Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Samsung Galaxy A35
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-01 | 2024-03-15 | Galaxy A35 is significantly newer, suggesting potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | Mi 11 is slightly taller but narrower; A35 is wider, impacting one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 196g | 209g | Mi 11 is lighter, which can make it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.6" | Mi 11 offers a larger viewing area, which is better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2340 | Mi 11 has a significantly sharper display, leading to clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 390 PPI | Mi 11's higher pixel density results in a more detailed and crisp viewing experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; similar quality in typical use. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; identical performance in this regard. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits (specification is incorrect as the A35 has brightness) | Mi 11 has significantly better outdoor visibility under sunlight; A35's brightness should be considered in comparison |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Exynos 1380 | Snapdragon 888 is generally more powerful, leading to faster app loading and smoother performance in demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 578,500 | Mi 11 is significantly faster in benchmarks, indicating superior overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Adreno 660 in the Mi 11 usually performs better in gaming compared to the Mali-G68 MP5 in the A35. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | A35 has slightly larger battery; may offer slightly longer battery life, depending on usage. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Mi 11 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse/Wireless Charging, 2*2250mAh | Non-removable | Mi 11 has added wireless charging options, offering more versatility. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 108MP | 50MP | Mi 11 captures more detailed images with its higher resolution sensor. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.96" | Mi 11's larger sensor generally captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Main Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.8 | A35 has a slightly wider aperture but the sensor size is more important, with the Mi11 capturing more light. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 20MP | 13MP | Mi 11 captures more detailed selfies due to its higher resolution sensor. |
| Selfie Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.2 | A35 has slightly wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Wide Res | 13MP | 8MP | Mi 11 captures more detailed wide-angle photos due to its higher resolution sensor. |
| Wide Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.2 | A35 has slightly wider aperture for better low light wide-angle photos. |
| Macro Res | 5MP | 5MP | Both offer the same macro lens resolution. |
| Macro Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.4 | Mi 11 has wider aperture on macro lens for better low-light macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K | Up to 4K | Mi 11 can record higher-resolution videos, useful for professional-level content creation. |
| Video Features | More features | Fewer features | Mi 11 has more video recording features like 8k video, and more control options |
| DxOMark Score | Selfie: 112 | Mobile: 104 | Mi 11 appears to have better selfie camera and the A35 appears to have a slightly better main camera based on scores |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 14, upgradable to 18 | A35 has a newer OS and longer support; Mi 11 may reach end-of-life sooner. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both phones offer similar performance regarding WiFi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | A35 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version for better range and stability. |
| GPS | More Satellite Systems | Fewer Satellite Systems | Mi 11 offers potentially more accurate location tracking due to broader satellite support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer same storage options for user data. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | Mi 11 has options for more RAM, offering smoother multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo, 2 Mics | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | A35 offers Dolby Atmos; both have Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both offer basic fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer similar level of screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Hall, Geomagnetic | Mi 11 has extra sensors, but A35 is great too. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly higher performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications compared to the Exynos 1380 in the A35.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density result in a noticeably clearer and more detailed display.
- Brighter Display: Much higher peak brightness improves outdoor visibility in direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 55W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: Offers more flexibility in battery management.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor with higher resolution allows for more detail and potentially better low-light photos
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution sensor captures more details.
- More Video Features: Supports 8k video recording and features such as laser AF.
- Broader GPS Support: Supports more satellite systems for enhanced location accuracy.
- More sensors: Features a heart rate sensor and a compass.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched more recently, suggesting longer software support.
- Larger Battery: Slightly larger battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 provides potentially better range and stability.
- Dolby Atmos: Offers immersive spatial audio.
- More camera features: Has features like AutoFraming, All Pixel Omni- Directional PDAF, NPU AI Engine, Exposure compensation, Night Mode, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 offers superior performance and display quality, but is an older device and may have less software support.
- A35 offers a more modern experience with potentially longer software support and a slightly better battery but with lower overall performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Gamers: The Snapdragon 888 and Adreno 660 offer superior gaming performance.
- Media Enthusiasts: The larger, higher-resolution, and brighter display is ideal for watching videos and browsing content.
- Power Users: Those who multitask heavily and run demanding applications will benefit from the extra processing power and RAM.
- Photography enthusiasts: The larger sensor, better selfie camera, and more video features is better for photography enthusiasts.
- Users needing quick recharge: Faster charging allows users to quickly charge their devices when needed.
- Users needing more GPS: More satellite systems and GPS features provide better location accuracy.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A35:
- Users prioritizing software support: The newer device is more likely to receive longer-term software updates.
- Casual Users: Those who do not demand intensive performance and prioritize battery life may find the A35 sufficient.
- Users who prefer Samsung ecosystem and UI: Offers a familiar user experience for those accustomed to Samsung devices.
- Users who prefer Dolby Atmos: Offers an enhanced audio experience.
- Users who prefer more photography features: Features like Pro Video Mode, AutoFraming and Night mode are good for photographers.
Use Cases:
- Mi 11: Excels in high-end mobile gaming, video editing, and content creation, as well as providing the best viewing experience.
- A35: Good for social media use, general productivity, everyday photography, and extended periods away from a charger.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Mi 11, due to its age, might be available at a lower price, potentially offering great value for its performance.
- The A35 may have a higher initial cost but might be attractive to those who value newer technology and software support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance and display quality over software updates? If yes, the Mi 11 is preferable.
- Do you want a newer device with longer software support and a potentially longer battery life? If yes, the A35 is better.
- What is your primary use case? Gaming, content creation, and media consumption favor the Mi 11; general use and casual photography favor the A35.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers: The Xiaomi Mi 11 is the clear choice due to its superior performance.
- For casual users wanting a balanced phone: The Samsung Galaxy A35 would be a good fit with it's good all round performance.
- For Content Creators (Video): The Xiaomi Mi 11 is better due to its 8k video, more video features, and better main camera.
- For General Use with Long Battery: The Samsung Galaxy A35 is preferable due to its slightly longer battery life and newer platform.
- For Photo enthusiasts: The Xiaomi Mi 11 has a better sensor and selfie camera for photography, but the Samsung Galaxy A35 has some extra features making it good too.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would personally pick the Xiaomi Mi 11. While the Samsung Galaxy A35 is a newer device with the benefit of longer software support, the performance difference between the two devices is considerable and the superior display is also a big factor. The Mi 11's Snapdragon 888 chipset, coupled with its higher resolution screen and faster charging, makes for a more compelling experience for my needs, which include gaming, media consumption, and the need for a high quality camera. Although software updates are important, the raw power and better features of the Mi 11 outweigh the advantages of a longer software life cycle for me. The wireless charging, more video features, and slightly better main camera further solidify this preference.
However, if software updates, battery life, and a more contemporary experience are top priorities, the Samsung Galaxy A35 would be a perfectly reasonable and valid choice.
