1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Motorola ThinkPhone | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 158.8 × 74.4 × 8.3 mm | Mi 11 is taller, ThinkPhone is slightly thicker. ThinkPhone will feel a bit more compact in the hand. |
| Weight | 196g | 188.5g | ThinkPhone is marginally lighter, making it slightly more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.6" | Mi 11 offers a larger screen for more immersive media consumption and slightly better multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Mi 11 provides a sharper, clearer image, particularly noticeable when viewing text and detailed images. |
| PPI | 515 | 399 | Mi 11's higher pixel density results in a more detailed and crisp display, enhancing the viewing experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks. Differences are likely subtle in everyday usage. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | ThinkPhone offers smoother scrolling and animations, beneficial for gaming and overall UI navigation. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1200 nits | Mi 11 is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | ThinkPhone's chipset offers a substantial performance boost for smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 1,232,700 | ThinkPhone is considerably faster. This directly translates to a more fluid and responsive user experience, especially with demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | ThinkPhone has a more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics performance in games and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 108MP | 50MP | Mi 11's higher resolution allows for more detailed photos, especially when cropping. However, sensor size and pixel size also play a role in image quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.8 | ThinkPhone's wider aperture could mean better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.55" | Mi 11's larger sensor allows it to capture more light, potentially resulting in better image quality in various conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 20MP | 32MP | ThinkPhone's higher resolution results in more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.45 | Mi 11's wider aperture could mean better low-light performance for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes | No | Mi 11 has a dedicated ultrawide camera for landscape and group shots. |
| Depth Sensor | No | Yes | ThinkPhone includes a dedicated depth sensor, beneficial for more accurate portrait mode photos. |
| Macro Lens | Yes | No | Mi 11 has a macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | Yes | ThinkPhone has a single ultrawide camera that also acts as a macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24/30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both can record high-resolution video, suitable for professional use. ThinkPhone's 960fps slow-mo is more capable than Mi 11's 480fps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | ThinkPhone has a slightly larger battery, potentially leading to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | ThinkPhone will charge slightly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W/10W Reverse | 15W | Mi 11 has faster wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, a key differentiator. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | ThinkPhone has a more modern OS out-of-the-box. Note that ThinkPhone's final OS version is unconfirmed, so there is some uncertainty there. Mi 11 will receive 1 more update, while Thinkphone's is unknown. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Similar performance and speed with both devices. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (AptX, LDAC, AAC) | 5.2 | Xiaomi offers a wider selection of Bluetooth codecs for better audio fidelity. |
| GPS | Extensive Satellite Support | SUPL Support | Mi 11 offers better location accuracy and faster GPS lock-on in varied environments. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256 GB | ThinkPhone only available with the larger storage capacity. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8 GB | Mi 11 with 12GB of RAM can handle more demanding multitasking and will be more future-proof. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No option to add additional storage to either phone. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | Both devices have impressive audio capabilities. Different focus (high fidelity audio vs. immersive audio). |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Standard for biometric security on both devices. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both devices have highly durable screens. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Heart Rate; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Mi 11 offers a richer sensor suite, including a heart rate sensor, while ThinkPhone doesn't have a compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Higher Resolution & Pixel Density Display: A crisper and more detailed viewing experience, especially beneficial for reading text and viewing high-resolution content.
- Brighter Display: Superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, making it easier to use the phone in various conditions.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes a dedicated ultrawide and macro lens, offering more creative shooting options.
- Faster Wireless Charging: Much faster wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities for enhanced convenience.
- More Satellite Systems for GPS: Offers better location accuracy, ideal for precise navigation needs.
- More Bluetooth Codec support: Greater ability for higher fidelity audio when using wireless headphones.
- More RAM Option: A 12GB option offers better multitasking.
- Heart Rate Sensor: Useful for fitness tracking
Motorola ThinkPhone Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The newer Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset provides a significant performance boost, making it much faster for demanding tasks like gaming.
- Smoother Display: The 144Hz refresh rate results in smoother animations and scrolling.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity provides longer usage between charges.
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster wired charging.
- More Modern OS out-of-the-box: Ships with Android 13 out-of-the-box (Mi 11 launched with Android 11), and will get an update to 14.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Provides better portrait mode photos.
- Single ultrawide/macro: This design can be more convenient for some users.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 trades processing power for better camera versatility, a higher resolution screen, and wireless charging.
- ThinkPhone sacrifices some camera features for superior performance and a smoother display.
- Mi 11 has a weaker chipset but makes up for it with its better display, camera, and additional charging features
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-resolution displays and consume a lot of video content or browse images.
- Photography Lovers: Individuals who want a versatile camera system with dedicated ultrawide and macro lenses.
- Users who value fast wireless charging and reverse wireless charging For a convenient user experience
- Those who value audio quality with supported codecs: For higher-fidelity audio.
- Users who don't play very graphically demanding games: The phone can still perform well in games, but does not have the best chipset.
- Navigation Heavy Users: Users who would benefit from accurate GPS
- Users who like additional health tracking features: Users who want the heart rate sensor on their phones.
- Price-conscious buyers: The Mi 11 is generally available for less and offers very solid specifications at that price point.
Motorola ThinkPhone Ideal User:
- Power Users & Gamers: Individuals who need the fastest possible performance for demanding applications and mobile gaming.
- Users who desire a longer battery life: The 5000mAh battery will last longer for everyday users.
- Users who prioritize smooth experience: The 144Hz refresh rate is a major selling point for those who dislike choppiness.
- Users who like a single versatile camera: The ultrawide/macro combo.
- Users who value new OS features: Will be a more modern phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance? If raw speed and smooth gaming are critical, the ThinkPhone is the better option.
- What are your camera priorities? If you want creative versatility, the Mi 11 is better. If you are interested in portraits and value higher selfie resolution, the ThinkPhone might be better.
- How often do you use wireless charging? If reverse wireless charging and faster wireless charging are important, then the Mi 11 is the superior choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer / Power User: Choose the Motorola ThinkPhone for its superior performance, higher refresh rate display, and longer battery life.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumer / Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 for its higher-resolution and brighter display, more versatile camera system, wireless charging, and GPS capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you do not prioritize heavy gaming, but want very good overall performance and a good camera, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is an excellent choice.
- Scenario 4: Modern OS and long battery: Choose the Motorola ThinkPhone for a more modern OS and a longer battery life.
My Choice and Why
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11.
Here's why:
- Prioritized Features: While the ThinkPhone's processor is more powerful, my primary use case revolves around media consumption, browsing, and photography. The Mi 11's higher resolution and brighter display are more relevant to my daily activities. I also value the versatility of having dedicated wide angle and macro cameras. I also prefer better GPS and the wireless charging options that the Mi 11 offers.
- Adequate Performance: While the ThinkPhone benchmarks higher, the Mi 11's Snapdragon 888 is still a very powerful processor that is more than capable of handling most tasks and games.
- Price to Value Ratio: The Mi 11 is generally more affordable, offering a fantastic display, versatile camera, and good battery life for its price. The price difference makes this the more compelling option.
- Compromise: I am willing to compromise on a slightly lower chipset performance for the benefit of a more balanced user experience and better hardware in other areas such as the display.
- Less Certainty of OS Updates: The Motorola ThinkPhone has no confirmed future OS updates, making it a less attractive option for me than the Mi 11.
While the Motorola ThinkPhone is the more powerful phone on paper, the Xiaomi Mi 11 aligns better with my specific needs and offers better overall value.
