1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | The Moto G35 is slightly taller and wider, while the Mi 11 is slightly thicker. The differences are minor and may not be noticeable in daily use. |
| Weight | 196g | 188g | The Moto G35 is 8g lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use and make it feel less dense in hand |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.72" | Both phones have very similar screen sizes, the 0.09 inch difference is unlikely to be noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | The Mi 11 has a significantly sharper display, resulting in clearer text, images, and video. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 392 | The Mi 11's higher pixel density makes images and text appear noticeably sharper and more detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Mi 11's AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colors, and is more power-efficient for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones have a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for a fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1000 nits | The Mi 11 has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | The Mi 11's Snapdragon 888 is a much more powerful chipset, leading to significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 423,297 | The Mi 11's much higher score translates to a more responsive and powerful overall user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 | The Mi 11's Adreno 660 GPU is significantly more powerful, providing a superior gaming experience. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | The Mi 11's 108MP sensor captures significantly more detail and allows for larger prints and more aggressive cropping. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.8 | The Moto G35 has a slightly wider aperture, theoretically better for low-light performance, though other factors are also at play |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/2.76" | The Mi 11's larger sensor captures more light, resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.64 µm | Mi 11 has larger pixel size, which allows it to gather more light per pixel, improving low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | The Mi 11 captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.45 | The Mi 11's slightly wider aperture might perform a little better in lower light. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 13MP | 8MP | The Mi 11 captures wider images with higher resolution and detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.2 | The Moto G35 has a slightly wider aperture, theoretically better for low-light performance, though other factors are also at play |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | None | The Mi 11 allows for close-up macro photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The Mi 11 allows for higher-resolution video capture and more versatility. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | The Xiaomi Mi 11 features digital image stabilization |
| Slow-motion | 480fps | 120fps | The Xiaomi Mi 11 allows for much higher slow motion capture |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | The Moto G35 has a slightly larger battery, potentially resulting in marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | The Mi 11 charges much faster. |
| Features | 50W Wireless Charging, 10W Reverse Wireless Charging | None | The Mi 11 offers more flexible charging options, including wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | The Moto G35 has the latest Android version out of the box, potentially offering a smoother, more secure experience, while the Mi 11 is upgradeable to the same version |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | The Mi 11 supports newer Wi-Fi standards, resulting in faster speeds and better performance on compatible networks, and additionally supports Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | The Mi 11 has a newer Bluetooth version, which might provide better connectivity and power efficiency with compatible devices and additionally supports APT-x, LDAC, while Motorola Moto G35 supports SBC |
| GPS | L1+L5 Dual-Band, NavIC | L1 Single-Band | The Mi 11 features more advanced GPS capabilities for improved location accuracy and supports more sattelite systems |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | The Motorola Moto G35 offers a more versatile dual-SIM option via the inclusion of an eSIM |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both phones offer identical storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 4GB or 8GB | The Mi 11 offers more RAM for better multitasking and smoother performance with demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, so choosing the correct storage amount is vital. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | Both phones offer high quality audio. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | The Moto G35 provides a more modern and ergonomically placed fingerprint sensor |
Build Quality
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Mi 11 has superior scratch and drop protection. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | The Xiaomi Mi 11 offers more advanced sensors including Heart Rate and an Ultrasonic Proximity sensor for better responsiveness |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, and vibrant AMOLED technology with much higher brightness.
- Flagship Performance: Much faster chipset and GPU, leading to better gaming, multitasking, and app loading.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, a dedicated macro lens, and superior video recording capabilities.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster wired charging and the addition of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards with more advanced GPS support.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced scratch and drop resistance.
- Advanced Sensors: Additional heart rate sensor and ultrasonic proximity sensor.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res audio support.
Practical Implications: The Xiaomi Mi 11 is the clear winner for users who prioritize a premium visual experience, top-tier performance, and high-quality photography and video. Its faster charging, better connectivity, and premium build make it a better option for power users.
Motorola Moto G35 Advantages:
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 14 out of the box.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Could result in slightly longer battery life, depending on usage.
- Slightly Lighter: At 8 grams lighter, it may be more comfortable for extended use.
- More Advanced Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor offers a more intuitive and modern design.
- eSIM Support: The addition of eSIM provides more flexibility for users who need to switch between carriers
Practical Implications: The Moto G35 is a solid choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize the latest Android software, a slightly larger battery, and a modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor over top-tier performance and cutting-edge camera features.
Significant Trade-offs
- Performance: The Moto G35's chipset is significantly less powerful, making it unsuitable for intensive tasks.
- Display Quality: The Moto G35's display is noticeably less sharp and vibrant and has less brightness.
- Camera Quality: The Mi 11 has a more versatile and higher quality camera system with advanced features.
- Charging Speed: The Moto G35's slow charging is a major drawback compared to the Mi 11's extremely fast wired and wireless options.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality display for media consumption, gaming, and creating content.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera system with advanced features, including 8K video recording.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the latest technologies, such as fast charging, wireless charging, and superior connectivity.
Use Cases:
- Gaming at high frame rates and graphics settings.
- Editing high-resolution photos and videos.
- Binge-watching movies and shows in HDR.
- Using demanding productivity apps and multitasking.
- Taking photos and videos in various conditions.
Motorola Moto G35 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a reliable smartphone at a more affordable price point.
- Casual Users: Users with basic smartphone needs like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Users Who Prefer The Latest Android Software: Users who want a device with the newest version of Android out of the box.
- Users Who Need An Esim: Users who require an eSim option for easier carrier switching.
Use Cases:
- Basic daily tasks, such as browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Casual gaming.
- Watching videos.
- Longer battery life for day-to-day use
- Using a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for easier unlocking
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a significantly better price-to-performance ratio, as it packs significantly better features than the Motorola G35. While the Motorola G35 offers a more budget-friendly price point, its trade-offs in performance and camera make it a less value packed option compared to the Mi 11.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming/Multimedia vs. Basic Usage)
- How much do you value display quality and camera performance?
- What is your budget?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: "I want the best possible performance for gaming and multimedia."
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11. The significantly better chipset, display, and overall capabilities make it the obvious choice.
Scenario 2: "I need a reliable phone for daily tasks on a tight budget."
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G35. It provides a modern Android experience with an additional eSim slot and a side-mounted fingerprint reader, with a slightly larger battery at a more affordable price point.
Scenario 3: "I value camera quality and video capabilities."
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11. The advanced camera system with versatile lens options, 8K video recording capabilities, and image stabilization make it a far better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11. While the Motorola Moto G35 does offer a few advantages like a slightly larger battery, the latest version of Android out of the box, an eSim and a more modern fingerprint sensor, the Xiaomi Mi 11's overall package is much more compelling. The superior display, significantly better performance, much better camera system, faster charging, and premium build quality make it the better choice, especially given the price-to-performance ratio. The Mi 11 is the better option if you require higher performance, higher camera quality, or desire a more premium experience.
