Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Honor 70
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Honor 70 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.1 mm | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm | Xiaomi Mi 11 is slightly larger, may be less comfortable in smaller hands. Honor 70 is more compact. |
| Weight | 196g | 178g | Honor 70 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.67" | Xiaomi Mi 11 provides a marginally larger viewing area for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a much sharper display; text and images appear clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 395 | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers significantly sharper text and images; better detail. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; similar display quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi Mi 11 screen is much easier to read outdoors in bright sunlight. Honor 70 brightness is unknown which could be a major drawback. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers superior overall performance, faster app loading, smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 600,525 | Xiaomi Mi 11 will handle demanding apps and games noticeably better. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a more powerful GPU, better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP f/1.85 (1/1.33") | 54MP f/1.9 (1/1.49") | Xiaomi Mi 11 captures more detailed photos; larger sensor may offer better low-light performance despite pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP f/2.3 (1/3.4") | 32MP f/2.4 (1/3.2") | Honor 70's selfie camera has higher resolution, but slightly smaller sensor and aperture, overall similar performance is expected. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 13MP f/2.3 (1/3.06") | 50MP f/2.2 | Honor 70's wide-angle camera captures more detailed wider shots. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP f/2.0 (1/5") | 2MP f/2.4 | Xiaomi Mi 11 macro camera can capture more detailed close up photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers professional grade video recording options with 8k resolution. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Not Tested | 115 | Honor 70 has a good overall score, indicating good overall camera performance. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 112 | Not Tested | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers good selfie photo and video capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4800mAh | Honor 70 has a slightly larger battery, which may offer marginally better battery life. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Honor 70 charges faster, meaning less time plugged in. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wireless | None | Xiaomi Mi 11 has additional wireless charging options, offering convenient battery top up. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 | Honor 70 comes with a newer OS version out of the box, possibly longer support. |
| Other | |||
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Honor 70 can have higher storage, allowing for more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8/12 GB | Both handle multitasking and demanding games; 6GB option on Honor is entry level. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi Mi 11 is more durable and less prone to scratches. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers slightly better audio capture with dedicated microphones. |
| GPS | More comprehensive suite | Standard GPS | Xiaomi Mi 11 provides more precise location information with dual-band GPS support. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Display: Higher resolution (1440p vs 1080p) and pixel density (515 PPI vs 395 PPI), resulting in sharper visuals and improved detail. Much higher brightness, allowing for great outdoor use.
- Superior Performance: More powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset with higher AnTuTu score for faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera Features: 8K video recording, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for less blurry photos, and laser autofocus. Higher quality macro camera.
- Wireless Charging: Includes 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging for flexible power management.
- Better Build Quality: Uses Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, offers better peace of mind against damage.
- Better Audio: Offers two microphones for better audio capture.
- Better GPS: More comprehensive GPS, giving better accuracy.
Honor 70 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and more comfortable for extended use.
- Potentially Better Battery Life: Slightly larger battery capacity may offer better battery life.
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging provides faster battery top ups.
- Newer Operating System: Comes with Android 12 out of the box, with potentially longer software support.
- Higher Resolution Wide Angle Lens: Can capture better detailed landscape photos.
- Potentially More Storage: Available in 512GB variant, offering more storage.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Trades portability and potentially battery life for significantly higher display quality and performance.
- Honor 70: Trades high-end performance and screen for a lighter body, faster charging and a better wide-angle lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who prioritize performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate a high-quality display for consuming videos and photos.
- Photography/Videography Buffs: Individuals who want to capture professional-grade videos and detailed photos with advanced features.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who like to have the latest and greatest technologies such as wireless charging, premium audio quality, and better GPS.
- Users Who Need Durability: Users who require premium build quality and worry about damaging their screens.
Use Cases:
- Gaming on high graphic settings
- Video editing and content creation
- Watching high-resolution videos and movies
- Taking professional-grade photos and videos
- Long term usability
Honor 70 Ideal Users:
- Everyday Users: Those who want a reliable and balanced phone for daily tasks, and prefer a lighter and easier-to-handle phone.
- Casual Photographers: Users who prioritize a capable camera and value a large wide angle sensor.
- Users Who Need All Day Battery: Users who need their phone to last all day and need fast charging.
- Users on a Budget: Users who may want a more budget oriented option, whilst not sacrificing performance completely.
Use Cases:
- Daily communication and social media
- Casual photography and video capture
- Web browsing and media consumption
- Users who do not push their phone to the limit
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: Performance or Portability? If performance and a great display are paramount, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the better choice. If you prioritize a lightweight device and battery life, Honor 70 is worth considering.
- How important is display quality to you? Xiaomi Mi 11 has a much sharper display, while the Honor 70's display is still very capable. This depends on individual requirements.
- Do you need wireless charging and advanced camera features? The Xiaomi Mi 11 offers these options, while Honor 70 does not.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and High Performance: Choose Xiaomi Mi 11 for its powerful processor, GPU and better display.
- Scenario 2: Everyday Use: Honor 70 is a great choice, offering a lightweight design and long battery life.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Videography: Xiaomi Mi 11 offers 8K video, OIS, and a more powerful primary camera.
- Scenario 4: Long Term Use: Xiaomi Mi 11 offers better build quality and display, with longer term software support.
Final Recommendation
If I were choosing between the two, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11. The primary reason for this choice is the significantly superior display, the much better performance and the advanced camera features like 8K video recording, OIS, and its high-quality macro lens. While the Honor 70 has the benefit of a more lightweight design, a larger battery and faster charging, these trade offs do not match the overall premium experience the Mi 11 offers. As someone who does both content creation and gaming, having a higher performing processor, better graphics, and a superior screen is essential, making the Xiaomi Mi 11 the clear choice for my needs. The extra features like wireless charging and higher build quality also solidify my decision. Despite the Honor 70 being a newer phone, it doesn't offer the same level of quality, performance, or technological advancements as the Mi 11.
