Xiaomi Mi 11 vs Nokia G10 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Xiaomi Mi 11
Xiaomi Mi 11
Xiaomi
Nokia G10
Nokia G10
Nokia

General

Launch Date January 1, 2021 April 26, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 99.28 cm³ 115.3 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.47 "/g 3.36 "/g
Weight 196 g 194 g
Height 164.3 mm 164.9 mm
Width 74.6 mm 76 mm
Thickness 8.1 mm 9.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Gold
  • Cloud White
  • Violet
  • Midnight Gray
  • Horizon Blue
  • Special Edition Blue
  • Dusk
  • Night

Display

Screen Size 6.81 " 6.52 "
Resolution 1440 x 3200 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 91.4 % 81.9 %
Pixel Density 515 PPI 269 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 1500 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 99.19 mAh/in² 118.79 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.33 mAh/cm³ 43.8 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4600 mAh 5050 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Adreno 660 PowerVR GE8320

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 14 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureXiaomi Mi 11Nokia G10Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm164.9 × 76 × 9.2 mmMi 11 is slightly narrower and thinner, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use; G10 is a bit bulkier, might feel less sleek.
Weight196g194gVirtually identical weight; both will feel similar in hand.
Display
Size6.81"6.52"Mi 11 offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption and gaming.
Resolution1440x3200720x1600Mi 11 has a dramatically sharper display; text and images will be significantly clearer and more detailed, resulting in a much more premium visual experience.
Pixel Density (PPI)515269Mi 11's higher PPI means text and images are crisper, reduces pixelation and eye strain, especially when reading or viewing photos/videos up close.
TechnologyAMOLEDIPS LCDMi 11 has much richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. It will provide better visibility in bright sunlight and superior viewing in the dark, plus energy savings.
Refresh Rate120Hz60HzMi 11 offers much smoother scrolling and animations, noticeably improving the user experience.
Brightness1500 nits0 nitsMi 11 has excellent outdoor visibility, whereas the G10’s brightness data is missing. Mi 11 is much better for use in bright sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Mediatek Helio G25 (12 nm)Mi 11 offers significantly faster performance, handles demanding apps and games with ease; G10 will struggle with heavy usage.
AnTuTu Score806,139102,700Mi 11 is much more responsive and smoother in everyday use, while the G10 may feel slow, especially when switching between apps or running graphics-intensive tasks.
GPUAdreno 660PowerVR GE8320Mi 11 is better for demanding games and graphic intensive applications, the G10 may struggle, resulting in lower frame rates.
Battery
Capacity4600mAh5050mAhG10 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life.
Charging55W fast charging10W fast chargingMi 11 charges much faster, reducing downtime, while the G10 charges at a much slower rate.
FeaturesWireless, Reverse, 2*2250mAhNon-removableMi 11 has Wireless charging, Reverse Charging that can be used to charge other devices wirelessly
Camera
Main Camera108MP, f/1.8513MP, f/2.2Mi 11 captures much more detailed images with significantly better low-light performance, along with a wider aperture, allowing for more light capture.
Selfie Camera20MP, f/2.38MPMi 11 takes higher resolution and sharper selfies.
Wide Angle Lens13MP, f/2.3NoneMi 11 can take wider shots to capture more scenery or fit more people in the frame.
Portrait Mode (depth)None2MPG10 has a depth sensor for portrait mode, but the quality may be limited by the low resolution.
Macro Lens5MP, f/2.02MPMi 11 is capable of capturing close-up photos with slightly better quality.
VideoUp to 8K@30fps with HDR, EIS1080p@30fpsMi 11 records much higher resolution, smoother video with image stabilization, suitable for high-quality video recording. G10 is basic video recording.
DXOMark Score (Selfie)112N/AXiaomi Mi 11 selfie camera excels in photo and video quality based on DXOmark scores
Features4K/8K Video, OIS, Laser AFBasic Camera FeaturesMi 11 offers advanced camera features. OIS reduces blur and improve video stability, laser AF results in faster and more accurate focusing in various conditions.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (up to 14)Android 11 (up to 13)Mi 11 will likely receive newer updates. Both will provide a similar software experience as they use the Android operating system.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6, Dual band, MiMOBasic Wi-FiMi 11 has better Wi-Fi connectivity with faster speeds and less latency.
BluetoothBluetooth 5.2, APT-x, LDAC, AACBluetooth 5.0Mi 11 has better audio codec support for wireless audio. Bluetooth 5.2 has slightly better power efficiency.
GPSMore advanced GPS systemBasic GPS systemMi 11 has better GPS tracking accuracy and reliability.
SIMDual SIM Dual StandbyDual SIM Dual StandbyBoth phones can use two SIMs at the same time.
Storage
Internal128GB/256GB32GB/64GBMi 11 provides significantly more storage for apps, photos, videos, files, and other data.
RAM8GB/12GB3GB/4GBMi 11 allows for smoother multitasking and running more demanding apps simultaneously, reducing the risk of slowdowns or app crashes.
ExpandableNoNoBoth phones don't have the ability to expand the storage
Audio
QualityHi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers2 microphonesMi 11 offers richer audio output, better sound separation, and louder output which provides a better listening experience. G10 will only capture sound effectively
Security
FeaturesBasic fingerprint sensorSide-mounted fingerprint sensorNokia G10's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is typically faster and more convenient than a basic fingerprint sensor for unlocking the device.
Build Quality
ProtectionGorilla Glass VictusUnknownMi 11's screen has better scratch and shatter protection.
Sensors
SensorsGyroscope, Heart Rate, Ultrasonic ProximityAccelerometer, ProximityMi 11 offers a more comprehensive set of sensors, which are better for motion based gaming, health and fitness tracking

