Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Samsung Galaxy M35
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | Mi 11 is taller & thinner, M35 is wider & thicker; M35 may feel bulkier in hand and pocket, Mi 11 is more sleek. |
| Weight | 196g | 222g | Mi 11 is significantly lighter, easier for long use; M35 feels more substantial, but can be fatiguing for long use. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.6" | Mi 11 has slightly larger display for more immersive media, gaming, reading, but M35 is more manageable for smaller hands. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2340 | Mi 11 display is significantly sharper; noticeable difference in text clarity, image details, video quality. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 390 PPI | Mi 11 offers much finer details, crucial for detailed viewing. Sharpness advantage for Mi 11 is significant |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, deep blacks; Both will produce vibrant, high-contrast images |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling, animation, and gameplay; The same fluidity for daily interactions and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 significantly brighter for outdoor visibility, clear screen under sunlight; M35 may be difficult to see in direct sun, value is missing for Samsung |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Mi 11's chipset provides faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming; M35 performs well for daily use but lags behind in heavy tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 578,500 | Mi 11 delivers significantly higher performance in all aspects of use; smoother experience during demanding applications and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Mi 11 handles graphics-intensive tasks better; better gaming performance; M35 good for casual gaming, not for high-end graphics-heavy games. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" Samsung S5KHMX, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" Sony LYT-600, 1.00µm | Mi 11 captures more detail, performs slightly better in low light due to larger sensor. M35 is good but not on the level of the Mi 11 in terms of detailed shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" Samsung S5K3T2, 0.80µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | Mi 11 produces more detailed selfies; M35 has better low light selfie due to larger pixel size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV13B10, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2 | Mi 11 captures wide-angle shots with more detail. M35's wide angle is decent for casual use, but lacks detail compared to the Mi 11. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5" Samsung S5K5E9, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | Mi 11 offers macro shots with better resolution and detail, better close-up photos. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps, HDR, EIS, various fps & resolutions | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS, various fps & resolutions | Mi 11 offers higher resolution 8K video for professional-grade use; M35 good for 4K and below video recording. Both phones include video stabilization for professional-looking footage. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 112 (Photo: 100, Video: 133) | No Data | Mi 11 shows better selfie image quality in both photo and video. |
| Features | Many features including 8K recording and laser AF | Many features including Pro Video Mode, and night mode | Each phones has different feature sets; Mi 11 is better for professional use while M35 is better for ease of use and editing. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 6000mAh | M35 has a much larger battery, likely providing significantly longer battery life. Mi 11 needs more frequent charging for heavy usage. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Mi 11 charges much faster. M35 has slower charging but has a longer battery life that might compensate. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging | Non-removable | Mi 11 has more charging options. M35 basic charging; Mi 11 offers more options for convenient charging. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 14) | Android 14 | M35 has newer Android version; Mi 11 might not get software updates as long. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6), Dual band, MiMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6), Dual band, MiMO | Both have similar Wi-Fi performance for high speed connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 (LE, A2DP, aptX, LDAC, AAC) | Bluetooth 5.3 (A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP, aptX, LDAC, Apt-x Adaptive) | Samsung has a more modern bluetooth with more functionalities for accessories and peripherals; Both support high quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, L1+L5, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Mi 11 offers potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM, Dual Standby | Dual Nano SIM, Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
Storage and Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer ample storage options. Users have to decide which storage they need based on usage. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | Mi 11 offers greater RAM for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage, need to consider internal storage when purchasing. |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo, 2 Mics | Hi-Res, Stereo, Dolby Atmos | M35 has Dolby Atmos, for better spatial audio. Mi 11 has dual mics for noise cancelling. Both are suitable for high quality audio playback. |
Security and Build
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Security | basic fingerprint | side-mounted fingerprint | M35's side-mounted sensor is more convenient. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer the same protection against scratches and damage |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity, Hall, Geomagnetic | Mi 11 offers Compass and Heart rate sensor; M35 offers Hall and Geomagnetic for different sensor needs |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density for sharper visuals and better viewing experience.
