1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.1 mm | 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm | Mi 11 is larger and thinner, Pixel 8 is more compact but thicker. Larger phones are good for media consumption but can be harder to handle with one hand. |
| Weight | 196g | 187g | Pixel 8 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back, aluminum frame | Both offer premium build with durable glass. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.2" | Mi 11 has a significantly larger screen, better for media consumption, gaming. Pixel 8 is more pocketable and suitable for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | Mi 11's higher resolution offers sharper text and images, better for detailed viewing and VR/AR experiences. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 428 | Mi 11's higher PPI results in a visibly sharper display, especially noticeable in small details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both provide excellent color reproduction, deep blacks, and high contrast ratios. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2000 nits | Pixel 8 offers better visibility in direct sunlight, making it more practical outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | Pixel 8's newer chipset offers better AI processing capabilities and efficiency, which translates to better real-world performance in specific tasks and potentially more consistent performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 876,512 | Pixel 8 offers slightly better overall performance, as seen in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Pixel 8's GPU is newer, resulting in better graphics rendering and gaming performance, although specific gains will vary by the game or application. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Mi 11 has a higher resolution sensor, which can provide more detail in good lighting. However, higher resolution doesn't guarantee better overall picture quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.69 | Pixel 8's wider aperture allows more light to reach the sensor, leading to better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.31" | Pixel 8 has a slightly larger sensor, which tends to result in better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm pixel size | 1.20 µm pixel size | Pixel 8's larger pixel size capture more light, improving performance especially in low light |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 10.8MP | Mi 11 has higher resolution, but the quality depends on the sensor, processing. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.2 | Pixel 8's wider aperture is better for low-light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/2.65" | Pixel 8's larger sensor generally captures more light and better images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP | None | Mi 11 offers dedicated ultra wide angle for expansive landscape shots |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | None | Mi 11 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots of small subjects |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 12MP | Pixel 8 has combined the ultra-wide and macro lens. Good for flexibility of capture |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24/30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Mi 11 can record higher resolution videos, whereas the Pixel 8 offers the latest features and quality in 4k mode. |
| Slow Motion | 480fps | 240fps | Mi 11 can record slower motion in videos but the Pixel 8 generally produces better quality. |
| DxOMark Score | Mi 11 (Selfie: 112), Pixel 8 (Mobile: 148) | Pixel 8 has a significantly better overall camera rating, Mi 11 only tested for selfie camera. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 4575 mAh | Both have comparable battery capacity, expected similar battery life under normal usage. |
| Charging Speed | 55W | 27W | Mi 11 charges much faster, which is great for those who need quick top-ups. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | None | Mi 11 offers fast wireless charging, whereas the Pixel 8 does not. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 10W | None | Mi 11 can reverse wireless charge other devices |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 14 | Android 14, Upgradable to 21 | Pixel 8 has newer software with longer update support, meaning access to the latest features and security patches for longer. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Pixel 8 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Pixel 8 has newer and slightly improved Bluetooth capabilities. |
| GPS | L1+L5 bands | L1 band | Mi 11 has better GPS support with more bands, translating to better accuracy and reliability in location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Pixel 8 supports eSIM, convenient for travelers, while Mi 11 can use two physical SIMs at once. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB | Mi 11 offers a higher RAM option (12GB), enabling more fluid multitasking. |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| Expandable Storage | None | None | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so users need to choose the right internal storage at purchase. |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Noise cancellation microphone | Both have good sound, with the Mi 11 focusing on higher quality listening and Pixel 8 focusing on noise cancellation |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both are protected with durable glass. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Pixel 8 provides more environmental sensors, Mi 11 offers heart rate sensor, both have similar motion sensor setup. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages
- Larger, Sharper Display: Offers a more immersive viewing experience due to larger size and higher resolution.
- Faster Charging: Supports 55W wired and 50W wireless charging, which is significantly faster than Pixel 8.
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: Captures more detail in good lighting conditions.
- Versatile Camera Setup: Includes dedicated wide angle and macro lens for more creative shots
- Higher RAM option: Offers an option for 12GB of RAM.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio quality for listening through headphones
- Better GPS: Supports more satellite systems for improved location tracking
- Dual Physical SIMs: Supports two physical SIMs at once
Practical Implications: The Mi 11 is better suited for users who consume a lot of media, need fast charging, require a higher RAM for multitasking, prefer a dedicated macro and wide lens, and value high fidelity audio and GPS accuracy.
Google Pixel 8 Advantages
- Better Display Brightness: Significantly brighter screen, much better visibility outdoors.
- Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score and newer chipset, translating to better processing and gaming.
