Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Motorola Edge 20
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola Edge 20 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 163 × 76 × 7 mm | Mi 11 is slightly taller and thicker, Edge 20 is wider and thinner. Mi 11 has a larger overall volume, which might feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 196g | 163g | Edge 20 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Mi 11 has a slightly larger screen for a more immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Mi 11's higher resolution results in significantly sharper text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 385 | Mi 11’s higher pixel density makes the display much clearer and detailed, especially for reading and watching high-res content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; negligible difference in quality for most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 20 has a slightly smoother scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 has much better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight (Motorola brightness info is missing). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G (6 nm) | Mi 11's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 589,200 | Mi 11 shows better performance in benchmarks, indicating better overall speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | Mi 11’s Adreno 660 provides better gaming performance and graphical rendering capabilities. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Mi 11 with 12GB provides smoother multitasking, especially with numerous apps or demanding tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Sensor | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | Mi 11 has a larger sensor & slightly wider aperture, likely capturing more light, resulting in better low-light images. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3 | 32MP, f/2.3 | Edge 20 has a higher resolution selfie camera, potentially capturing more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.4 | Edge 20 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, which Mi 11 lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3 | None | Mi 11 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more of a scene, which Edge 20 lacks. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0 | None | Mi 11 has a dedicated macro lens for capturing detailed close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 16MP, f/2.2 | Motorola Edge 20 has a combined Wide Angle and Macro camera, while Mi 11 uses dedicated sensors. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24/30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Mi 11 offers higher resolution video recording (8K) for professional-grade videos. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS, OIS | EIS | Mi 11 has optical image stabilization, which is better for reducing blur from hand movement. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4020mAh | Mi 11 has a larger battery for longer usage time between charges. |
| Charging Speed | 55W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Mi 11 charges significantly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | None | Mi 11 supports faster wireless charging while Motorola Edge 20 does not support wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradeable to 14) | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Mi 11 has longer software support with up to Android 14. |
| Other | |||
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | Mi 11 has higher-quality audio with better sound reproduction. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Edge 20 has a more modern fingerprint sensor location. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Mi 11 screen has significantly better scratch resistance. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly faster processing and gaming speeds.
- Higher Resolution Display: A sharper display with more detail.
- Better Camera Features: Larger main sensor, Optical image stabilization, and dedicated wide-angle & macro lenses make it more versatile.
- Faster Charging: Both wired and wireless options are significantly faster.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers enhance the multimedia experience.
- Longer Software Support: Will receive more Android OS updates than the Motorola Edge 20.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers a better level of protection.
More Sensors: The Xiaomi has more sensor support for additional features.
Practical Implications: The Mi 11 is better for users who prioritize top-tier performance, camera versatility, high-quality media consumption, and long-term software updates.
Motorola Edge 20 Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold for long periods.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Slightly smoother scrolling.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom capabilities for better long-distance shots.
Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient in some use cases.
Practical Implications: The Edge 20 suits users who prefer a slim and lightweight design with a good zoom lens, sacrificing high-end performance and advanced features.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Mi 11: Heavier and bulkier design compared to the Edge 20. Missing a telephoto lens.
- Edge 20: Lower performance and less versatile camera system compared to the Mi 11. Lower software support and slower charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with high image quality and advanced features like OIS and a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens.
- Media Consumers: Users who watch videos or listen to music frequently, benefiting from high-quality audio and a high-resolution screen.
- Users who want the latest software: Those who value long term software updates.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games without lag.
- Recording high-quality video with good stability.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Watching high-resolution videos with rich, immersive audio.
Motorola Edge 20 is ideal for:
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize a slim and light design for everyday use.
- Users who want optical zoom: Those who frequently take photos with zoom.
- Those wanting a simpler phone: Users who don't need high performance and advanced camera capabilities.
- Users with smaller hands: The thinner and lighter frame may feel more comfortable.
Specific Use Cases:
- Taking zoomed-in photos at events or for scenery.
- Basic web browsing, social media, and communication.
- Casual gaming.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 offers more advanced features for users who need the best performance, but may be more expensive.
- The Motorola Edge 20 might be a more budget-friendly option for those seeking a lightweight design and telephoto capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is top-tier performance and gaming to you? If you need a phone for intensive tasks, the Mi 11 is superior. If not, the Edge 20 is adequate.
- Do you prioritize camera versatility or a lightweight design and zoom capabilities? The Mi 11 has a more versatile setup with better image quality and features. The Edge 20 sacrifices other features for a telephoto lens.
- How important is the latest software and longer software support to you? The Mi 11 will receive updates for longer.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User/Gamer: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 for its significantly faster processor and better GPU.
- Scenario 2: Casual User/Lightweight Design: Choose the Motorola Edge 20 for its comfortable handling and thinner design.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 for its superior camera, features like OIS, and versatility. If you value optical zoom, the Edge 20 is your only option here.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious: If the price difference is substantial, the Edge 20 might be the better value for basic tasks and zoom.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11. While the Motorola Edge 20 offers a lighter and thinner design, my priorities are performance, camera quality, and display technology. The Mi 11's Snapdragon 888 chipset, higher resolution display, and more versatile camera system with OIS make it a better overall package for my needs. I also appreciate the faster charging capabilities and the enhanced audio quality. Although the Edge 20 is not a bad phone, for my use cases the Mi 11 would be a superior experience.
