Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. OnePlus 9
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | Mi 11 is taller, OnePlus 9 is slightly thicker; may impact single-hand use. |
| Weight | 196g | 192g | Negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.55" | Mi 11 offers a larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Mi 11 has a significantly sharper display with more detail. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 402 PPI | Mi 11 has visibly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1100 nits | Mi 11 is much easier to view in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 888 5G | Both offer top-tier performance for any task. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 880,900 | OnePlus 9 has marginally better benchmark performance, though both are very fast. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 | Both offer identical graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" | Mi 11 has higher resolution; OnePlus 9 has a slightly wider aperture and bigger pixel sizes. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06" | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" | OnePlus 9 has a superior wide-angle camera with more detail and better low-light performance. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5" | N/A | Mi 11 offers dedicated macro photography. |
| Black & White Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9 offers a dedicated black and white sensor for artistic shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | Mi 11 has slightly higher resolution and wider aperture; OnePlus 9 has bigger pixel size. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both offer high-resolution video capture. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Xiaomi Mi 11 might have better video stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4500mAh | Both offer similar battery life for all-day use. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | 15W | Mi 11 offers faster wireless charging and reverse charging. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 2*2250mAh, 50W wireless charging, 10W reverse-wireless charging | Non-removable, 15W Wireless Charging | Mi 11 has more charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Mi 11 has a newer OS version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer fast Wi-Fi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both offer modern Bluetooth connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | Mi 11 supports more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer ample storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB | Both are great for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither allows expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | OnePlus 9 offers a more immersive experience due to its Dolby Atmos, better noise cancellation for calls and better audio separation; Mi 11's Hi-Res audio is a benefit for those who value high-fidelity audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Mi 11 has superior scratch and drop resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Biometric: Fingerprint, Heart Rate; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Mi 11 has a heart rate sensor and an ultrasonic proximity sensor; OnePlus 9 has a proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density results in a noticeably crisper image, enhancing the viewing experience, especially for text and detailed content.
- Brighter Display: 1500 nits brightness is a significant advantage for outdoor visibility, making it much easier to use in direct sunlight.
- Faster Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: 50W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging offer greater convenience for users who rely on wireless charging.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better protection against scratches and drops.
- Higher Selfie Camera resolution: 20MP for more detailed selfies.
- More GPS systems Xiaomi Mi 11 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- Heart Rate sensor: Additional sensor for measuring heart rate.
- Macro lens: Offers an extra camera for close-up macro shots.
- Video stabilization: Xiaomi Mi 11 has a better video stabilization technology.
- Hi-Res Audio: A good option for audiophiles
- Additional Camera features: Mi 11 has Optical Stabilization, Laser AF, AF assist Beam, and RAW
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Faster Wired Charging: 65W charging is faster for quick top-ups.
- Superior Wide-Angle Camera: 50MP sensor offers much better image quality and low-light performance.
- Better benchmark performance: 9% higher AnTuTu score.
- Black and white sensor: An option for artistic black and white photos
- More Complete Audio Experience: Dolby Atmos provides more immersive audio and better noise cancellation for clearer calls.
- Additional Camera features: OnePlus 9 has Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Exposure compensation, Night Mode, RAW 12 bits
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9 sacrifices some display sharpness and brightness for faster charging and a better wide-angle camera.
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 prioritizes a superior display and wireless charging capabilities, but its main camera and wide-angle lens aren't as impressive as the OnePlus 9.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos and browsing content.
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight.
- Wireless Charging Enthusiasts: Users who value fast and convenient wireless charging options.
- Users who value having a macro lens for taking close-up shots.
Specific Use Cases for Mi 11:
- Watching movies and shows on a large, sharp, and bright display.
- Taking photos and videos, with an added macro camera and better video stabilization
- Heavy multi-tasking due to high RAM options
- Using wireless charging as a primary charging method.
- High-fidelity audio listening
OnePlus 9 is ideal for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a high-quality wide-angle camera.
- Users who need fast wired charging to quickly top up their phone.
- Users who enjoy a high level of immersion with Dolby Atmos speakers
- Users who like to take artistic black and white photos.
- Gamers: Users who care more about benchmark scores.
Specific Use Cases for OnePlus 9:
- Capturing landscape and group photos with a wide-angle lens.
- Quickly charging the phone between meetings and activities.
- Gaming on a high-performance device.
- Taking high quality videos with less stabilization.
- Taking high quality images in low light and night time
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Consider current market prices, as prices fluctuate. Both phones are comparable in price, making this analysis essential for value assessment.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality and brightness for your use case? (Mi 11 excels in this)
- Do you prioritize faster wired charging or wireless charging flexibility? (OnePlus 9 has faster wired, Mi 11 has better wireless charging)
- Which is more important, main camera quality or the ultrawide experience? (Mi 11 has a better main camera in resolution; OnePlus 9 has a far better ultrawide camera)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a frequent traveler who takes many pictures and videos, and needs a fast-charging phone. Choose the OnePlus 9 for its superior wide-angle camera, and fast wired charging.
- Scenario 2: You are a media enthusiast who consumes a lot of video content, plays games and need good battery life and wireless charging options.. The Mi 11 offers a superior display for video content, better wireless charging capabilities, macro camera and video stabilization.
- Scenario 3: You want the best overall experience and high-performance for gaming and daily usage. Both devices provide excellent performance due to the Snapdragon 888 5G Chipset.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would personally pick the OnePlus 9.
Here's why:
While the Xiaomi Mi 11 has a nicer screen and better wireless charging, I value the superior wide-angle camera of the OnePlus 9 as I find myself using that lens more often. I'd also prefer the faster wired charging to quickly top-up in my day-to-day. Additionally, I love immersive audio and the Dolby Atmos on the OnePlus 9 is a great addition. Both phones are extremely capable for general usage, but I am willing to sacrifice the higher display resolution and brightness of the Mi 11 for the superior camera and wired charging speed offered by the OnePlus 9.
