1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | Xiaomi is slightly taller and thinner, while OnePlus is slightly shorter and thicker. The difference is subtle. |
| Weight | 196g | 197g | Negligible difference in weight; both feel similarly hefty. |
| Build | Not specified | Not specified | Build materials and finish affect durability and premium feel. This is unknown for both devices. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Xiaomi has a slightly larger display. Noticeable mainly for those who prefer a bigger screen |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1440x3216 | Both are very sharp; the tiny difference is imperceptible. |
| PPI | 515 | 525 | Both have very high pixel densities, so the image quality will be similar and sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Not Specified | Xiaomi's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. OnePlus 9 Pro display technology is not specified. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1300 nits | Xiaomi's screen is noticeably brighter, offering better outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 888 5G | Identical flagship performance for smooth multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 877,600 | OnePlus has a slightly higher benchmark score. In real-world usage the difference is marginal. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 | Same powerful graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" | Xiaomi has higher resolution, while OnePlus has a slightly wider aperture. Sensor size is marginally larger on the Xiaomi, suggesting better low-light performance. |
| Rear Ultrawide | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06" | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" | OnePlus has significantly higher resolution, wider aperture and a much larger sensor, implying better ultrawide shots. |
| Rear Telephoto | None | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" | OnePlus has a dedicated telephoto lens, which allows for better optical zoom. |
| Rear Macro | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5" | None | Xiaomi has a dedicated macro camera for close up shots |
| Rear Black & White | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus has a dedicated black and white sensor, potentially useful for artistic shots |
| Front Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | Xiaomi has slightly higher resolution and wider aperture. Sensor size is larger on the Xiaomi, potentially offering slightly better selfies. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24/30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both offer similar high-resolution video recording. |
| DXOMark | Selfie: 112 (Main), N/A (Mobile) | Mobile: 122 (Main), N/A (Selfie) | OnePlus has better camera main score. Xiaomi has better Selfie score. |
| Features | Triple Camera, Laser AF, AF assist Beam | Quadruple Camera, Optical zoom, PDAF, CDAF, LAF, Night Mode, RAW 12 bit | OnePlus offers more advanced autofocus and night mode capabilities. Xiaomi has laser autofocus. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery capacity, expected comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | OnePlus charges faster. |
| Features | 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless, 2*2250mAh | 50W wireless, reverse wireless charging | Both offer fast wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, but Xiaomi's battery is split into two cells. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max version 14 | Android 11, max version 14 | Both have the same software versions. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both offer modern Bluetooth capabilities |
| GPS | More Satellites | Less Satellites | Xiaomi might have slightly better location accuracy due to more satellite systems support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both offer ample RAM for heavy tasks. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo speakers, OnePlus has better audio immersion with Dolby Atmos and better voice capture due to more microphones. Xiaomi has Hi-Res audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensor for biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi provides more modern and stronger protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Heart Rate; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Proximity | Xiaomi has additional Heart Rate sensor and ultrasonic proximity. OnePlus has a standard proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: 200 nits brighter, significantly better visibility in sunny conditions.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: Marginally larger sensor suggesting potentially better low-light performance.
- Macro Camera: Dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up photography.
- Superior Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus for better scratch and shatter resistance.
- Heart Rate Sensor: An additional health monitoring feature.
- Hi-Res Audio: For audiophiles, the device may provide higher quality audio playback.
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens for better optical zoom.
- Ultrawide Camera: Higher resolution and larger sensor in ultrawide lens resulting in better performance.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging vs 55W, quicker top-ups.
- Better AnTuTu Score: Slightly better benchmark performance in tests (marginal in real use).
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio immersion and quality.
- Advanced Autofocus: PDAF, CDAF, and LAF for fast, accurate focus.
- Black & White Sensor: A dedicated sensor for creative and artistic photography.
- Exposure Compensation and Night Mode: Allows the user more manual control over the photo settings
- More Microphones: Better voice capture capabilities.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi prioritizes a larger, brighter screen and a high-resolution main camera.
- OnePlus focuses on camera versatility, faster charging, and superior audio.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a bright, high-quality display for media consumption and outdoor use, and those who like detailed close-up photography and better selfie quality.
- Use Cases: Binge-watching videos, taking photos in bright sunlight, macro photography enthusiasts.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a bright display and high quality main camera, at a potentially lower price point.
OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize camera versatility, fast charging, better audio and photography in different conditions and want the best possible smartphone experience.
- Use Cases: Landscape photography, portrait photography with optical zoom, gaming and fast charging.
- Price-to-Value: A more premium device with advanced camera features, at a potentially higher price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a larger, brighter display above all else or would you value other camera features more?
- Camera Needs: Do you prioritize high resolution for the main camera, or do you need a versatile camera setup with optical zoom and a wide angle?
- Charging Speed and Audio: Is faster charging a must for you? Do you value higher quality audio?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Outdoor Enthusiast & Media Binger: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or love media consumption, the Xiaomi Mi 11's brighter display and larger screen might be better suited.
Scenario 2: Photography Lover: If you are passionate about photography and want the best possible camera versatility, the OnePlus 9 Pro with its telephoto, wide and black and white lens is a superior choice.
Scenario 3: Performance User: If you are a power user focused on speed and gaming, both devices offer flagship performance. However, the OnePlus 9 Pro has a slightly better benchmark score and a better audio experience, making it a better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus 9 Pro. While the Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a brighter display and a high resolution main camera, the OnePlus 9 Pro's versatile camera system with a telephoto and wide angle lens, combined with its superior autofocus capabilities, better audio and faster charging, edges it out for me. The slight increase in benchmark scores and enhanced audio also contribute to a more well-rounded premium experience. I value the better camera versatility and the convenience of faster charging more than a slightly brighter display. The OnePlus 9 Pro's overall feature set better fits my priorities for a daily driver.
