1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 162 × 75.1 × 8.2 mm | Mi 11 is slightly taller, Nord 3 slightly wider and thicker; minimal difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 196g | 193.5g | Negligible weight difference; both feel similarly weighted in hand. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 offers superior scratch and drop resistance for the display. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.74" | Minimal difference; both offer immersive viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1240x2772 | Mi 11 has a noticeably sharper display with finer details; better for reading small text and enjoying high-res content. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 451 | Mi 11's sharper display is more noticeable, especially for users accustomed to high-resolution displays. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast; similar viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations; similar for gaming and general usage. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1450 nits | Mi 11 is slightly brighter, potentially more visible under direct sunlight; difference is unlikely to be noticeable. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) | Nord 3's newer chipset offers faster processing, improved efficiency, and better performance in intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 1,103,441 | Nord 3 is significantly faster in benchmarks; translates to snappier performance in real-world usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G710 MC10 | Nord 3's GPU offers better performance in graphics-intensive tasks like gaming, video editing. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" sensor, 0.8µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" sensor, 1.0µm pixels | Mi 11 captures highly detailed photos in good lighting; Nord 3 excels in low light with larger pixels, might be more consistent in diverse lighting. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" sensor, 0.8µm pixels | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" sensor, 1.0µm pixels | Mi 11 captures detailed selfies in good light; Nord 3 may be better in low light, but is not as sharp on a technical basis. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06" sensor, 1.12µm pixels | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor, 1.12µm pixels | Mi 11 captures wider landscape/group photos. Nord 3 performs slightly better in low light due to larger sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5" sensor, 1.12µm pixels | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor, 1.75µm pixels | Mi 11 has slightly higher resolution macro shots, Nord 3 captures slightly brighter low light macro with larger pixels. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K, various HDR, EIS options | Up to 4K, various EIS options | Mi 11 offers higher video recording resolution; Both have EIS for stable footage, both also support HDR. Mi 11's recording options are more comprehensive. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | Main: 112, Photo: 100, Video: 133 | Not Available | Mi 11 is objectively tested for selfie performance; Nord 3 has no comparison score. |
| Features | 8K Video, Ultra stable video, Laser AF, RAW | Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Exposure compensation | Mi 11 provides professional-grade options like 8K; Nord 3 has faster focus due to PDAF. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 5000 mAh | Nord 3 offers slightly longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 55W fast charging | 80W fast charging | Nord 3 charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | 50W Wireless charging, Reverse charging | None | Mi 11 offers versatile charging options like wireless and reverse charging; Nord 3 lacks those. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 (upgradable to 16) | Nord 3 has a newer OS out of the box; gets support for two more major versions of android. |
| ### Connectivity |
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Dual Band | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Dual Band | Both offer fast and reliable Wi-Fi; similar performance for typical usage. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 (LE, aptX, LDAC, AAC) | Bluetooth 5.3 (LE, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC) | Nord 3 has a newer version; Both offer high-quality wireless audio; Nord 3 has more audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Mi 11 has a wider range of satellite systems, which could result in more precise location tracking, especially in challenging environments |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality, ideal for managing multiple numbers and roaming. |
Storage & Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB | 128 GB / 256 GB | Both offer ample storage for most users; choice based on individual needs. |
| RAM | 8 GB / 12 GB | 8 GB / 16 GB | Nord 3 with 16GB RAM offers better multitasking and overall responsiveness. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; choose storage option carefully. |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both offer high-quality audio; Nord 3 may offer better audio separation and immersion due to Dolby Atmos support; Mi 11 has an extra microphone for better noise cancellation. |
Security & Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | Fingerprint (basic) | Fingerprint (basic) | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Gravity, Geomagnetic, SensorCore | Mi 11 includes Compass, Heart Rate; Nord 3 has a broader range of motion tracking sensors; Both have a comprehensive sensor suite for gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density for a crisper viewing experience, which could be noticeable when reading small text or viewing detailed images.
- Superior Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides more durable screen protection.