- Faster Performance: More powerful chipset, GPU, and higher benchmark scores, for better gaming, multitasking, and app loading.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main sensor and front camera with additional features like laser autofocus and 8K recording.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 55W wired charging, and additional wireless charging options.
- More RAM options: Comes in 12GB ram, which is better for heavy multitasking and gaming
Practical Implications: The Mi 11 excels in tasks that demand raw power, detail-oriented visual clarity, and fast charging. Ideal for heavy users, gamers, media creators, and those who prioritize display quality.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages
- Significantly Larger Battery: Offers much longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Newer Software: Runs on a newer version of Android, potentially offering longer software support.
- More convenient Fingerprint: Side-mounted fingerprint is more intuitive than Mi 11.
- Modern Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 provides more stability and connectivity to devices
- Dolby Atmos: Offers more high quality spatial audio
- Lower Price: Likely to be the more budget-friendly option.
Practical Implications: The Galaxy M35 is ideal for users who prioritize long battery life, need a modern OS, prefer a simpler design, and need an affordable device for daily tasks.
Significant Trade-Offs
- Mi 11: Superior performance, better display and camera, but might struggle with battery life compared to the M35.
- M35: Excellent battery, modern OS, but compromises on overall performance, camera, and display sharpness compared to the Mi 11.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal Users
- Mobile Gamers: Benefit from the powerful processor and GPU, as well as the high-refresh rate display.
- Content Creators: The superior camera system and 8K video recording capabilities are ideal for capturing high-quality content.
- Media Enthusiasts: The high-resolution AMOLED display is excellent for watching videos and movies.
- Power Users: Those who multitask heavily and demand quick app loading times will find the performance and extra RAM valuable.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Ideal Users
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize long battery life, an updated OS, and general reliability for daily tasks.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: It's likely the more affordable option.
- Travelers: Benefit from the extended battery life for long trips.
- Users with simpler needs: Those who use their phones for browsing, social media, and calls, and require a long-lasting battery
Price-to-Value Considerations
- Mi 11: Higher initial cost, but the higher cost provides premium features and specs.
- M35: Lower price point, providing great value for long battery life, but compromises overall performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- What is my priority: Performance or Battery Life? Do you need raw power and a high-resolution display or do you value long battery and a more modern OS?
- What will I primarily use the phone for? Is it for gaming and content creation, or for general everyday use like browsing and social media?
- What's my budget? Are you willing to pay extra for premium features or are you looking for the best value for money?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Heavy Use and Gaming - If you're a gamer or power user, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the clear choice due to its performance advantage.
- Scenario 2: Long Battery Life - If long battery life is paramount, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is the better option due to its larger battery capacity.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User Experience: The Samsung Galaxy M35 is a better choice in this case because the lack of specs it has is offset by the larger battery, more modern OS, and more convenient fingerprint reader.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious Buyer: The Samsung Galaxy M35 is likely to offer better value for its price, since it provides good features at a more affordable price.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Mi 11 and Samsung Galaxy M35 cater to different user needs. The Mi 11 excels in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, making it suitable for power users, gamers, and content creators. The Galaxy M35 prioritizes battery life, a modern operating system, and ease of use, making it an excellent option for everyday users and those who prefer an affordable, reliable device. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and priorities.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M35. My priorities in a smartphone are good battery life that can get me through a full day, coupled with a modern software experience, rather than raw power and specs. I'm not a heavy gamer, and my camera needs are met by the M35. The Samsung Galaxy M35, despite its lower performance metrics compared to the Mi 11, offers a better balance of practical features and an updated OS that I would prefer. The longer battery life would be the biggest advantage for me, since having to charge a phone multiple times in a day can be annoying. While the Mi 11 has advantages, they are not relevant to my use case.
