1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 159.2 × 75.8 × 8.3 mm | Mi 11 is taller, Phone (1) is wider and slightly thicker. Feel difference in hand, pocket. |
| Weight | 196g | 193.5g | Negligible weight difference. Both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.55" | Mi 11 provides a larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Mi 11 has a noticeably sharper display, especially for text and detailed graphics. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 402 PPI | Mi 11 has much sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar display technology, both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1200 nits | Mi 11 is significantly more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ (6 nm) | Mi 11 has noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 624,253 | Mi 11 demonstrates noticeably superior performance across various tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | Mi 11 provides higher graphic processing, better for demanding 3D games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery life, expect similar daily usage. |
| Charging | 55W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Mi 11 charges significantly faster. |
| Features | 50W wireless, 10W reverse | 15W wireless, 5W reverse, no charger | Mi 11 offers faster wireless and reverse wireless charging. Nothing Phone (1) has no in-box charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" | Mi 11 captures more detailed images and performs better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.13" | Nothing Phone (1) has slightly wider aperture, but smaller sensor. Slightly better low light for Phone (1). |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3 | None | Mi 11 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for more versatile shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0 | None | Mi 11 allows for dedicated close-up shots. |
| Wide/Macro Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.2 | Nothing Phone (1) combines wide and macro into one lens. |
| Video | 8K, 4K, 1080p w/ HDR, EIS | 4K, 1080p w/ HDR, EIS | Mi 11 captures higher resolution 8K videos; Both have HDR and stabilization, for good video quality. |
| DXOMark Selfie | 112 (100 photo, 133 video) | Not tested | Mi 11’s selfie camera is of higher quality, according to benchmark test. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (upgradable to 15) | Phone (1) starts with a more recent OS version, but both should receive updates for multiple years. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support fast, modern WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, AptX, LDAC | 5.2, AptX, LDAC, SBC | Both support high quality Bluetooth audio. Nothing Phone (1) supports SBC codec additionally. |
| GPS | GPS L1/L5, Glonass, Beidou, etc. | GPS L1/L5, Glonass, Beidou, etc. | Mi 11 has better accuracy in less ideal conditions. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both have the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/12GB | Both provide sufficient RAM for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo, 2 mics | Stereo, 3 mics | Mi 11 has higher quality audio playback; Phone (1) might have slightly better voice capture with more microphones. |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both use basic fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Mi 11 is more resistant to scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Ultrasonic Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Mi 11 also has Heart Rate and Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 offers significantly better performance in benchmarks and real-world usage scenarios such as gaming and demanding apps.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density offer better clarity and detail, especially noticeable when reading text and viewing images.
- Brighter Display: 1500 nits brightness makes it much more usable in direct sunlight.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor and higher resolution captures more detailed images, with better low-light performance.
- Dedicated Lenses: Offers dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, providing more versatility in photography.
- Faster Charging: 55W wired and 50W wireless charging is significantly faster.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers more scratch resistance.
- Higher Quality Audio: Hi-Res audio for better music listening.
- Better GPS Accuracy: More accurate tracking, which is helpful for navigation.
Nothing Phone (1) Advantages:
- Newer OS out of the box: Starts with Android 12 and will likely have support for longer, future Android versions.
- Unique Design: The transparent back and Glyph interface offer a distinctive look.
- Potentially more optimized software: Lighter OS might be smoother.
- Slightly better selfie camera aperture & larger pixel size: Could offer slightly better low-light selfies.
- More Microphones: Better for phone calls and recording.
- No charger included: It might be an advantage, because it may lower the price.
- Wide/Macro Combo Lens While not dedicated lenses, this setup offers more utility in one lens.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 sacrifices a unique design and some software customization for superior performance and display.
- The Nothing Phone (1) offers a more unique experience with trade-offs in display brightness, performance, camera quality, and charging speeds.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User:
- Power users: Those who need a lot of processing power for gaming, multitasking, or demanding apps.
- Media enthusiasts: People who consume a lot of video and want a high-quality display.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera setup with dedicated lenses and high image quality.
- Users in bright environments: Those who need a screen that is easily visible in sunlight.
- Users that want fast charging: People who want to get their phone charged fast.
Nothing Phone (1) Ideal User:
- Design-conscious users: Those who value a unique, eye-catching design.
- Users who want a modern android OS: If you want the newest out of box, then the Nothing phone is the one for you.
- Users who value value: Those who want a value phone with modern technology.
Specific Use Cases:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Gaming, video editing, photography, outdoor use, navigation.
- Nothing Phone (1): Everyday use, social media, unique user experience, good selfie camera, design statement.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is raw performance? If you are a heavy user and need the best possible performance, then you would choose the Mi 11
- How important is a unique design? If you want something that looks different and stands out, then you would choose the Phone (1).
- What’s your budget and how much value for money do you want? If you want more value for money, go with the Nothing phone. If money isn't a factor, and you want the best of the best, then go with the Mi 11.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "The Performance Seeker": If your focus is on gaming, demanding apps, and fast performance, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2: "The Design Enthusiast": If you prioritize a unique design and a distinctive user experience, the Nothing Phone (1) is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: "The Everyday User on a Budget": If you're looking for a well-rounded phone for everyday use, with a unique design at a more affordable price, the Nothing Phone (1) provides a great blend of features and aesthetics.
My Choice and Why:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Mi 11. While the Nothing Phone (1) has a unique appeal and a more recent OS, the Mi 11 excels in several key areas that matter more to me: performance, display quality, and camera versatility. I value raw power for multitasking and gaming, and the Mi 11's Snapdragon 888 and superior GPU are a clear advantage. I also consume media often, so the higher resolution and brighter screen are important benefits. Finally, I often take photos, and the Mi 11's larger sensor and dedicated wide-angle/macro lenses would offer more versatility. While the Nothing Phone (1) is a great option for those who value a distinctive design, the Mi 11 better aligns with my priorities of performance and versatility. The faster charging, slightly better build quality, and more accurate GPS, would also serve me better than the additional features that the Nothing phone has.