- Versatile Charging: Offers both 50W wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities, providing more flexibility in everyday scenarios.
- Comprehensive Video Options: Capable of shooting up to 8K video with advanced features.
- Wider Range of GPS Systems: More precise location tracking in complex environments.
- DXOMark Selfie Score: Provides a benchmark for the selfie camera capabilities.
- More Features in main and selfie camera: Features such as ultra stable video, manual focus, and laser autofocus.
OnePlus Nord 3 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Newer chipset and higher benchmark scores for smoother operation in demanding tasks.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Longer battery life and significantly quicker charging times.
- Newer OS out of the box and longer support: Comes with Android 13, upgradable to Android 16, offering newer features and longer updates support.
- Higher RAM Option: 16GB RAM for heavy multitasking and gaming.
- Better Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3.
- Better Low light photography: Larger pixels may translate to better low light shots on Main, Selfie, and Wide Angle Cameras.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Offers higher display resolution, but is beaten by the OnePlus Nord 3 in terms of chipset and overall performance.
- OnePlus Nord 3: Lacks wireless charging, and reverse charging which the Mi 11 offers; Camera performance is strong, but not as comprehensive as Mi 11's with laser autofocus and 8k recording.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a very sharp display for detailed content consumption and prefer the option to shoot high-resolution video.
- Users wanting wireless charging: Those who prefer wireless charging convenience.
- Users who value build quality: Those who are accident prone and need an extra layer of protection for the screen.
- Users who want more complete camera features: Those who want laser autofocus, and advanced video features like ultra stable video, 8k recording.
Use Cases:
- Watching high-resolution videos and movies
- Detailed photo viewing and editing
- Capturing professional quality video footage
- Using a device with more flexible charging options.
OnePlus Nord 3 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Users who need a device for heavy multitasking, intensive gaming, and quick app switching.
- Users Wanting Longer Battery Life: Users who require a device that lasts all day, especially with heavy usage.
- Speed-Focused Users: Those who prefer faster charging speeds and a device that is quickly ready to use.
- Gamers: Users who value the fastest performance and smooth graphic performance.
- Those who want latest software and OS upgrades: Those who want a device with the latest OS and longer OS upgrade lifespan.
- Users who value low light photography: Those who prefer better night time photography.
Use Cases:
- Intense gaming sessions
- Demanding productivity tasks
- Long days without access to charging
- Multi-tasking between multiple apps.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Priority: Is raw performance and fast charging crucial for your daily usage, or is a sharper display more desirable?
- Charging Preferences: Do you require wireless and reverse charging, or do faster wired charging capabilities take priority?
- Camera Needs: Do you need 8k recording and a variety of camera features, or will the more consistent photography of OnePlus Nord 3 suffice?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Multimedia Consumer: If you primarily watch movies and view photos, value the sharpest display possible, and prefer wireless charging, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the better choice.
- For the Power User and Gamer: If you need a device for heavy multitasking, gaming, want a device that lasts all day, and prioritize faster charging, then the OnePlus Nord 3 is recommended.
- For the Practical User: If you just want a good smartphone experience without spending too much money, you'll find that either phone fits your needs, but the newer OS and longer OS support in the OnePlus Nord 3 might make it a more sensible choice.
Personal Choice and Reasoning
If I were to choose, I would opt for the OnePlus Nord 3. While the Xiaomi Mi 11 has some compelling features like its sharper display and wireless charging, the Nord 3's superior performance, longer battery life, and significantly faster charging would make a bigger difference in my daily usage. As someone who uses a smartphone heavily for multitasking, browsing, and occasional gaming, the speed and responsiveness of the Nord 3's chipset are more important to me than a marginal increase in display resolution. Additionally, having faster charging is a huge convenience, especially when I'm on the go, and a longer OS upgrade timeline makes the device more future proof. While the Mi 11's camera features are more comprehensive, the Nord 3 still offers good quality, and I don't usually record 8K video.
Therefore, the OnePlus Nord 3's focus on core performance, battery, and overall speed makes it the more practical choice for my needs.