- Better Overall Camera Quality: Superior image quality, especially in low light, and better processing.
- Longer Software Support: Guaranteed software updates for up to 7 years, ensuring the latest features and security.
- eSIM Support: Easier switching between mobile carriers for traveling
- Wi-Fi 7 Support: Uses latest wi-fi standard for higher speeds
- Newer Bluetooth: Slightly improved Bluetooth for audio
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Better clarity during calls
- Wider main camera aperture: Better low light performance
- Larger main camera pixels: Captures more light resulting in better photos in low light
- Larger selfie camera sensor: Captures more light in selfies, resulting in better quality images.
- Combined Wide Angle + Macro Camera
- Better Video Quality: Superior quality and processing capabilities.
- DxOMark Score: Significantly better overall camera rating.
- Additional Sensors: Includes more advanced sensors for specific features and tasks
Practical Implications: The Pixel 8 is better for users who need a reliable and feature-rich phone with a focus on camera quality, outdoor visibility, long-term software support, improved audio clarity and environmental sensors.
Trade-offs
- Mi 11: While it has faster charging and a higher resolution display, it lacks the long-term software support and overall camera prowess of the Pixel 8.
- Pixel 8: Sacrifices some charging speed and the larger display for a more compact form factor, better outdoor visibility, better performance and longer software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who watch a lot of videos, movies, or play games on their phone.
- Power Users: Those who need fast charging, need a dedicated macro lens and wide angle lens, and need a higher RAM option.
- Cost-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for a phone with a high-end display and fast charging at a potentially lower price than current flagships (due to age).
- Audio Enthusiasts: Those who require high resolution audio.
- Users needing better GPS Accuracy: Those that need better GPS accuracy or reliability.
Specific Use Cases: Binge-watching movies on the go, playing graphically intense games, content creators requiring faster charging, or those who value high resolution audio.
Google Pixel 8 Ideal User
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a top-tier camera for both still photos and videos.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a screen that's easily visible in bright sunlight.
- Software Lovers: Users who value the latest software features and long-term support.
- Travelers: Those who want an eSIM for easier switching between mobile carriers.
- Users of noise cancellation: Those who value better quality during calls.
- Users wanting latest technology: Those who want the latest technology such as wifi 7 and the newest bluetooth standard.
- Users wanting better video: Those who prefer the best quality video.
Specific Use Cases: Taking high-quality photos and videos in various conditions, using the phone in direct sunlight, and users who need a phone that will receive updates for many years to come, and those who travel frequently.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- Mi 11: Offers a lot of flagship features at a potentially lower price point due to its age.
- Pixel 8: Priced as a flagship device, but offers the latest software, camera features, processing, and long-term support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a larger, sharper display for media consumption, or a brighter screen for outdoor visibility?
- Camera Needs: Are you a casual photographer, or do you want a phone with one of the best camera systems available with better quality processing?
- Longevity vs. Cost: Do you prefer long-term software updates and the latest technology, or are you looking for a cost-effective device with a strong feature set, and would you compromise on a slightly older operating system?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1 (Media Lover on a Budget): If you watch a lot of videos and want a great display without spending top-dollar, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is a solid option.
- Scenario 2 (Photography Focused): If taking the best possible photos is your priority, and you value long-term software support, the Google Pixel 8 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3 (Outdoor User): If you often use your phone outdoors in bright conditions, the Pixel 8's significantly brighter display is a major advantage.
- Scenario 4 (Traveler): If you frequently travel and need an e-sim, the Google Pixel 8 is the better option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Google Pixel 8.
Here's why:
- Camera: As someone who values photography and videography, the Google Pixel 8's superior camera quality, processing, and the inclusion of features like noise reduction and Pro Video Mode are very appealing. The DxOMark score difference further supports this.
- Software: I prioritize long-term software updates, the Pixel 8's promise of 7 years of Android updates means the phone will remain secure and feature-rich for longer.
- Performance: While the Xiaomi Mi 11 offers good performance, the Pixel 8's newer chipset and GPU are noticeably better, translating to a smoother overall experience and improved gaming.
- Outdoor Visibility: I often use my phone outdoors, and the Pixel 8's brighter display is essential for viewing content comfortably in sunlight.
- Future-Proofing: While the Mi 11 is a great phone, the Pixel 8's support for the latest technology, such as the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is a bigger benefit.
While I would be missing out on faster charging and a larger display, I value the better camera, longer software support, and superior outdoor visibility of the Google Pixel 8 more. The Pixel 8 aligns more with my preference for a future-proofed device with a focus on camera quality and overall user experience.
