Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Honor X8b
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 161.1 × 74.6 × 6.8 mm | Xiaomi Mi 11 is slightly larger and thicker, may feel less sleek; Honor X8b is slimmer and potentially more comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 196g | 166g | Honor X8b is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a marginally larger screen, offering a slightly more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2412 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images, and a better viewing experience. |
| PPI | 515 | 394 | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers significantly higher pixel density, leading to a sharper and more detailed display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2000 nits | Honor X8b is significantly brighter, making it much more usable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers far superior processing power for demanding apps and games, also features 5G connectivity. Honor X8b is better suited for casual use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 250,000 | Xiaomi Mi 11 provides much faster performance; significantly better for gaming and intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 610 | Xiaomi Mi 11's GPU is much more powerful, providing better graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85 | 108MP, f/1.75 | Honor X8b has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance (though not enough data to confirm). Xiaomi has a sensor model but the X8b does not. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3 | 50MP, f/2.1 | Honor X8b has a higher resolution sensor and a wider aperture, resulting in potentially better selfies, particularly in low-light. Honor does not disclose sensor model. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a higher resolution wide-angle lens, capturing more detailed wide shots. Honor X8b has slightly wider aperture. Honor does not disclose sensor model. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a higher resolution macro lens, capable of capturing more detail in close-up shots. Xiaomi also has a wider aperture. |
| Video | Up to 8K | Up to 1080p | Xiaomi Mi 11 can record significantly higher resolution videos. Also includes EIS, unlike X8b. Honor does not disclose stabilization features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4500mAh | Both offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 35W Fast Charging | Xiaomi Mi 11 charges faster, allowing for quicker top-ups. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | Xiaomi Mi 11 has additional charging capabilities offering convenience not found on the X8b. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 14 | Android 13 | Honor X8b ships with a newer version of Android; Mi 11 is upgradeable but might be supported for a limited time. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | Xiaomi Mi 11 supports faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in congested areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, aptX, LDAC | 5.0, SBC | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a newer version of Bluetooth and supports higher-quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | More systems | Fewer systems | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers more accurate location tracking via additional satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | Honor X8b offers a 512GB option, better for users needing lots of storage, if selected at purchase. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8GB | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers up to 12GB of RAM, for smoother multitasking and better overall performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers the ability to increase storage capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Xiaomi Mi 11 provides superior audio quality and immersive sound experience with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Honor X8b features a more convenient and potentially faster side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a more durable screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Gyroscope, Heart Rate, etc. | No Gyroscope, etc. | Xiaomi Mi 11 includes a full suite of sensors, including a gyroscope for gaming and heart rate sensor for fitness tracking; X8b is missing some of these. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides significantly higher processing power, leading to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
- Higher Quality Display: The 1440p resolution and higher PPI result in a sharper and more detailed screen with a smoother refresh rate, ideal for media consumption and gaming.
- Better Cameras: While both have a 108MP main camera, Xiaomi offers better wide-angle and macro lenses, along with superior video recording capabilities (up to 8K).
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 55W fast charging and 50W wireless charging capabilities offer greater convenience, along with reverse wireless charging, and 2x2250mAh battery.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio support provide a much better audio experience.
- More Connectivity Options: Faster Wifi 6 and more complete Bluetooth 5.2 capabilities and more GPS satellite support.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides a more durable screen than the unknown protection of the X8b.
- Full Sensor Suite: Includes gyroscope and heart rate sensors, not present in the Honor X8b.
Honor X8b Advantages:
- Lighter & Slimmer Design: The lighter weight and thinner profile make it more comfortable to hold and carry around.
- Brighter Display: The 2000 nits display brightness offers superior outdoor visibility, particularly in direct sunlight.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 50MP front camera with wider aperture should perform better in more lighting conditions.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 13.
- Potentially More Storage: Offers a 512 GB option, if purchased at that spec, along with 128/256GB options.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More modern and convenient placement for security.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Sacrifices portability and outdoor visibility for higher performance, superior display, and better overall camera and media capabilities.
- Honor X8b: Prioritizes a lighter design, brighter screen, newer Android and potentially greater storage, but at the expense of performance, overall camera quality, and advanced connectivity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 - Ideal for:
- Gamers: The powerful processor, higher refresh rate screen, and superior graphics capabilities make it ideal for mobile gaming.
- Media Enthusiasts: The high-resolution display, stereo speakers, and Hi-Res audio offer a premium experience for watching videos and listening to music.
- Photography & Videography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system, with better wide-angle, macro, and 8K video support, is better for content creation.
- Power Users: Users who need a fast and responsive phone for multitasking and demanding apps.
Honor X8b - Ideal for:
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phones for browsing, social media, and basic apps.
- Users who prioritize portability: The light and slim design make it easy to carry and use for longer periods.
- Outdoor Users: The brighter display is beneficial for viewing in direct sunlight.
- Selfie Lovers: The higher resolution front-facing camera should take better quality selfies.
- Users who value modern security: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor provides convenient security.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What's your primary use case? (Gaming, media, everyday use, photography, etc)
- Do you prioritize performance or portability?
- Is a high-quality screen or a brighter screen more important to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you're a gamer or power user: The Xiaomi Mi 11 is the clear choice for superior performance, gaming, and media capabilities.
- If you need a light and comfortable phone for everyday use, with better outdoor visibility and prefer a newer Android version: The Honor X8b is the better option.
- If you prioritize camera quality and video quality, especially for high-resolution content: The Xiaomi Mi 11 is the better choice.
- If you prioritize selfie camera quality and need lots of local storage,: The Honor X8b may be a slightly better choice.
- If you need to utilize wireless charging: The Xiaomi Mi 11 is the only choice.
- If you value more accurate GPS and location tracking: The Xiaomi Mi 11 is the better choice.
Personal Choice:
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11. Although it's an older phone, its performance advantages are substantial. The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers a significantly better experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications, and the better camera setup is important for my use. While the Honor X8b's brighter screen and lighter design are appealing, the trade-offs in performance and overall camera quality are not worth it for my needs. The superior display and audio of the Mi 11 are also key factors for me, as I value media consumption and gaming quality highly. The slightly larger size is an acceptable trade-off for the much more robust feature set and much better performance. While the Mi 11 has a more limited storage cap at 256 GB, I am comfortable with cloud storage options.
