Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Motorola One 5G Ace
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Mi 11 and Motorola One 5G Ace, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola One 5G Ace | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | The Mi 11 is slightly smaller and thinner, making it more pocketable and comfortable to hold for extended periods. The One 5G Ace is noticeably bulkier. |
| Weight | 196g | 212g | The Mi 11 is significantly lighter, reducing fatigue during prolonged use. The One 5G Ace is a bit heavier, which may be noticeable in hand. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola One 5G Ace | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | The Mi 11 offers a slightly larger display, which might be preferable for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | The Mi 11 has a significantly sharper display with more detail, making text and images look clearer and crisper. |
| PPI | 515 | 393 | The higher pixel density of the Mi 11 results in a much sharper and clearer display with smoother edges and refined details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED on the Mi 11 provides deeper blacks, richer colors, better contrast, and improved power efficiency (especially with dark mode) compared to the LCD on the One 5G Ace. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | The 120Hz refresh rate on the Mi 11 makes scrolling and animations appear much smoother, enhancing the overall user experience, especially for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | The Mi 11's high brightness makes it much more visible in bright sunlight, whereas the One 5G Ace’s brightness is unspecified, suggesting a significantly lower peak brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola One 5G Ace | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | The Mi 11’s flagship chipset offers significantly faster processing, better graphics performance, and superior overall speed compared to the One 5G Ace's mid-range processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 330,000 | The Mi 11's much higher benchmark score translates to noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 619 | The Mi 11's Adreno 660 GPU delivers substantially better graphics performance, essential for smooth gaming and demanding applications. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola One 5G Ace | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | The One 5G Ace has a slightly larger battery, potentially providing marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | The Mi 11's faster charging allows for quick battery top-ups, while the One 5G Ace will take considerably longer to charge. |
| Features | 50W Wireless Charging, 10W Reverse Wireless Charging | 10W Rapid Charger in-box | The Mi 11 has a more versatile charging system with wireless and reverse wireless charging, while the One 5G Ace has only a wired charging option, with a charger included. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola One 5G Ace | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" sensor | 48MP, f/1.7 | The Mi 11 captures significantly more detail with its high-resolution sensor. The One 5G Ace has a slightly wider aperture, which may help in low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3 | 16MP, f/2.2 | The Mi 11 captures more detailed selfies. The One 5G Ace has a slightly wider aperture, potentially improving low light photos. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3 | 8MP, f/2.2 | The Mi 11 captures wider shots with higher resolution, retaining more details in the photos. The One 5G Ace has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0 | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Mi 11 captures macro shots with much more detail due to the higher megapixel count and wider aperture. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | The Mi 11 can record much higher-resolution video and has more options for frame rates and HDR recording. |
| Slow-motion | Up to 480fps | Up to 60fps | The Mi 11 allows for much slower slow-motion video capture, creating more dramatic slow-motion effects. |
| DxOMark Selfie | 112 overall, 100 photo, 133 video | Not tested | The Mi 11 has been tested and shown to perform well in selfies. |
| Features | OIS, 8K Video, Laser AF, Ultra Stable Video | PDAF, LAF, Night Mode | The Mi 11 has additional advanced features such as OIS for sharper images, while the One 5G Ace has PDAF, LAF, and night mode for low-light situations. |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola One 5G Ace | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 10 | The Mi 11 has a more recent Android version and will likely receive more software updates than the One 5G Ace. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), MIMO | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | The Mi 11 offers faster WiFi speeds, lower latency, and better performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | Bluetooth 5.1, EDR | The Mi 11 has newer Bluetooth version and more codecs, providing a better wireless audio experience. |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Fewer satellite systems | The Mi 11 provides better accuracy in navigation and location services due to more satellite system support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | The Mi 11 supports two SIM cards, which is useful for separating work and personal numbers. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 64GB or 128GB | The Mi 11 has more storage options, providing more space for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 4GB or 6GB | The Mi 11 offers more RAM, ensuring smoother multitasking and better performance for resource-intensive applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, which may be a limitation for some users. |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | 2 Microphones | The Mi 11 offers superior audio playback quality with stereo speakers, enhancing the overall media consumption experience. |
| Security | In-display fingerprint sensor | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer secure fingerprint sensors for biometric authentication. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unspecified screen protection | The Mi 11 has a stronger screen protection (Corning Gorilla Glass Victus), making it more resistant to scratches and breakage. |
| Sensors | Heart Rate Sensor, Ultrasonic Proximity | Proximity Sensor | The Mi 11 offers more advanced sensor features, such as Heart Rate monitoring and ultrasonic proximity sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and higher brightness offer a far superior visual experience.
