Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.1 mm | 165.5 x 76 x 8.3 mm | OnePlus is slightly larger, which may affect single-hand use. |
| Weight | 196g | 195g | Negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.72" | Very similar screen sizes. Minor difference isn't noticeable in everyday use. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | Xiaomi Mi 11's display is significantly sharper; text, images and videos will appear crisper. |
| PPI | 515 | 391 | Xiaomi Mi 11's higher pixel density translates to a clearer, more detailed screen. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi Mi 11 has superior contrast, colors, and deeper blacks, plus better power efficiency in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 950 nits | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers superior visibility in bright sunlight, easier to view outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a much more powerful processor, suitable for demanding games, heavy multitasking and AI tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 402,916 | Xiaomi Mi 11 is significantly faster overall; apps load faster, and complex tasks will be smoother. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 619 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a more powerful GPU, better for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 5000 mAh | OnePlus has a slightly larger battery. Expect slightly longer usage times between charges on the Nord CE 3 Lite |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite charges faster. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wireless Charging | Reverse Charging | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers more flexible charging options including wireless and reverse wireless. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 108MP, f/1.7, 1/1.67", 0.64µm | Xiaomi Mi 11 has larger sensor; potentially better low-light performance and dynamic range. OnePlus has slightly wider aperture, which theoretically allows slightly more light in. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | Xiaomi Mi 11 has higher resolution and slightly wider aperture. OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has larger pixel size (theoretical) - likely to have better low light performance |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | None | Xiaomi Mi 11 provides a wide-angle option for landscape or group photos. |
| Depth | None | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown | OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode, though not as important in high quality portrait shots |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5", 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown | Xiaomi Mi 11 provides more detailed macro shots with higher resolution, but neither phones macro lens are going to produce amazing images. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24/30fps | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi Mi 11 can record much higher resolution video for higher quality content and better editing flexibility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite ships with a newer OS out-of-the-box, but the Mi 11 can be upgraded to a similar version (Android 14), so its negligible. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Fewer satellite systems | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers more precise location tracking due to better support for satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8 GB | Xiaomi Mi 11 has an option for more RAM which will enhance multitasking and app loading. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo speakers, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancelling Microphone | OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite provides clearer calls with its noise-canceling microphone, along with same audio outputs. |
| Security | |||
| Features | In-display Fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted sensors are generally faster, but this is a matter of preference. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers superior screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Heart Rate, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity, Hall, Standard sensors | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers additional sensors, while the OnePlus offers the Proximity and Hall sensor. Both phones are equal in most use cases here |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, and significantly brighter screen make for a much better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 888 provides substantially higher performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes a wide-angle lens, higher resolution macro lens and the ability to record 8K video, offering more creative options. Better main sensor and video features
- Faster Wireless Charging: Offers both fast wireless charging (50W) and reverse wireless charging, adding convenience.
- Better Connectivity: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth versions for faster speeds.
- Better build quality: Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen protection
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite Advantages:
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery might provide slightly longer usage, however this is dependent on the users settings.
- Faster Wired Charging: Charges faster with its 67W adapter.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally faster and more reliable.
- Newer Android Version: Shipped with Android 13 out of the box.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Offers clearer calls and better audio recording quality.
- Depth Camera: Adds a dedicated sensor for portrait mode photos.
- Potentially Lower Cost: Typically positioned in a more budget-friendly segment.
- Larger Selfie Pixel Size: Should allow better low light performance on the front facing camera
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Sacrifices battery capacity and slightly slower wired charging speed for superior display, performance, and camera.
- OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite: Trades top-tier display and performance for potentially better battery life, faster wired charging, and lower price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for consuming content and creating multimedia.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want a versatile camera system with more creative options.
- Tech-Savvy Users: Those who want cutting-edge technology and features.
Use Cases:
- Gaming: Smooth gameplay on demanding titles due to the powerful chipset and GPU.
- Content Creation: High-resolution video recording, and excellent color accuracy on screen for editing.
- Mobile Workstation: Seamless multitasking and app switching with plenty of RAM and a powerful CPU.
- Outdoor Usage: The bright screen is very visible under direct sunlight.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who want a reliable and capable phone without breaking the bank.
- Everyday Users: Users who prioritize battery life and fast charging for day-to-day tasks.
- Casual Photographers: Users who want a decent camera for everyday snapshots.
- Those Preferring a More Updated OS: Users who want the latest Android version from the box.
Use Cases:
- Daily Communication: Reliable phone for calls, messaging, and social media use.
- Long Battery Life: Ideal for users who don't want to worry about charging throughout the day.
- Quick Charging: Rapidly top up the battery during short breaks.
- Social Media: Decent photo quality with an added portrait mode
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 offers more performance and features for its price range.
- The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has a budget-friendly price, offering good value for those not needing top-tier performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is display quality to you? If a vibrant, sharp, and bright screen is a must, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the clear choice.
- What are your performance needs? If you game heavily or run demanding apps, the Xiaomi Mi 11's more powerful chip is the better choice.
- Do you prioritize battery life or charging speed? If you need maximum battery longevity, or rapid charging the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is preferred.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Demanding User): If you need the best performance, a top-notch display, and more versatile camera features, choose the Xiaomi Mi 11.
- Scenario 2 (Budget User): If you prioritize battery life, faster charging, and a more affordable price, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is a good choice.
- Scenario 3 (Casual User): If you are somewhere in the middle between the two, and dont have specific needs in either direction, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 due to its superior build and display.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11. While the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has a newer OS, faster wired charging, slightly better battery and a lower price, the Xiaomi Mi 11 provides a vastly superior user experience. The difference in screen quality, performance, and the camera system is just too significant to ignore. Given my own needs as someone who watches a lot of videos, plays games, and likes having a good camera, the Xiaomi Mi 11 aligns better with my usage. The superior build quality and screen protection also give me more confidence in the long-term durability of the phone.
While the OnePlus has good value, the Mi 11 delivers a more premium and overall better package, and is negligibly more expensive than the Nord CE 3 Lite.
