1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Realme 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.1 mm | 159.9 x 73.3 x 8 mm | Xiaomi Mi 11 is larger, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands. Realme 10 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 196g | 178g | Realme 10 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Realme 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.4" | Xiaomi Mi 11 provides a more immersive viewing experience, better for media consumption. Realme 10 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers significantly sharper images and text, better for detailed viewing. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 411 | Xiaomi Mi 11 provides a much clearer and detailed visual experience, especially noticeable in small text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi Mi 11 provides smoother scrolling and animations, more responsive feel in daily use. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1000 nits | Xiaomi Mi 11 is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Realme 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) | Xiaomi Mi 11's chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 401,886 | Xiaomi Mi 11 is substantially faster, excelling in demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a much more powerful GPU, delivering a far better gaming and graphics-intensive app experience. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Realme 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | |||
| Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 captures more detailed images, allowing for better cropping and large prints. |
| Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.8 | Realme 10 has a slightly wider aperture which can help in low-light conditions (though this can be countered by the Xiaomi's larger sensor). |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/2.76" | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a significantly larger sensor, allowing for better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Pixel Size | 0.80µm | 0.64µm | Larger pixels on the Xiaomi result in better light capture. |
| Selfie Camera | |||
| Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 captures more detailed selfies, suitable for high-resolution edits. |
| Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.45 | Xiaomi Mi 11's wider aperture may allow for better low-light selfies, though the differences are minor. |
| Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/3.06" | Realme 10 has a slightly larger sensor, potentially capturing more light in low light |
| Pixel Size | 0.80µm | 1.00µm | Realme 10 has larger pixels, potentially allowing for better low light selfie images. |
| Additional Lenses | |||
| Wide Angle | 13MP (f/2.3) | None | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a wider field of view for landscape and group photos. |
| Macro | 5MP (f/2.0) | None | Xiaomi Mi 11 allows for detailed close-up photography. |
| Black & White | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Realme 10 has a dedicated black and white sensor which can be useful for artistic black and white photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24/30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi Mi 11 is capable of high resolution videos including 8k video, suitable for professional video capture. Realme 10 is more basic. |
| Stabilization | EIS, OIS | EIS | Xiaomi Mi 11 benefits from optical stabilization for more stable videos and photos |
| DxOMark Selfie | 112 (Photo 100, Video 133) | Not tested | Xiaomi Mi 11 provides superior selfie performance, according to the score |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Realme 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 10 has a larger battery, potentially providing slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Xiaomi Mi 11 charges significantly faster, reducing charging times. |
| Features | 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless charging | None | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers additional charging options including wireless and reverse wireless charging, offering greater convenience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides a substantially faster and smoother experience, especially in gaming and resource-intensive tasks.
- Higher Resolution and Quality Display: Sharper screen with higher pixel density, 120Hz refresh rate, and much brighter display makes it better for content consumption and outdoor usage.
- More Versatile Camera System: Offers a wider range of lenses (wide-angle, macro) and higher resolution video recording (up to 8K), suitable for more advanced photography and videography.
- Faster Charging: 55W wired charging and 50W wireless charging are significantly faster than Realme 10, with reverse charging options, offering greater flexibility.
- Higher quality audio: Stereo speakers offer higher quality audio playback than single speaker Realme 10.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better durability against scratches and drops.
- More comprehensive sensor suite: Includes Heart Rate monitoring and Ultrasonic proximity sensor
Realme 10 Advantages
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable to hold and carry, especially for users with smaller hands.
- Slightly Larger Battery: May offer slightly longer battery life, though charging is slower.
- Newer Android Version Out of the Box: Arrives with Android 12, offering potentially newer features and security updates (though the Xiaomi Mi 11 will be updated to Android 14).
- More Recent Bluetooth version: Realme 10 has a newer Bluetooth version for potentially improved connectivity.
- Lower price point: More affordable, making it attractive for budget-conscious buyers.
- Dedicated Black and White lens: Can be used for artistic black and white photography
Trade-offs
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Higher cost, bulkier design, and potentially shorter battery life compared to the Realme 10.
- Realme 10: Significantly lower performance, less advanced display, and less versatile camera system compared to the Xiaomi Mi 11.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User
- Power Users: Gamers, heavy multitaskers, and those who need top-tier performance.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of video content and want a high-quality, immersive display.
- Photography and Videography Buffs: Users who want a versatile camera system with high-resolution capabilities and advanced features.
- Users needing fast charging: Users who want very fast wired and wireless charging
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with smooth frame rates and quick response times.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Watching 4K and 8K content with HDR.
- Professional photography and videography in a smartphone form factor.
- Heavy multitasking between various apps.
- Using the phone outdoors in bright sunlight.
Realme 10 Ideal User
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phones for social media, browsing, and light tasks.
- Users with smaller hands Users looking for a compact and light weight phone.
- Users needing long battery life Users wanting a phone that lasts longer on a single charge.
Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and email.
- Casual gaming that does not demand high graphics performance.
- Basic photography and videography for sharing on social media.
- Users needing a phone that is light and easy to carry around.
- Users looking for long battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, Media Consumption, Photography, Basic Tasks)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay more for premium features or prioritize affordability?)
- Do you value performance and display quality or battery life and portability more?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you are a gamer or power user: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 for its superior performance and display quality.
- If you are a casual user on a tight budget: Choose the Realme 10 for its affordability and sufficient performance for everyday tasks.
- If you value mobile photography and videography: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 for its more versatile camera system and higher quality video recording.
- If battery life and portability is your priority: Choose the Realme 10 for its lighter, more compact design, and slightly larger battery.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally choose the Xiaomi Mi 11.
Reasoning:
- While I appreciate the Realme 10's lower price and lighter design, the sheer performance difference between the two is too significant to ignore. The Snapdragon 888 in the Mi 11 offers much more future-proofing and would provide a significantly better experience in my daily use.
- I highly value a great display. The Mi 11's high-resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and high-brightness display would be much more enjoyable for consuming media and would provide a sharper experience.
- I value having a versatile camera system. The wide angle and macro lenses in the Mi 11 provide more options when taking pictures. The ability to record in 8K would also be valuable for me as a potential future-proofing measure.
- The faster charging and wireless charging options are also significant advantages. The ability to quickly top up the battery and not have to worry about plugging in, as well as reverse wireless charging, are nice-to-haves that enhance the user experience.
- I do not mind the extra weight and size of the Mi 11 as a trade off for the other advantages.
While the Realme 10 is a competent device, the Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a superior experience in the areas that are important to me.