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset and Adreno 660 GPU deliver top-tier performance for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution sensors across all cameras, 8K video recording, better slow-motion capabilities, and advanced features like OIS enhance photographic versatility and quality.
- Faster Charging & Versatile Battery Features: 55W fast charging, 50W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging offer significantly more flexibility.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio support provide an immersive audio experience.
- More Connectivity: Supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard and Bluetooth 5.2 with better audio codecs.
- More RAM & Storage: Offers more memory and storage options, resulting in more smooth multitasking.
- Premium Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection provides more durability and scratch resistance.
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery may offer slightly longer battery life than the Mi 11, although this may be offset by the more power-hungry display of the Mi 11.
- More Affordable: The One 5G Ace is generally much more affordable than the Mi 11
- Included Charger: Comes with a 10W Rapid Charger in the box
Significant Trade-offs
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Higher price, potentially shorter battery life due to the power-hungry display and chipset.
- Motorola One 5G Ace: Significantly lower display quality, weaker performance, much slower charging, and a less advanced camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Power Users: Users who demand the best performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who value a top-tier display for watching movies, viewing photos, and browsing content.
- Photography Buffs: Users who want advanced camera features, 8K recording, and high-quality photos and videos.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest technology and premium features.
Specific Use Cases for Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Mobile gaming with smooth frame rates and high graphics settings.
- Professional-level photo and video capture.
- Seamless multitasking between demanding applications.
- Enjoying HDR content with vibrant colors and high contrast.
Ideal Users for Motorola One 5G Ace:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who prioritize affordability over high-end specifications.
- Basic Users: Users who primarily use their phone for calls, messages, browsing, and basic social media.
- Users seeking Longer Battery Life: Users who prioritize having longer battery life.
- Users not concerned about display quality or gaming performance: Users who don't require the best visual experience and are not demanding gamers
Specific Use Cases for Motorola One 5G Ace:
- Everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media, and communication.
- Basic photography for social media and personal use.
- Longer battery life for extended usage without frequent charging.
- Users who appreciate the inclusion of a charger in the box.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions for buyers to consider:
- What is your budget? The Mi 11 is a premium device and comes with a higher price tag, while the One 5G Ace is a more budget-friendly option.
- How important is display quality and performance? If you prioritize a high-resolution, smooth display and top-tier performance, the Mi 11 is the clear winner. If these are not your primary concerns, the One 5G Ace is sufficient.
- What are your main use cases? If you frequently play demanding games, create high-quality content, or require top-tier features, the Mi 11 is the better choice. If your needs are basic, the One 5G Ace will suffice, and comes with a free charger.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: High-Performance User - If you need top-tier performance and a premium experience, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the clear choice despite its higher price.
Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User - If you prioritize affordability and basic functionality, the Motorola One 5G Ace is a more suitable option.
Scenario 3: Average User: If you value a great display, smooth experience and good camera quality more than price, then the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the choice. If price is your primary focus and you have more basic needs, the Motorola One 5G Ace is the better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would opt for the Xiaomi Mi 11. While the price is higher, the advantages in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, charging speed, and overall feature set justify the investment for me. I prioritize a great display for daily use and a powerful processor for gaming and demanding apps, and the Mi 11 delivers on all these fronts with more advanced features. The differences in performance are massive which would make day to day use a lot smoother. While the Motorola has a marginally larger battery capacity, I am fine with this tradeoff in return for much faster charging and other advanced features.
