Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. OnePlus 10 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications of the Xiaomi Mi 11 and the OnePlus 10 Pro, focusing on practical implications for the user:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 163 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | Mi 11 is slightly taller, while 10 Pro is slightly thicker. Minimal difference overall. |
| Weight | 196g | 201g | Mi 11 is slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Mi 11 offers a slightly larger screen for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1440x3216 | Both are high-resolution; minimal practical difference in sharpness. |
| PPI | 515 | 525 | Virtually identical pixel density, meaning very similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | (Not specified) | Mi 11's AMOLED offers better contrast, deeper blacks and more vibrant colors compared to non-specified display technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1300 nits | Mi 11 will be more visible in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | 10 Pro's newer chip provides better performance and efficiency, leading to faster app loading and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 900,491 | The 10 Pro has a higher benchmark score, suggesting a slightly better real world performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | 10 Pro's GPU offers better graphics performance, useful for gaming and video editing. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 48MP | Mi 11 captures higher-resolution images, but OnePlus 10 Pro has larger pixels for better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.8 | OnePlus 10 Pro's slightly wider aperture allows more light, potentially better low-light photos |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.43" | Mi 11 has a larger sensor, potentially capturing more detail, though sensor technology is also key. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 32MP | 10 Pro has higher resolution for selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.0 | 10 Pro has wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/2.74" | 10 Pro's larger sensor may capture better selfies in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP | 10 Pro offers optical zoom, useful for portraits and distant subjects. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 13MP | 50MP | 10 Pro captures more detailed wide shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.2 | 10 Pro slightly wider aperture for wide angle shots. |
| Wide Angle Sensor Size | 1/3.06" | 1/2.76" | 10 Pro larger sensor for wide angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | None | Mi 11 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer high-quality video recording with similar features, though 10 Pro offers 4K @ 120fps. |
| DXOMark Score | Selfie Score: 112 (100 photo, 133 video) | Mobile: 122 (124 photo, 119 video) | 10 Pro has a tested score for mobile camera, with better photo score while Mi 11 has better video score for selfie camera. |
| Camera Features | Laser AF, AF Assist Beam, RAW | Optical zoom, PDAF, CDAF, LAF, Exposure comp, Night Mode, RAW 12-bit | 10 Pro's camera has more advanced features for both professionals and regular users. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | 10 Pro provides slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 55W | 80W | 10 Pro charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 2*2250mAh, 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse-Wireless | 50W Wireless, Reverse-Wireless | Both support wireless and reverse charging. 10 Pro does not support 10W reverse-wireless but offers reverse wireless charging. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | 10 Pro has a more updated OS at launch, but both will get Android 14. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | 10 Pro offers faster and more reliable wireless connections, offering future proofing. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both have similar bluetooth technology. |
| GPS | More satellite systems supported | Less satellite system supported | Mi 11 may have better accuracy due to more satellite support |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM cards. |
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | 10 Pro has 512GB option, providing more space for media and apps. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both have sufficient RAM for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD cards. |
Audio & Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | 10 Pro has better audio features, while Mi 11 has Hi-Res Audio. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both have similar basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Accel, Comp, Gyro, Ultra Proximity | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accel, Comp, Gyro | Mi 11 offers additional heart rate and ultrasonic proximity sensor while 10 Pro has RGB sensor and standard proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Display: A 6.81" screen provides more immersive media consumption.
- Brighter Display: 1500 nits brightness offers better visibility under direct sunlight.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: Potentially captures slightly more detail in good lighting conditions.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Allows for close-up photography.
- More GPS Satellite Support: May offer slightly improved location accuracy.
- Heart Rate Sensor: Niche sensor, useful for some fitness tracking.
- Hi-Res Audio: Enhances wired listening experience
OnePlus 10 Pro Advantages:
- Newer, More Powerful Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 provides faster app loading and smoother gaming.
- Significantly Better Benchmark Scores: Results in snappier day-to-day performance.
- Better GPU: Superior graphics capabilities for gaming and video editing.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh provides better battery life.
- Faster Charging: 80W charging reduces downtime.
- Telephoto Lens: Enables optical zoom for better portraits and far-away shots.
- Higher Resolution Selfie and Wide Angle Camera: Produces more detailed images.
- More Advanced Camera Features: Including better autofocus options and 12 bit RAW support for more professional photography.
- Newer WiFi Standard: WiFi 7 offers improved future proofing.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhances audio experience for movies and music.
- 512 GB Storage Option: Offers more storage for media and applications.
- Updated Operating System: Comes with a more updated android version.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Older chipset leads to slightly less processing power.
- Smaller battery and slower charging speed.
- Missing a telephoto lens and advanced camera features.
- OnePlus 10 Pro:
- Smaller display size.
- Lower peak brightness.
- Lacks a dedicated macro lens and more advanced location tracking capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users seeking a flagship experience with excellent display and good camera capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- Multimedia consumption (video streaming, browsing) due to the larger and brighter screen.
- Casual photography with good image quality with the main camera.
- Users who need slightly improved GPS location tracking.
OnePlus 10 Pro:
- Ideal User: Performance enthusiasts, mobile photographers, and users seeking the latest tech features.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks due to the powerful chipset.
- Photography enthusiasts who desire the flexibility of optical zoom, more advanced photo features and a dedicated telephoto lens.
- Users who prioritize battery life, fast charging, and updated OS.
- Users who desire faster Wi-Fi.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions buyers should consider, along with scenario-based recommendations:
Do you prioritize performance and the latest technology?
- Yes: Choose the OnePlus 10 Pro for its newer chipset, faster charging, better camera features, and faster WiFi
- No: The Xiaomi Mi 11 offers good performance for everyday tasks and saves money.
Are you a heavy multimedia user or someone who values a brighter screen?
- Yes: Xiaomi Mi 11 is better due to its larger display and brighter screen.
- No: OnePlus 10 Pro is still suitable with its slightly smaller but equally capable display.
Do you take a lot of photos and want a versatile camera system?
- Yes: The OnePlus 10 Pro's telephoto lens, more advanced features, and higher-resolution cameras provide greater versatility.
- No: The Mi 11 still offers solid photos with its 108MP main camera, and dedicated macro lens.
My Choice
I would choose the OnePlus 10 Pro. While the Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a slightly larger and brighter display with a macro lens, the OnePlus 10 Pro provides a significant advantage in overall performance, battery life, charging speed, camera versatility with a dedicated telephoto lens, updated software, and superior connectivity with WiFi 7. As someone who values future proofing, and a more versatile camera system for daily use, these practical advantages outweigh the slightly larger display of the Mi 11. Additionally, the lack of an explicitly stated display technology is a big red flag for the OnePlus. The performance enhancements with the newer chip-set along with the more modern OS, make it a better choice for the long run. While I value a larger screen, the 0.11 inch difference is not a significant enough difference to sway my decision.
