Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Samsung Galaxy A32
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature Category | Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | Mi 11 is slightly taller and thinner; A32 is slightly more compact and thicker, may fit smaller hands better. |
| Weight | 196g | 184g | A32 is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. | |
| Display | Size | 6.81" | 6.4" | Mi 11 offers a larger screen for immersive media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Mi 11's higher resolution provides sharper images and text. | |
| PPI | 515 | 411 | Mi 11's higher pixel density leads to a noticeably clearer display. | |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mi 11 provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience, especially in gaming. | |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits (Data Missing) | Mi 11 offers much better visibility in bright sunlight. The Samsung's brightness specification is missing, which doesn't allow an accurate comparison, but considering the Xiaomi brightness level, it's most likely that Mi 11 has better outdoor visibility | |
| Performance | Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | MediaTek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mi 11's flagship chipset delivers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 200,458 | Mi 11 offers much smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and enhanced gaming. | |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mi 11's GPU handles graphically intensive tasks much better, resulting in better gaming performance | |
| Battery | Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | A32 has slightly larger battery capacity, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | Standard Charging | Mi 11 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. | |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless charging | None | Mi 11 provides greater flexibility with its charging options, capable of charging other devices | |
| Camera | Standard Lens | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" | 64MP, f/1.8 | Mi 11 captures more detailed photos with higher resolution. Samsung has a wider aperture to let more light in. |
| Selfie Lens | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | 20MP, f/2.2 | A32 has a slightly wider aperture for better low light performance, but sensor info is missing. | |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06" | 8MP, f/2.2 | Mi 11 has higher resolution wide-angle shots. Samsung has a slightly wider aperture. | |
| Portrait Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | A32 can capture depth information for portrait shots, which Mi 11 lacks. | |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5" | 5MP, f/2.4 | Mi 11 has a slightly wider aperture for better macro shots. | |
| Video | Up to 8K with HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Mi 11 offers professional-grade video recording capabilities. | |
| DXOMark Selfie | 112 Score | Not Available | Mi 11 Selfie Camera is very good, the Samsung lacks any benchmark tests | |
| Features | OIS, Laser AF, RAW | Exposure Compensation | Mi 11 has a more advanced camera system with more features. | |
| Software | OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Mi 11 will receive one more OS update than the A32 and likely more features. |
| Connectivity | WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Mi 11 has faster and more reliable WiFi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Mi 11 offers improved energy efficiency and features with Bluetooth 5.2. | |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS, multiple systems | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Mi 11 provides more precise location tracking. | |
| Storage | Internal | 128/256GB | 64/128GB | Mi 11 offers more storage for media and apps. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 4/6/8GB | Mi 11 enables much smoother multitasking with more RAM available. | |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via SD card. | |
| Audio | Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Features | Mi 11 has better audio fidelity and immersive sound. |
| Security | Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both provide basic biometric security. |
| Build | Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 has superior scratch and impact resistance. |
| Sensors | Heart Rate, Ultrasonic proximity sensor | Proximity, Hall, Geomagnetic | Mi 11 has more sensors for advanced features, A32 provides some additional features |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- High-Quality Display: The 120Hz 1440p AMOLED display provides a smoother and sharper visual experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution primary and wide-angle sensors, along with 8K video recording, offer more creative flexibility.
- Faster Charging: 55W fast charging, plus wireless and reverse charging, provide greater convenience.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio deliver an enhanced audio experience.
- Future-Proof Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 provide the latest and faster options.
- Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers top-tier screen protection.
- More Sensors: More sensors enable additional functionalities and more accurate readings.
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: A slightly bigger battery may result in a marginally longer battery life, although the difference is expected to be minimal in real world use, considering other factors such as display and SoC (System-on-Chip)
- Wider aperture on certain camera lens: The main camera, front camera, and ultrawide camera have a slightly wider aperture, which could translate to better low-light performance.
- Dedicated depth sensor: The Samsung phone has a dedicated depth sensor, which could make its portrait mode shots a bit more detailed.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 sacrifices a bit of battery capacity for superior performance, display, camera, and charging features.
- A32 opts for a simpler, more affordable phone, but has a significant performance gap compared to the Mi 11, and is not intended for heavy workloads or resource-intensive gaming.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who need the best possible performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who appreciate a high-quality display for watching movies, videos, and playing high-fidelity games.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value versatile camera features, high-resolution photos, and video recording.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who prefer having the latest in connectivity, charging, and audio features, and want to future proof their smartphone.
Use Cases:
- High-end gaming on mobile, video editing, streaming high-resolution content, professional photography and videography, multitasking with several high performance apps, remote desktop work, video conferencing with many participants.
Samsung Galaxy A32 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals who prioritize affordability and reliability over top-tier performance, with acceptable performance for most daily tasks.
- Casual Users: Those who need a phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, calls, and light media consumption, and want to focus on battery capacity.
- Users not requiring high performance: Casual gamers, people who use apps infrequently and generally don't require high performance.
Use Cases:
- Social media browsing, casual photography, daily communication (calls, texting, etc.), light media consumption, basic navigation.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Mi 11 offers excellent value for users who want premium features and performance.
- The A32 provides good value for budget-conscious users, focusing on basic functionality and reliability.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, daily use, etc.)
- How important is performance to you? (Do you need the best or is basic performance enough?)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay a premium for high-end features?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: "I want the best possible performance for gaming and heavy multitasking." - Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11. Its flagship chipset and high-refresh-rate display provide a superior experience.
Scenario 2: "I need a reliable phone for daily use on a budget." - Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A32. It's more affordable, offers a decent user experience for basic needs and longer battery life
Scenario 3: "I want a versatile phone for photography and videography." - Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11. It offers higher resolution sensors, 8k video capabilities, and advanced features like OIS and RAW.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi Mi 11. My primary use case involves demanding mobile gaming and professional photography and video editing. The Mi 11's significantly superior processing power, high-refresh-rate and high-resolution display, advanced camera system, and faster charging capabilities outweigh the slightly larger battery of the Samsung Galaxy A32. The added value of features like reverse charging, wireless charging, and a better screen protection makes it a better pick for me. I prioritize performance and image quality over the slightly longer battery life, making the Mi 11 a much better fit for my personal needs. While the Samsung Galaxy A32 can be considered for basic users looking for a reliable daily device at a lower cost, my requirements simply demand more powerful hardware.
