Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 157.4 × 75.8 × 7.6 mm | Mi 11 is taller and thicker, S22+ is wider. Mi 11 has larger overall volume. S22+ may feel more compact in hand. |
| Weight | 196g | 195g | Virtually identical weight; negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.6" | Mi 11 offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking, S22+ more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2340 | Mi 11 offers significantly sharper image with 82.3% more pixels; noticeable clarity difference when viewing text and detailed graphics. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 393 | Mi 11's higher PPI results in a noticeably crisper and more detailed display, particularly noticeable for small text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; expect similar visual quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations; similar responsiveness for gaming and daily use. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1750 nits | S22+ is notably brighter, offering better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - Europe | S22+ with the Exynos 2200 should have slightly improved power efficiency and raw performance. The practical impact is slightly faster app loading and better gaming performance in the S22+. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 890,774 | S22+ benchmarks slightly better; likely noticeable in demanding tasks like heavy gaming or video editing. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Xclipse 920 - Europe | S22+ has a newer GPU potentially offering better gaming performance, especially for graphics intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery capacity; expect comparable battery endurance for typical use. |
| Charging | 55W fast charging | 45W fast charging | Mi 11 charges faster; less time plugged into the wall. |
| Charging Features | 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless, Bypass Charging | Mi 11 offers faster wireless charging and more robust reverse charging, while the S22+ has "Bypass Charging" which might reduce heat and battery wear during charging while in use, but slower speeds for wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Mi 11 captures more detail in optimal lighting, but it does not necessarily mean better photos in all situations. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.8 | S22+ allows for slightly more light gathering in low light situations, potentially resulting in better low light performance. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.57" | Mi 11's larger sensor should offer slightly better light gathering capability. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | S22+ has larger pixels on its sensor, better for light gathering and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 10MP | Mi 11 captures more detail in selfies in optimal lighting. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.2 | S22+ selfie camera captures slightly more light. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 10MP, f/2.4 | S22+ offers optical zoom capabilities; better for capturing distant objects, Mi 11 cannot do this. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Similar, the S22+ offers better low light performance due to its wider aperture, and a different sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0 | No | Mi 11 can capture close-up details; S22+ cannot. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24/30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both are comparable, but Samsung offers better stabilization and stereo sound recording for all resolutions. |
| Slow Motion Video | 480fps | 960fps | S22+ offers faster slow-motion recording. |
| DXOMark Score | Selfie: 112 | Mobile: 125 | S22+ shows better camera results than the Mi 11 based on DXOmark. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | S22+ has a more modern Android version, and gets more years of software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards; similar wireless connectivity speeds. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Both support similar versions of bluetooth, the S22+ includes more features |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Fewer satellite systems | Mi 11 may have more accurate and reliable location tracking due to more satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | S22+ offers the option of an eSIM, more versatile for international travel or multiple carrier plans. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Similar storage options; choose based on needs. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB | Mi 11 offers more RAM in some configurations, beneficial for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Stereo Speakers | Mi 11 offers improved audio quality and voice recording due to its higher audio specifications, but both devices have stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S22+ has a slightly more scratch resistant version of Gorilla Glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Heart Rate, Ultrasonic proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S22+ has a barometer and additional sensor for greater environmental awareness. Mi 11's heart rate sensor may appeal to fitness enthusiasts. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper and more detailed viewing experience (1440p vs 1080p), particularly noticeable for text and graphics.
- Faster Charging: 55W wired charging and faster wireless charging (50W) means quicker battery top-ups.
- Larger Display: 6.81" for a more immersive experience for media consumption and multitasking.
- More RAM: Up to 12GB of RAM for better multitasking and app performance.
- Dedicated Macro Camera: Allows for close-up photography.
- Hi-Res Audio: Higher audio quality and voice recording capabilities.
- More GPS satellite support: Potentially more accurate location tracking.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: 1750 nits brightness for better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Slightly More Powerful Chipset: Exynos 2200 is slightly more powerful for better performance in heavy tasks, and has a better GPU for gaming.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Larger pixels for better low-light performance.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom, which the Mi 11 lacks.
- eSIM Support: More flexibility for travel and dual SIM options.
- Bypass Charging: Reduces heat and battery wear while charging.
- Better slow motion video: Better slow motion video performance.
- More up to date operating system: Android 12 with longer update support to Android 16.
- Better DXOmark rating: Mobile camera tested better than the selfie camera of the Mi 11.
- More Bluetooth Features: Added support for more advanced Bluetooth functionality.
- Better Screen Protection: Victus+ is slightly more scratch resistant than Victus.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 has a bigger and sharper display but is less bright than the S22+.
- S22+ has better camera performance and a telephoto lens, while the Mi 11 has a macro lens and high-resolution main camera.
- Mi 11 charges faster, while the S22+ is more future proof with a newer operating system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who value a larger, higher-resolution display for video consumption.
- Gamers: Those who value large amounts of RAM for gaming.
- Power Users: Users who need fast charging and good battery endurance, and better quality audio.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Looking for a good price-to-performance ratio, with a decent camera.
Specific Use Cases for Mi 11:
- Watching movies and videos on a sharp and immersive screen.
- Heavy multitasking and gaming.
- Fast charging on the go without worrying about having a powerbank.
- Audio enthusiasts who enjoy high-quality audio playback.
- Those who take close up shots with a dedicated macro camera.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G Ideal User:
- Professional Photographers/Videographers: Users who prioritize versatile camera options and video stabilization.
- Outdoor Users: Users who need good screen visibility under sunlight, and value having more environmental sensors.
- Frequent Travelers: Those who value eSIM functionality for convenient carrier switching while travelling.
- Users Who Want the Latest Software: Users who want an up-to-date OS and extended software support.
- Users Who Value Camera Quality: Users who value good photos with good dynamic range and low-light performance.
Specific Use Cases for S22+:
- Taking high quality photos and videos in various conditions with different zoom levels.
- Using a smartphone in bright outdoor environments.
- Easy switching between different mobile carriers, and better Bluetooth connectivity.
- Using the latest version of Android and future proofing their phone with extended OS support.
- Video shooting for quality and stabilization.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Priority: Do you value a larger, sharper display (Mi 11) or a brighter one with better outdoor visibility (S22+)?
- Camera Needs: Do you need a telephoto lens with better low-light performance (S22+), or a macro lens with a higher-resolution main camera (Mi 11)?
- Software and Updates: Do you prefer a device with the latest software (S22+) and longer software support?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Media Lover - Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11. You get a great display with faster charging at a potentially lower price.
- Scenario 2: Professional Mobile Photographer - Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G. Its versatile camera system with zoom capabilities, better low-light performance, and a better video feature set make it more suited for photography and videography.
- Scenario 3: User Prioritizing Future-Proofing - Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G. It has a newer Android version, longer software support, and eSIM support, making it a more future-proof option.
My Choice
Given the choice between the two, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G. While the Xiaomi Mi 11 has a very attractive and capable feature set for the price, the S22+ is a more well-rounded device that is also future proof due to its software and hardware upgrades compared to the Mi 11. The better low light performance and telephoto lens in the camera system of the S22+ is a big win for me, as it provides more versatility in photo/video capture. The software support and the bypass charging features, are also very appealing and help the phone stay more up to date and usable in the long run. While the Mi 11 might have better charging speeds and a sharper screen, the S22+ offers better brightness, making it better in more scenarios.