2. Key Differences Analysis

Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:

  • Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness provide a vastly superior viewing experience, with sharper, smoother, and more vibrant visuals, as well as excellent sunlight visibility.
  • Exceptional Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset and higher RAM provide significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. This will lead to a much smoother and more responsive user experience.
  • Advanced Camera System: The higher-resolution main, selfie, and wide-angle cameras, combined with advanced features like 8K video, OIS, and laser autofocus, produce much better images and videos in various conditions.
  • Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 55W fast charging significantly reduces charging time, and features like wireless and reverse wireless charging add more convenience.
  • Superior Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 offer faster and more reliable connections.
  • Better Audio: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio provide a far superior audio experience for media consumption.
  • Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better screen protection against scratches and drops.
  • More comprehensive set of sensors: Better for motion based gaming, health and fitness tracking

Practical Implications of Mi 11 advantages:

The Mi 11 excels in any use case that requires strong performance, high-quality visuals, and versatile camera capabilities. This makes it ideal for intensive mobile gaming, high-quality content consumption, and capturing professional-quality photos and videos.

Nokia G10 Advantages:

  • Slightly Larger Battery: May offer marginally longer battery life.
  • Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Can be more convenient for unlocking the phone compared to basic fingerprint sensors.
  • Portrait mode Depth Lens: Ability to take portrait shots

Practical Implications of G10 advantages:

The G10’s only real advantage is a slightly larger battery. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor can be more convenient for some, but it does not outshine the other major differences that makes the Mi 11 a superior phone.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • Xiaomi Mi 11: Significantly more expensive, no expandable storage, slightly smaller battery capacity compared to the G10.
  • Nokia G10: Significantly weaker performance, much lower quality display and camera, slower charging, and limited storage/RAM. This phone may not be ideal for intensive usage.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal Users:

  • Power Users: Gamers, video editors, multi-taskers who need top-tier performance.
  • Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality displays for watching videos and browsing photos.
  • Photography & Videography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos.
  • Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest technology, including advanced display tech, fast charging, and superior connectivity.

Specific Use Cases for Mi 11:

  • Playing graphically intensive games at high settings.
  • Watching high-resolution videos with excellent color reproduction.
  • Editing photos and videos on the go.
  • Capturing high-quality photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions.
  • Using demanding apps for productivity or entertainment.
  • Enjoying high-quality audio from the stereo speakers.

Nokia G10 Ideal Users:

  • Budget-Conscious Users: Users who want a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light browsing and do not want to spend a large sum on a phone.
  • Users with Basic Needs: Users who primarily use their phone for communication and don’t require high performance or advanced features.
  • Users Who Need Long Battery Life (potentially): Users who prioritize long battery life for basic usage.

Specific Use Cases for G10:

  • Making phone calls and sending text messages.
  • Browsing the web and social media occasionally.
  • Basic photography in good lighting conditions.
  • Using the phone as a backup device.
  • Users who simply want a basic smartphone without any advanced features.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • The Xiaomi Mi 11 offers much better value for performance, display, and camera quality, justifying its higher price. The device’s price will vary based on the location it’s sold.
  • The Nokia G10 is much more affordable but it comes with very basic specifications and low quality performance, offering a much more limited experience.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your primary use for the phone?

    • If you need top-tier performance, a high-quality display, and advanced camera features, the Mi 11 is the obvious choice. If basic communication and light browsing are your needs the G10 will suffice.
  2. What is your budget?

    • If you can afford the Mi 11, it provides significantly better value than the G10.
    • If you are on a strict budget and require basic smartphone functionality, the G10 is a more affordable option.
  3. What features are the most important to you?

    • If you prioritize performance, display quality, camera quality, and charging speed, the Mi 11 excels. If a slightly larger battery and basic functionality is your priority, G10 might suffice.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Gaming and Media Consumption:
    • Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11. Its superior performance, display, and audio make it ideal for gaming and media.
  • Scenario 2: Photography and Videography:
    • Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11. Its advanced camera system offers significantly better quality and features.
  • Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Users with Basic Needs:
    • Recommendation: Nokia G10. It is a more affordable option but may not satisfy users who require demanding tasks and a higher resolution display.
  • Scenario 4: Everyday User Who Needs a Reliable Device:
    • Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11. It provides better overall performance and a superior experience.

My Choice and Why

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would unequivocally choose the Xiaomi Mi 11. Here's why:

  • The User Experience: The Mi 11 offers a significantly superior user experience thanks to its high-refresh rate, AMOLED display, and much faster performance. The difference in responsiveness and visual clarity is simply night and day compared to the G10. Every interaction with the device would feel more fluid and enjoyable.

  • Versatility: The Mi 11's combination of strong performance and a superior camera system makes it a much more versatile device. I could confidently rely on it for various tasks, from gaming and content creation to professional photography.

  • Future-Proofing: The Mi 11 is far more future-proof. Its faster processor, more RAM, and better connectivity mean it will remain relevant and functional for longer than the G10.

  • The Price Justification: While it costs more, the Mi 11 provides much more value for the money. The drastic increase in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities more than justifies the price difference.

The Nokia G10 is simply too basic for my needs and preferences. While it offers slightly longer battery life and a more convenient fingerprint sensor, those advantages are dwarfed by the vast differences in performance, display quality, and overall capabilities of the Xiaomi Mi 11. I would much rather spend more upfront for a far better smartphone that offers premium performance and features.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
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  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.