Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Realme GT Neo2
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Mi 11 and Realme GT Neo2 specifications, focusing on their real-world impact:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Realme GT Neo2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 162.9 × 75.8 × 9 mm | Mi 11 is slightly taller and thinner; GT Neo2 is a bit wider and thicker. Mi 11 may feel slightly more streamlined, while GT Neo2 could feel more substantial in hand. |
| Weight | 196g | 199.8g | Negligible difference in weight, both feel similar when held |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Realme GT Neo2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.62" | Mi 11 offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | Mi 11's higher resolution results in a significantly sharper and more detailed display, particularly noticeable when reading text or viewing high-res images and videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 398 | Mi 11 has a much sharper display with finer detail. GT Neo2 is still good, but text on the Mi 11 will be crisper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience, especially for gaming. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1300 nits | Mi 11 offers better visibility in direct sunlight, making it easier to see the screen outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Realme GT Neo2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mi 11's 888 is technically more powerful, but in most everyday tasks, performance will feel similar. The 888 is prone to throttling due to heat. The 870 is known for its stability and sustained performance under heavy load |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 794,643 | Both offer top-tier performance, with the difference being negligible in real-world usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 650 | The Adreno 660 in the Mi 11 is slightly more powerful for graphics-intensive tasks, like high-end gaming at max settings. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Realme GT Neo2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 64MP | Mi 11 captures more detail and offers more flexibility for cropping and editing images. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.72" | Mi 11's larger sensor gathers more light, improving low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.8 | GT Neo2's slightly wider aperture allows a bit more light to enter, which can be useful in low-light, but is marginal. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | Mi 11 produces slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.5 | Mi 11's wider aperture lets in more light for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/3.13" | GT Neo2 has a larger sensor for better light capture, resulting in slightly more detail. |
| Wide Angle Resolution | 13MP | 8MP | Mi 11 captures more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Wide Angle Sensor Size | 1/3.06" | 1/4" | Mi 11 has larger sensor to improve wide angle shots quality |
| Macro Lens Resolution | 5MP | 2MP | Mi 11 takes higher-resolution macro photos for better clarity. |
| Macro Lens Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.4 | Mi 11 has a wider aperture that is better for low light |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Mi 11 can capture professional-grade video with 8K support. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS, OIS | EIS, UIS, UIS Max | Both offer digital stabilization (EIS), with Mi 11 adding optical (OIS) for superior stability. Realme offers UIS Max for enhanced stabilization, especially while walking or running. |
| Slow-Motion Video | Up to 480fps | Up to 240fps | Mi 11 can capture more detailed slow-motion videos, while GT Neo2 is still great for casual slow-motion recording. |
| Selfie Camera DxOMark | Overall: 112 (Photo: 100, Video: 133) | Not tested | Mi 11's selfie camera performance is objectively rated as good. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Realme GT Neo2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | GT Neo2 is likely to offer slightly longer battery life under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging Speed | 55W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | GT Neo2 charges noticeably faster, reducing downtime. |
| Charging Features | 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | None | Mi 11 offers greater charging flexibility with both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices. |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Realme GT Neo2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Mi 11 will receive more software updates and likely more features. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (MiMO) | WiFi 6 | Mi 11 is slightly faster in WiFi connection |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 (LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, AAC) | Bluetooth 5.2 (LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, AAC, SBC) | Both support high quality audio codecs, but the GT Neo2 supports more devices with SBC |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | GT Neo2 supports more satellite system for improved accuracy. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer the same storage options; choose the variant that suits your needs |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 6GB, 8GB or 12GB | Both offers sufficient RAM to run heavy games and multitasking without any issues |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | You need to buy a storage option that fits your need, since both doesn't have expandable storage |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both phones offers great audio quality. GT Neo2 has extra feature like Dolby Atmos |
| Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offers basic fingerprint security |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Geomagnetic | Mi 11 offers more sensors for advanced features and applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, sharper image, and better outdoor visibility (1500 nits brightness).
