1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | Mi 11 is slightly more compact and thinner, may feel better in hand, A04s is slightly wider and thicker. |
| Weight | 196g | 195g | Negligible difference in weight; both feel similar in hand. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.5" | Mi 11 provides a larger viewing area, better for media consumption, gaming. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | Mi 11 display is significantly sharper, text and images will appear clearer, less pixelated. |
| PPI | 515 | 270 | Mi 11 has a much sharper screen, details are more refined, less pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | Mi 11 has richer colours, deeper blacks, and better contrast, superior viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mi 11 has smoother scrolling and animations making it feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 is significantly better for outdoor visibility in sunlight. Samsung A04s brightness is unknown. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mi 11 offers significantly faster processing, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and is more future-proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 117,300 | Mi 11 is much faster, offering a significantly more fluid user experience and quicker app loading. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 | Mi 11 has a superior GPU for more demanding graphical tasks such as gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Mi 11 captures more detailed photos allowing for better cropping and editing, higher quality prints. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.8 | Galaxy A04s has a slightly wider aperture allowing for slightly better low-light performance, but the difference is minimal. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 5MP | Mi 11 takes significantly more detailed and higher-quality selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.2 | Galaxy A04s has a slightly wider aperture on the front camera, may capture slightly better low-light selfies, the difference is minimal. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP | None | Mi 11 offers more versatile photography, good for group photos or landscapes. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) Lens | None | 2MP | Galaxy A04s has depth sensor for bokeh effect. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | 2MP | Mi 11 has better macro photos and captures more detail close-ups. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Mi 11 allows for professional-grade video recording with higher resolutions. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes (EIS) | No | Mi 11 videos are less shaky and more stable. |
| Slow Motion | Up to 480fps | Up to 34fps | Mi 11 captures higher frame rate slow-motion footage. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Galaxy A04s has slightly larger battery, offering potentially slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Mi 11 charges much faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, Wireless Charging | None | Mi 11 offers the versatility to charge other devices and wireless charging capability. |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 14) | Android 12 (upgradeable to 14) | Both phones are upgradeable to Android 14. A04s has a slightly more updated OS out of the box. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Mi 11 offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Mi 11 offers newer Bluetooth version with more features, potentially better audio quality. |
| GPS | Advanced GPS | Basic GPS | Mi 11 offers more accurate location tracking and faster satellite lock. |
| Storage | 128/256GB, No Expandable Storage | 32/64/128GB, No Expandable Storage | Mi 11 has more storage option, suitable for users with lots of files. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 3GB or 4GB | Mi 11 offers much better multitasking and smoother performance when using multiple apps at the same time. |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo | Basic | Mi 11 has better sound quality with richer audio and improved immersion. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Sensor | Side-mounted Sensor | Samsung A04s has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick unlock. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 screen is more resistant to scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Basic | Mi 11 has a more comprehensive suite of sensors useful for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution, AMOLED, 120Hz, and significantly brighter, resulting in a much better visual experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Much faster chipset, resulting in smoother multitasking, gaming, and overall app performance.
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution main camera, better selfie camera, and added wide-angle and macro lenses, resulting in more versatile photography capabilities and higher-quality images.
- Advanced Video Capabilities: 8K video recording, advanced EIS, and higher frame-rate slow-motion.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Much faster wired charging and added wireless charging capability.
- Premium Audio: Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers for a much better audio experience.
- More RAM and Storage Option: 8/12 GB of RAM for smoother multitasking and 128/256 GB of storage.
- Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Faster wireless speeds and more reliable connectivity.
- More sensors: Includes Heart Rate sensor, compass, and gyroscope.
- Screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
Practical Implications: The Mi 11 is a high-performance flagship phone suited for demanding users who value visual quality, performance, camera quality, and quick charging.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: May offer marginally longer battery life in some usage scenarios.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a convenient and quick way to unlock the device.
- Newer OS: Android 12 out of the box compared to Android 11 in the Xiaomi Mi 11.
- Lower Price Point: Generally more affordable, making it a good budget option.
Practical Implications: The A04s is a budget-friendly option focused on basic smartphone functionalities with a focus on battery.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Mi 11 sacrifices battery life for significantly superior performance, display, and camera.
- The A04s provides basic functionality and has a much lower performance, significantly lower quality screen and camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User:
- Power users who want the best possible performance and speed.
- Multimedia enthusiasts who value a high-quality screen for movies, videos, and games.
- Photography enthusiasts who need a versatile, high-resolution camera system.
- Users who prioritize fast charging and wireless charging capabilities.
Specific Use Cases:
- High-end gaming with demanding graphics.
- Video editing or creation on the go.
- Viewing high-resolution media on a vibrant and bright screen.
- Taking professional-quality photos and videos.
- Heavy multitasking with multiple apps running simultaneously.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious consumers seeking a basic and reliable smartphone.
- Users who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and basic apps.
- Individuals who want a device with decent battery life for light usage.
- First-time smartphone users or those with limited tech needs.
Specific Use Cases:
- Simple browsing, social media, and email.
- Everyday tasks such as calls, text, and web browsing.
- Users who only take occasional snapshots.
- Long battery life for basic tasks.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Mi 11 offers great value for its premium specs and flagship-level performance. It justifies its higher price point for users who need it.
- A04s has a strong price-to-value for basic smartphone users who don't need high performance or high quality screens or cameras.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., basic communication, gaming, photography, media consumption).
- How important is performance and speed to you? (e.g., smooth multitasking, fast app loading, demanding games).
- What is your budget? (consider price difference when choosing between the devices).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You want the best possible performance and quality, and budget is not a primary concern. Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11.
- Scenario 2: You need a reliable smartphone for basic tasks and want the best value for your money. Choose the Samsung Galaxy A04s.
- Scenario 3: You want a good smartphone for photography, fast charging, and media consumption. Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11. While the Samsung Galaxy A04s has a slightly larger battery and is more budget-friendly, the Mi 11 offers a vastly superior user experience in almost every other area that is important to me. The difference in display quality alone is significant, with the Mi 11's AMOLED panel providing a much more vibrant and enjoyable viewing experience, especially for media consumption and games. The performance gap is also substantial; the Snapdragon 888 chipset in the Mi 11 is significantly faster and would provide a smoother and more responsive experience in day-to-day use and when multitasking. Finally, the camera system in the Mi 11 is vastly superior offering higher resolution, more versatile lens options, and better video recording capabilities. The faster charging and wireless charging capabilities are also crucial for me since I value convenience. While the A04s is a capable budget device, the Mi 11 provides a flagship-level experience that better fits my usage pattern, and I am willing to sacrifice a bit of battery life for the massive performance, display, and camera upgrades.
