Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Huawei Mate X3
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Huawei Mate X3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Huawei Mate X3 offers a larger screen in a compact form when folded. |
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 156.9 × 141.5 × 5.3 mm | Xiaomi Mi 11 is taller and thicker, while Huawei Mate X3 is significantly wider when unfolded. Huawei Mate X3 is more compact when folded. |
| Weight | 196g | 239g | Xiaomi Mi 11 is lighter and more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 7.85" | Huawei Mate X3 provides a more immersive experience for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking due to its significantly larger display. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 2224x2496 | Huawei Mate X3 has a higher resolution and more screen real-estate. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 426 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a sharper display, especially noticeable for text and detailed images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Xiaomi Mi 11 has richer colors, deeper blacks and better viewing angles thanks to its AMOLED panel, whereas Huawei's tech is not specified. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth and responsive visual experience with 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi Mi 11 is much better for outdoor viewing in bright sunlight. The brightness of Huawei Mate X3 is missing making it difficult to compare for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Huawei Mate X3 has a newer, more efficient processor, resulting in better performance and power efficiency. The Huawei chip only supports 4G. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 1,238,400 | Huawei Mate X3 offers significantly faster performance in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Huawei Mate X3 has a more powerful GPU for better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 has higher resolution for detailed photos. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.8 | Huawei Mate X3 has a slightly wider aperture, capturing more light. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.56" | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a larger sensor, which tends to produce better low-light images. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Huawei Mate X3 has larger pixels, capturing more light per pixel. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 8MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers higher resolution selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.4 | Xiaomi Mi 11's selfie camera is slightly better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 16MP | Huawei Mate X3 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, Xiaomi Mi 11 lacks this feature. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP | No | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a dedicated wide angle lens, which is missing on Huawei Mate X3. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | No | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a dedicated macro lens, which is missing on Huawei Mate X3. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | 12MP | Huawei Mate X3 has a wide angle + macro lens, which is missing on Xiaomi Mi 11. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24/30fps | Up to 4K@30/60fps | Xiaomi Mi 11 can record higher resolution videos for professional-grade footage. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4800mAh | Huawei Mate X3 offers a slightly larger battery, potentially extending battery life. |
| Charging | 55W wired, 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | 66W wired, 50W wireless | Huawei Mate X3 charges faster. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, 2*2250mAh, 50W wireless charging, 10W reverse-wireless charging, Non-removable | Non-removable, Wireless charge 50W | Huawei Mate X3 can only charge wirelessly, while Xiaomi Mi 11 offers more features. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Xiaomi Mi 11 runs Android, while the OS of the Huawei Mate X3 is missing. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Both have similar Bluetooth capabilities. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | Both have similar GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Full Active | Huawei Mate X3 allows full activity of both SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | Huawei Mate X3 offers larger storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB | Both are suitable for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a higher audio quality and two microphones for better recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Huawei Mate X3 offers a more modern fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi Mi 11's screen has a more durable protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Gravity, Hall, RGB, Proximity | Huawei Mate X3 has more diverse sensors for a wider range of functionalities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density for better clarity (515 PPI).
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED screen offers vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Higher Brightness: 1500 nits, much better for outdoor visibility.
- 8K Video Recording: Ability to record higher-resolution video footage.
- Wider Camera Lens Options: Offers a dedicated Wide Angle and Macro lens for diverse shooting needs
- More Battery Features: Offers reverse charging, 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers superior audio quality and 2 microphones.
- Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers stronger protection.
Heart Rate Sensor: Unique biometric sensor for fitness tracking.
Practical Implication: These features make the Xiaomi Mi 11 better for users who prioritize display quality, camera versatility, audio quality and a more comprehensive set of battery charging features.
Huawei Mate X3 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Larger screen real estate in a compact form when folded.
- Larger Display: 7.85" unfolded screen for immersive experience.
- Newer, Faster Processor: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G offers improved performance.
- Higher Benchmark Score: Significantly better performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated zoom lens for better optical zoom capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 66W wired charging and 50W wireless.
- More Internal Storage Options: Up to 1TB for storing more content.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient than an in-display sensor.
- More Diverse Sensors: A larger variety of sensors providing more functionalities.
- Dual SIM Full Active: Allows both SIMs to be active simultaneously.
Wide Angle + Macro lens: Offers a single lens for wide and macro captures.
Practical Implication: These features make the Huawei Mate X3 ideal for users who prioritize performance, multitasking, screen size, zoom capabilities and storage capacity and a more efficient charging.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Lacks a telephoto lens, heavier and thicker design compared to the Huawei Mate X3 unfolded.
- Huawei Mate X3: Larger and heavier than the Xiaomi Mi 11 when unfolded, missing specifications for screen brightness and display tech, and only 4G.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User:
- Content Creators: Users who need high-resolution video recording and versatility in camera lenses.
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize a vibrant and sharp display with high brightness.
- Gamers: Although the processor is older, it's still a great performer.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Offers great value for money when compared to the Huawei Mate X3.
- Fitness Enthusiasts: With the integrated heart rate sensor.
Huawei Mate X3 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who require maximum performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Multitaskers: Users who need the larger screen for better productivity.
- Travelers: Those who need a good zoom camera, great battery and a compact form when folded.
- Professionals: That need a device for work and want a large display for documents and presentations.
- Storage Savvy Users: Those that want huge storage options.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize screen size and the foldable form factor? If yes, Huawei Mate X3 is better.
- Is high-resolution video recording and a sharper display important? If yes, Xiaomi Mi 11 might be the better option.
- Do you need the best possible performance and more storage space? If yes, the Huawei Mate X3 would be better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: On-the-Go Media Creation - Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 for its versatile cameras (especially with a wide angle and macro lens), 8K video recording, and sharp, bright display.
- Scenario 2: Professional Productivity - Choose the Huawei Mate X3 for its larger screen, better performance, and multitasking capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Casual Everyday Use - Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 for its great features, excellent camera, good performance and more affordable price.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would personally choose the Xiaomi Mi 11.
Here's why:
- Balanced Features: The Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a more balanced package for my everyday needs. The camera setup is more versatile due to the different lenses, the display is sharper and brighter and the overall performance is still great, even if not the top performer.
- Value for Money: I think that the Xiaomi Mi 11 would offer a better value for the price, as the Huawei Mate X3 is a more premium and expensive phone, offering a different experience with its foldable design.
- Practicality: I don't have a specific use case for the Huawei's foldable form factor that would justify paying the high price for it.
- Battery Features: The variety of battery features and wireless charging on the Xiaomi Mi 11 is appealing.
- Missing Specifications: The lack of brightness and display specifications for the Huawei Mate X3 is a huge drawback as I use my phone a lot in broad daylight.
- Personal Preference: I am not a huge fan of foldable devices, as they are bulky.
While the Huawei Mate X3 is impressive with its foldable design and performance, the Xiaomi Mi 11 better fits my preferences, offering great versatility, a fantastic screen, and good performance in an affordable package.