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main sensor, larger sensor size, and 8K video recording. Also better wide angle shots
- More advanced software support: Gets up to Android 14 version.
- Wireless Charging: Supports 50W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- More sensors: Heart Rate, Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity sensor.
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Realme GT Neo2 Advantages:
- Longer Battery Life: Larger 5000mAh battery for extended usage.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging for quicker power-ups.
- Stable Performance: Snapdragon 870 is known for its stability and less throttling issues.
- Better satellite tracking: Support for more satellite system.
- More audio features: Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation microphone.
- More Bluetooth audio codecs: Support for SBC for older devices
Significant Trade-offs:
- Mi 11: The Snapdragon 888 can generate heat under heavy load. Its battery capacity is smaller which might lead to shorter battery life.
- GT Neo2: Lacks wireless charging and screen protection. Its main and wide angle camera performance is inferior to the Mi 11.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal Users:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing, and social media.
- Photography Buffs: Users who want a versatile camera system capable of capturing detailed photos and videos.
- Power Users: Those who appreciate top-tier performance and advanced features.
- Early Adopters: Users who prefer to have the latest technology and features.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Watching high-resolution movies and videos on the go.
- Taking detailed photos and videos in various lighting conditions, including professional videography.
- Playing graphic-intensive mobile games at maximum settings.
- Utilizing advanced sensors for health tracking and other specialized applications.
- Taking advantage of the wireless charging feature.
Realme GT Neo2 Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Users who need a phone that can sustain performance during long gaming sessions.
- Frequent Travelers: Users who value long battery life and fast charging for prolonged use.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those who want flagship-level performance without the top-tier price tag.
- Audio Lovers: Users who love to listen to music and want enhanced audio features.
Use Cases for Realme GT Neo2:
- Playing graphic-intensive games for extended periods without throttling.
- Traveling long distances without needing frequent recharges.
- Capturing great video and images in day to day use, but without pushing it to the extreme
- Using a Bluetooth headset for long periods
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions for buyers to consider:
How important is display quality and camera versatility to you?
- If display and camera are top priorities, then Mi 11 is the better option.
- If performance and battery life are more important, choose the GT Neo2.
Do you need wireless charging and advanced sensors?
- If yes, the Mi 11 is the better choice.
- If no, the GT Neo2 will save you money and provide better battery life.
What are your main usage scenarios for your phone?
- For users who play games for extended times, watch a lot of videos, and use Bluetooth headsets, the Realme GT Neo2 is better option.
- For users who need a very good display and camera, and dont push the phone to its limits very often, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is a better option
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (Media Consumption, Photography, Gaming): If you often use your phone for media, photography and gaming, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is better. Its superior display and camera system provide a better experience in these areas.
Scenario 2 (Heavy Gaming, Long Battery Life, Frequent Travellers): If you prioritize gaming, long battery life, and fast charging, and can live without wireless charging, the Realme GT Neo2 is the more sensible choice.
Scenario 3 (Value-Conscious User): If you're looking for great overall performance and value, and don't prioritize extreme camera or display performance, the Realme GT Neo2 provides excellent price-to-performance.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally choose the Realme GT Neo2. While the Xiaomi Mi 11 has a superior display and camera, the GT Neo2's larger battery, faster charging, and more stable performance are more appealing for my personal use case. I tend to prioritize longevity and sustained performance over marginal camera and display advantages. I also appreciate having the latest Bluetooth codecs, which is very useful for listening music with my wireless headset. Also, the fact that Realme's Snapdragon 870 is known to be more stable and not prone to overheating is an important point in my decision, since I would be using the phone for long gaming sessions.
Ultimately, the "better" phone depends on individual priorities. The Xiaomi Mi 11 excels in display quality and camera performance, while the Realme GT Neo2 shines in battery life and performance. It is essential to evaluate personal needs and weigh the trade-offs.
