Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. OnePlus 9R
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Mi 11 and OnePlus 9R, focusing on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus 9R | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.1 mm | 161 x 74.1 x 8.4 mm | Mi 11 is taller, 9R is slightly thicker, impacting one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 196g | 189g | 7g difference is subtle but 9R may feel negligibly lighter over prolonged use. |
| Build Material | Not specified | Not specified | Impacts durability and perceived quality, details are missing |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus 9R | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.55" | Mi 11 offers a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming, 9R is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Mi 11 provides a sharper, more detailed image, while 9R is less pixel dense. |
| PPI | 515 | 402 | Mi 11 offers text and images that are significantly clearer, particularly noticeable in small details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, ideal for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 will be significantly easier to see in bright sunlight. OnePlus 9R's brightness value is missing. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus 9R | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Mi 11's 888 offers slightly better processing and graphics capabilities, though both are highly capable. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 821,600 | Both perform very similarly in benchmarks, meaning performance in everyday tasks and games will be comparable. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 650 | Mi 11's GPU is more powerful, providing slightly better gaming performance, though differences will be minor. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Both phones are excellent for heavy multitasking and demanding games |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus 9R | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 48MP | Mi 11 captures much more detail, allowing for more flexibility in cropping and editing. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.7 | 9R captures slightly more light, potentially better in low-light situations, though Mi 11 has a larger sensor. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/2" | Mi 11 gathers more light and detail, generally resulting in better image quality |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | Mi 11 captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.4 | Mi 11 allows slightly more light to enter, which could be better in low light situations |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/3.13" | 9R has a slightly larger sensor, capturing more light. |
| Wide Angle Resolution | 13MP | 16MP | 9R captures slightly more detailed wide-angle photos. |
| Wide Angle Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.2 | 9R may capture slightly more light in wide angle shots. |
| Wide Angle Sensor Size | 1/3.06" | 1/3.09" | Mi 11 slightly larger sensor, which could be better in low light situations |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | Not Available | 2MP | 9R has a dedicated depth sensor, allowing for better portrait mode photos, this is absent on Mi 11. |
| Macro Lens Resolution | 5MP | 5MP | Both have macro lenses for close-up shots, with Mi 11 having a wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.4 | Mi 11 macro lens may capture better close-up shots in low light conditions |
| Video | Up to 8K | Up to 4K | Mi 11 can record higher resolution video for professional quality content. |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 112 | Not available | Mi 11's selfie camera is objectively scored for superior quality |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus 9R | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4500mAh | Similar capacities, expect comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 55W fast charging | 65W fast charging | 9R will charge slightly faster. |
| Additional Features | 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless, 2*2250mAh | None specified | Mi 11 offers more versatile charging options. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density result in noticeably sharper image quality. Higher brightness makes it usable in direct sunlight.
- More Powerful Processor: Snapdragon 888 provides slightly better processing power and graphics.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP camera captures significantly more detail.
- Advanced Battery Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and dual-cell design.
- 8K Video Recording: Higher resolution video capabilities for content creators.
- More satellite systems supported by GPS: Better location accuracy
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus is used for the screen.
- Heart rate sensor: The Mi 11 has a heart rate sensor, while the 9R does not.
- DXOMark Selfie Score: Selfie camera rated and scored for higher quality.
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Slightly Newer: Launched slightly later, potentially with minor software improvements.
- Slightly Faster Charging: 65W charging is quicker than 55W.
- Dedicated Portrait Camera: The 9R has a 2MP portrait camera which the Mi 11 lacks.
- Slightly Lighter: Might be preferred for prolonged use.
- Dolby Atmos: Has better spatial audio and clearer audio experience
Trade-offs:
- The Mi 11 sacrifices a dedicated depth sensor for its camera versatility, while the 9R compromises screen sharpness for a slightly lower price.
- The Mi 11's larger size may be less comfortable for some users than the more compact 9R.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Ideal User: Media enthusiasts, power users, photographers, and gamers who prioritize a high-quality display and camera and advanced features.
- Use Cases:
- Enjoying high-resolution content (movies, games).
- Capturing professional grade photos and 8K videos.
- Demanding mobile gaming with advanced graphics.
- Using wireless or reverse wireless charging.
- Users who value the best possible display quality in a phone.
OnePlus 9R:
- Ideal User: Users who want a smooth, reliable phone with a solid camera and faster charging, without the premium price.
- Use Cases:
- General day-to-day use and social media browsing.
- Casual photography with a versatile main camera and better depth effects.
- Gaming at high settings with great performance.
- Those who value quick charging
- Users who want better audio capabilities
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? (Mi 11 has a superior display)
- How much do you value advanced camera features? (Mi 11 offers more flexibility with 8K video).
- What is your charging preference? (OnePlus 9R offers faster wired charging, Mi 11 offers more versatile wireless options).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Mobile Photographer/Videographer: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 for its higher resolution main camera, 8K video, and advanced features, and better selfie camera.
- For the Gamer: Both offer great performance but Mi 11's GPU is slightly more powerful, and the higher screen resolution and brightness may enhance the gaming experience.
- For the Casual User: The OnePlus 9R is a solid, cost-effective option with good performance and faster charging but the Mi 11 will offer a better all around experience.
- For the User on the Go: The OnePlus 9R's lighter weight and faster charging might be more convenient, although the Mi 11 has more versatile charging options
What Would I Choose?
If I were to choose between the two, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11. Here's why:
Superior Display: For me, the display is the most important aspect of a smartphone. The Mi 11's higher resolution and brightness would make everyday use much more enjoyable, especially for consuming media and working outdoors. The higher pixel density is noticeable for clearer text and images.
Camera Versatility: While both have very good cameras, the Mi 11's 108MP main sensor and the ability to record in 8K video offers more versatility and quality. The main selfie camera also scored higher on DXOMark, which would make an improvement in my selfie experience.
Advanced Features: The inclusion of wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, a heart rate sensor, and Gorilla Glass Victus are features that justify the premium price for me.
Only Minor Trade-offs: While the 9R has faster wired charging and a slightly lighter build, these differences are minimal for me compared to the other advantages of the Mi 11, such as the better screen and better cameras.
While the OnePlus 9R is a great phone and more practical for many users, my focus is on getting the best display and camera quality possible, making the Xiaomi Mi 11 a clear winner for my specific preferences and use case. The minor differences in performance and charging are negligible for me compared to the overall experience that the Mi 11 provides.
