Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Motorola Moto G (2023)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola Moto G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 164 × 75 × 8.4 mm | Similar size, Moto G slightly thicker (0.3mm), potentially less comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 196g | 189g | Moto G is lighter by 7g; may be noticeable for extended usage, making it slightly more comfortable to hold. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.5" | Mi 11 offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | Mi 11 has a much sharper display, better for detailed visuals and text readability. |
| PPI | 515 | 270 | Mi 11 display is noticeably crisper and sharper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Mi 11 has superior blacks, contrast, vibrant colors and better viewing angles, making media look better. It is also more efficient with dark theme. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits (specification missing) | Mi 11 offers better outdoor visibility in sunlight. The Moto G's outdoor visibility is unknown due to missing specification. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Mi 11 offers significantly faster processing, better gaming performance, and overall snappier experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 380,000 | Mi 11 is significantly faster, handles demanding apps and games more smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 619 | Mi 11 offers better graphics performance, crucial for smooth gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G might have slightly better battery life (due to the 400 mAh difference), though real-world usage will vary by usage patterns. |
| Charging | 55W fast charging | 15W fast charging | Mi 11 charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | 50W wireless charging, 10W reverse-wireless, Reverse charging, 2*2250mAh | Non-removable | Mi 11 offers wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities, making it more versatile. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 108MP | 48MP | Mi 11 captures much more detailed photos; potentially better prints and cropping ability. |
| Main Camera Ap | f/1.85 | f/1.7 | Moto G has wider aperture and may perform slightly better in low-light situations but with lower resolution. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 20MP | 8MP | Mi 11 has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Selfie Camera Ap | f/2.3 | f/2.0 | Moto G has a wider selfie camera aperture for slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP | N/A | Mi 11 has a wide-angle lens for more versatile photography. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Mi 11 has a better macro camera. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps HDR, EIS, slow-mo 480fps | 1080p@30fps, No slow-mo | Mi 11 can shoot much higher quality videos. Mi 11 offers HDR, EIS and 480 FPS slow-mo capability which is missing on Moto G. |
| DXOMark Selfie | 112 (100 photo, 133 video) | N/A | Mi 11 has a better rated selfie camera. Moto G's camera has not been tested by DxOMark. |
| Camera Features | Triple cam, OIS, Laser AF, RAW, 8K, 4K, etc. | Dual cam, PDAF, RAW, HDR, etc. | Mi 11 offers more advanced features like OIS, laser AF, and higher resolution video recording. Moto G features PDAF for faster focus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | Moto G comes with a more up to date Android version out of the box. Mi 11 can be upgraded to Android 14, so they will be similar in the end. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi 5 | Mi 11 supports faster Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, aptX, LDAC, AAC | 5.1, EDR | Mi 11 has a newer Bluetooth version with better audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, etc., dual-band | GPS, GLONASS, etc. | Mi 11 has better GPS accuracy with more satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Moto G supports eSIM functionality for convenient digital switching between carriers. Mi 11 allows using two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128 GB | Mi 11 offers an option for higher storage. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 4 GB | Mi 11 offers much more RAM, better for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers | Mi 11 has Hi-Res Audio and better sound quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Moto G provides more convenient and potentially faster unlocking. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 has more durable screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric, motion, proximity, heart rate, ultrasonic proximity | Biometric, motion, proximity, Hall | Mi 11 offers heart rate sensor and ultrasonic proximity, Moto G has hall sensor. Both phones have great sensor suites. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution AMOLED with better brightness. Offers a better viewing experience, crucial for media consumption and gaming.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Much faster chipset and GPU, making it better for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing and multitasking.
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution main camera, wide-angle lens, better macro lens, 8K video recording. It gives you more photographic versatility.
- Faster Charging: 55W wired and 50W wireless charging. Minimizes charging time and keeps you on the move.
- Advanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio support, better sound quality. Ideal for audiophiles and media enthusiasts.
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and newer Bluetooth version. Provides better wireless performance and better audio capabilities.
Motorola Moto G (2023) Advantages:
- Newer OS out of the box: Comes with Android 13 out of the box.
- Slightly Larger Battery: 5000 mAh vs. 4600mAh. It offers slightly better battery life on paper.
- Lighter Weight: 189g vs 196g. Slightly more comfortable to hold for a long period of time.
- eSIM Support: Allows for digital switching between carriers which enhances flexibility.
- More Advanced Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor provides convenience.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 is significantly more powerful and offers a better display and camera system, but it is an older phone that might be harder to find on the market today and more expensive than Moto G.
- The Motorola Moto G (2023) is a more budget-friendly phone with a longer support life, but sacrifices performance, display quality and camera versatility.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Gamers, media creators, and those who demand high performance and responsiveness.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who value superior display quality and high-quality audio.
- Photography Lovers: People who want a versatile camera system with a wide array of features and high quality.
Specific Use Cases (Xiaomi Mi 11):
- Playing graphic-intensive mobile games
- Editing photos and videos on the go
- Watching high-resolution videos and movies with good audio.
- Traveling and taking advantage of its high quality cameras.
Motorola Moto G (2023) Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who need a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calling, browsing, and social media.
- Users Seeking Simplicity: Those who prefer a streamlined user experience with a newer version of Android.
Specific Use Cases (Motorola Moto G (2023)):
- Everyday communication and social media browsing
- Basic photography and video recording
- Extended battery life for all-day use
- Users with Multiple Sim Cards
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Offers flagship-level performance and features at a now reduced price, if found, making it a great value for power users.
- Motorola Moto G (2023): Provides essential smartphone features at an affordable price, ideal for budget-conscious users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, media, basic daily tasks)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay more for premium features?)
- How important is display quality and camera performance? (Are you picky about photo quality and screen detail?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you are a gamer or multimedia lover and budget is not your primary concern: The Xiaomi Mi 11 is the superior choice due to its high-end processor, superior display and high quality camera system.
- If you're a casual user on a tight budget: The Motorola Moto G (2023) is more cost-effective and provides solid everyday performance.
- If you want a phone with a great camera system and budget is not a constraint: The Xiaomi Mi 11 is the better choice, with its wide variety of lens and high resolution video recording capabilities.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally pick the Xiaomi Mi 11. Despite being an older model, the performance difference is massive. The Snapdragon 888 is still a very capable chipset for even the most intensive tasks. The AMOLED display is stunning, the camera system is incredibly versatile, and the fast charging is incredibly convenient. While it's an older phone, the discounted price makes it great value for performance, display and camera quality. The only drawback is that the Motorola Moto G is newer with the latest version of Android, but that is not a dealbreaker for me considering that the Xiaomi Mi 11 can be upgraded to the latest version as well.
