1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 162.6 × 76.5 × 8.8 mm | Mi 11 is slightly taller and thinner, while Pixel 8 Pro is wider and thicker, affecting grip and pocketability. |
| Weight | 196g | 213g | Mi 11 is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for long use. Pixel 8 Pro feels more substantial but might be tiring for some users. |
| Build | Glass front, glass back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back | Both offer premium build quality. Pixel 8 Pro has updated Gorilla Glass for enhanced durability. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Mi 11 has a marginally larger screen, better for content consumption if you prefer a bigger display. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1344x2992 | Mi 11 has a sharper display. Pixel 8 Pro has very good resolution, but Mi 11 is slightly crisper |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 489 ppi | Mi 11 has a higher pixel density, offering slightly crisper visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both have vibrant and high contrast displays, slight differences in color science. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2400 nits | Pixel 8 Pro has significantly higher brightness, much better visibility in direct sunlight and outdoor usage. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | Pixel 8 Pro's newer chip provides noticeably better performance in benchmark tests and AI capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 1,142,984 | Pixel 8 Pro provides a faster user experience, smoother animations, quicker loading times, and better for more demanding apps and gaming |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Pixel 8 Pro's GPU offers enhanced graphics performance, improved gaming, and better graphical performance than Mi 11 |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.31", 1.2µm | Mi 11 has more megapixels for higher resolution. Pixel 8 Pro has larger pixel size and wider aperture to capture better low light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | Pixel 8 Pro provides better low light selfie with bigger pixel size, slightly better. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/2.8, 1/2.55", 0.7µm | Pixel 8 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens, allowing for better zoomed-in photos. Mi 11 doesn't have a telephoto lens, it might zoom digitally. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 48MP, f/1.95, no size | Mi 11 has a dedicated wide angle lens. Pixel 8 Pro has a single camera that combines wide angle with macro capabilities |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5", 1.12µm | None | Mi 11 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. Pixel 8 Pro utilizes its ultrawide for macro function. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Mi 11 can record in 8K, which can be beneficial if the user requires super high resolution recording capabilities |
| DxOMark | Selfie: 112 | Mobile: 153, Selfie: 145 | Pixel 8 Pro scores significantly higher in both main and selfie camera DxOMark tests |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5050mAh | Pixel 8 Pro has slightly larger battery, potentially giving slightly longer battery life |
| Charging | 55W wired, 50W wireless | 30W wired, 23W wireless | Mi 11 charges significantly faster, both wired and wirelessly. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 55W wired and 50W wireless charging.
- Higher Resolution Display: Slightly higher resolution and pixel density.
- 8K Video Recording: Capable of shooting videos in 8K resolution.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Separate macro lens for close-up photography.
- Lighter: A noticeable 17g lighter which might feel more comfortable for some users.
- More GPS Systems: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy
- Cost: Mi 11 would be cheaper at this point, given it's age
Google Pixel 8 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Tensor G3 chip offers noticeably better performance, including AI features.
- Significantly Brighter Display: Much better outdoor visibility due to the 2400 nits brightness.
- Better Camera Performance: Superior image quality according to DxOMark, larger sensor and pixel size on main and selfie cameras, dedicated telephoto lens.
- Newer Software: Ships with newer software and is expected to be updated for longer than the Mi 11.
- eSIM Support: Offers the flexibility of an eSIM for digital carrier switching.
- Larger Storage Options: Available with up to 1TB of internal storage
- Better Bluetooth: Features the newer Bluetooth version with wider codec support.
- Better Audio: Has more microphones for better noise cancelling during calls.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11: Loses out on camera performance, display brightness, and overall processing power.
- Pixel 8 Pro: Slower charging, a bit heavier, and more expensive. It lacks a dedicated macro lens, instead using the wide-angle lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users looking for good value at a lower price point and are willing to trade newer features for reduced cost.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who prioritize a large, high-resolution screen and appreciate 8K video capability.
- Users who value fast charging: People who need their phones to charge quickly.
- Users who prefer lighter phones: People who do not like heavier phones will appreciate the lighter weight of the Mi 11.
- Users who need a compass: People who need a compass will appreciate the sensor in the Mi 11.
Specific Use Cases:
* Watching movies, playing games on a large screen, fast charging during short breaks.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, low-light performance, and advanced photography features.
- Power Users: Users who need top-tier performance for demanding apps, multitasking, and mobile gaming.
- Outdoor Users: People who use their phone a lot outdoors and need excellent screen visibility in sunlight.
- Users who value longevity and software updates: Those who want long term software support for a device.
Specific Use Cases:
* Taking high quality photos and videos, using AI enhanced features, using the device outdoors in bright sunlight, gaming.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Provides a good balance between cost and features.
- Google Pixel 8 Pro: Offers top-tier features, but comes at a premium price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality? If photography is a priority, the Pixel 8 Pro is significantly better.
- What is your budget? The Mi 11 is likely more affordable, the Pixel 8 Pro is significantly more expensive.
- How do you use your phone? Users who prioritize performance and software updates should consider the Pixel 8 Pro. Users who want larger display, faster charging should consider the Mi 11.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography enthusiast with a high budget: Choose the Google Pixel 8 Pro for its camera capabilities, AI enhancements, and brighter display.
- Scenario 2: Budget-conscious user who prioritizes content consumption: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 for its large screen, 8K video, and lower price.
- Scenario 3: Power user who needs top performance: Choose the Google Pixel 8 Pro, although the Mi 11 would be sufficient for most users.
- Scenario 4: User who needs a phone that's comfortable to carry for a long time: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 because of the lighter weight.
- Scenario 5: User who prefers faster charging: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 due to it's much faster charging speeds.
What I would choose and why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Google Pixel 8 Pro. Although the Xiaomi Mi 11 is a good phone that is cheaper and has some superior features like faster charging and higher resolution display, the Pixel 8 Pro offers significant advancements in areas that are more important to me. The vastly superior camera performance, especially in low light, and the much brighter display, would make a significant difference in my everyday use. Additionally, the better performance from the Google Tensor G3 chip and the promise of longer software support are compelling reasons to justify the higher price. While the faster charging of the Mi 11 is appealing, the overall improvements in user experience and photography on the Pixel 8 Pro make it a more compelling choice for me.
