1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Asus Zenfone 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.1 mm | 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.1 mm | The Mi 11 is significantly larger, potentially harder to use one-handed. Zenfone 9 is more pocketable and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 196g | 169g | Zenfone 9 is lighter, more comfortable for extended use and less tiring to carry. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Asus Zenfone 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 5.9" | Mi 11 offers a much larger screen, better for media consumption. Zenfone 9's smaller display is more convenient for portability and one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | Mi 11 has a sharper, more detailed display. The difference is noticeable, especially for reading text or viewing high-resolution images. |
| PPI | 515 | 445 | Mi 11's higher pixel density results in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks; no real difference in basic display tech. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1100 nits | Mi 11 is significantly brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Asus Zenfone 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Zenfone 9's newer chipset provides a noticeable performance boost, with faster app loading and smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 806,139 | 1,232,500 | The Zenfone 9 scores significantly higher in benchmarks, indicating considerably better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Zenfone 9's GPU delivers better graphics performance, especially noticeable in demanding games. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Asus Zenfone 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Mi 11 captures more detailed images in good lighting conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.8 | Zenfone 9 might perform marginally better in low light conditions because of slightly wider aperture. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.56" | Mi 11 has a larger sensor which results in more light sensitivity, and better performance in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 12MP | Mi 11 captures higher resolution selfies in good light. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.45 | Zenfone 9 captures slightly better low light selfies with wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/2.93" | Zenfone 9 has a larger sensor for better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes (13MP) | No | Mi 11 offers a dedicated ultrawide lens for landscape and group photos. |
| Macro Lens | Yes (5MP) | No | Mi 11 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | No | Yes (12MP) | Zenfone 9 has a combined wide-angle/macro lens, more versatile than the standalone macro lens on the Mi 11 |
| Video | Up to 8K@24/30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer similar video capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Laser AF | Dual camera, Gimbal OIS | Mi 11 has a dedicated macro and telephoto lens, the Zenfone has a gimbal for better video stabilization. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Asus Zenfone 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4300mAh | Mi 11 has a slightly larger battery, potentially providing a bit more usage time. |
| Charging | 55W wired, 50W wireless | 30W wired | Mi 11 charges significantly faster, both wired and wirelessly. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 50W wireless, 10W reverse-wireless | None | Mi 11 has more features such as wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages
- Larger, higher resolution display: Better for media consumption and detailed viewing.
- Brighter screen: Superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Faster charging: Much faster wired and wireless charging for quicker top-ups.
- More versatile camera system: Dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses offer greater flexibility.
- Wireless charging & reverse charging: Offers convenience for wireless charging accessories.
Practical Implications: The Mi 11 is better for users who prioritize a large, high-quality display and versatile photography options with added features like wireless charging.
Asus Zenfone 9 Advantages
- More powerful chipset: Superior overall performance with a newer, more efficient chip.
- Lighter and more compact design: Easier to handle one-handed and carry in pockets.
- More advanced video stabilization (Gimbal OIS): Provides smoother video recording.
- Better quality microphone: Provides clearer call audio and improved voice recording.
- More RAM options (up to 16GB): Better for heavy multitasking and future proofing.
Practical Implications: The Zenfone 9 is better for those who prioritize performance, portability, and enhanced video stabilization, even with less versatile photography options.
Trade-offs
- Mi 11: Larger size and weight might be inconvenient.
- Zenfone 9: Smaller display may not be ideal for media consumption and has lower resolution.
- Mi 11: Older chipset compared to the Zenfone 9 will have a considerable impact on overall performance.
- Zenfone 9: Slower charging, no wireless or reverse charging options, and a less versatile camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal Users
- Media Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos, movies, and shows.
- Photographers: Users who need the versatility of multiple lenses for different scenarios.
- Power Users: People who want fast charging and wireless capabilities.
- Users who value a large, high-resolution display.
- Users with a limited budget.
Specific Use Cases: Watching movies on the go, capturing a variety of photos (landscapes, portraits, close-ups), and topping up battery quickly before going out.
Asus Zenfone 9 Ideal Users
- Gamers: Users who need the best performance for gaming.
- One-Handed Users: People who value a compact phone that's easy to use on the go.
- Video Creators: Those who prioritize smooth video recording, and higher quality voice recording.
- Users who value processing power and performance.
- Users who do not mind a less versatile camera system.
Specific Use Cases: Playing graphically intensive games, recording stable videos for social media, taking phone calls in noisy environments, using the phone comfortably with one hand for extended periods.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- Do you prioritize a large screen for media consumption, or a compact size for portability?
- Is gaming performance or having a fast processor more important than camera flexibility?
- How important are wireless charging and fast charging for your daily usage?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Media consumption and casual photography:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11 is the better option with its larger screen, high-resolution display, and more versatile camera.
- Scenario 2: Gaming, video recording and portability:
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 9 excels with its powerful chipset, compact size, and video recording with gimbal OIS.
- Scenario 3: Balanced use with a focus on speed and convenience:
- Recommendation: This is a tough one, but the Asus Zenfone 9 is the more modern, faster option. If you can sacrifice the versatility of the camera system, the Zenfone is a better option.
What I would choose and why
I would choose the Asus Zenfone 9.
While the Xiaomi Mi 11 boasts a larger display and more versatile camera system, the Zenfone 9's superior performance, smaller size, and better video stabilization align more with my personal preferences and needs. As someone who uses a phone for a variety of tasks, the newer chipset and better performance of the Zenfone 9 are more appealing than the benefits of a bigger screen. Also, it would be more comfortable to hold the Zenfone 9 in one hand for prolonged amounts of time. The gimbal stabilization also makes the device more versatile for video recording, which is a big plus for me.
While the faster charging on the Mi 11 is nice, the Zenfone 9's battery life, combined with its smaller display and more efficient processor, should provide more than a day of usage, which means I will not be needing the fast charging capabilities as much. The absence of wireless charging is also an acceptable compromise for the benefits I get from the Zenfone 9. Finally, as a general rule, a more recent device like the Zenfone 9 will get better software support in the long term.
