and Storage Options: 16GB RAM and 512GB storage variants cater to power users with specific needs.
- Better Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 enhances connectivity.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Better call quality with background noise reduction
- Advanced Fingerprint Sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor provides a quick and reliable security mechanism.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11: While it has a bigger screen and faster charging, it's bulkier, heavier, and older with inferior performance.
- Zenfone 10: While offering superior performance, it has a smaller screen, slower charging and a less bright display. The lack of a dedicated telephoto lens could be a trade-off for some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a large, high-resolution screen for watching videos and movies.
- Outdoor Users: Individuals who need a bright display for easy visibility in direct sunlight.
- Fast Charging Advocates: Users who prioritize quick charging times.
- Those who want more camera flexibility: The separate macro and wide angle lenses provide flexibility.
Ideal Use Cases for Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Watching movies, TV shows, and other videos.
- Browsing social media and web pages.
- Outdoor photography, especially in bright conditions.
- Quickly topping up battery during short breaks.
Ideal Users for Asus Zenfone 10:
- Power Users and Gamers: Those who need top-tier performance for demanding applications and gaming.
- One-Handed Users: Users who prefer a compact, easy-to-handle phone.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest software, connectivity, and features.
- Users who want a balance of performance and portability: Users who need a powerful phone that is still easy to use.
- People who need good call quality: The noise cancellation microphone allows for clearer calls.
Ideal Use Cases for Asus Zenfone 10:
- Playing graphics-intensive games and using demanding apps.
- Multitasking between several apps seamlessly.
- Having a smartphone that is easy to handle and portable for use on the go.
- Wanting the most up-to-date connectivity features.
- Need clear call quality due to noisy environments
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Mi 11 is an older phone so it might be available for a lower price now.
- The Zenfone 10 will have a higher price due to its updated hardware and newer features.
- Users should consider their budget and prioritize the features that are most valuable to them.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize screen size and brightness, or portability and ease of handling?
- Is top-tier performance essential, or is good performance with fast charging sufficient?
- Do you need a larger display for media consumption or a compact phone for everyday use?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
For Media Consumption and Outdoor Visibility: If a big, bright display is critical, and top-tier performance is less of a priority, then the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the better option.
For Performance and Portability: If top-tier performance, a smaller size, and more future-proof connectivity are crucial, the Asus Zenfone 10 is the clear winner.
For Budget-Conscious Users: If the priority is to get a phone with a large display on a budget, then the Xiaomi Mi 11 may be a better option due to it being older and potentially having a lower price point. However, the user needs to be aware that they will be making some trade-offs in terms of performance and other features.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Asus Zenfone 10.
Here's why:
- Performance is Key: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a significant leap in performance compared to the Snapdragon 888. I prioritize a smooth, responsive experience in daily tasks, and the Zenfone 10 delivers that.
- Compact Design is a Plus: I prefer a phone that's comfortable to hold and use one-handed. The Zenfone 10's smaller size and lighter weight are a definite plus for my daily usage.
- Future-Proofing: The newer operating system, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3 mean the Zenfone 10 will remain relevant for longer.
While I appreciate the larger and brighter display of the Mi 11, the Zenfone 10's superior performance, more modern software, and better portability are more important to my needs. The camera difference is not enough for me to choose the Mi 11. Ultimately, the better performance, compact form factor and improved software of the Zenfone 10 are more aligned with my needs.
