1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.1 mm | 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm | Xiaomi Mi 11 is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use and pocketing. S24 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 196g | 167g | Samsung Galaxy S24 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24 screen has slightly better scratch and shatter resistance. Both offer high-level protection. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.2" | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption. Samsung S24 is more compact for single-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2340 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a noticeably sharper and more detailed display for text and images. |
| PPI | 515 | 416 | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a sharper picture due to higher pixel density, resulting in finer details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Xiaomi Mi 11 provides better contrast, deeper blacks and more vibrant colors compared to an unknown tech on S24. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2600 nits | Samsung Galaxy S24 has much better visibility under bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Samsung Galaxy S24 has a newer, more powerful, and efficient chip, offering better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 1,639,695 | Samsung Galaxy S24 offers significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall speed. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) / Xclipse 940 | Samsung S24 has a more powerful GPU, leading to enhanced gaming and graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 captures more detail in good lighting but may not have the same advanced processing as the S24. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.8 | Samsung Galaxy S24 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially offering better low light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.57" | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a physically larger sensor which can capture more light, potentially resulting in better low-light images. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 12MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 captures more detail in selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.2 | Samsung Galaxy S24's wider aperture can lead to better low light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP f/2.4 | Samsung Galaxy S24 has a telephoto lens for optical zoom, offering more versatility in photography. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP f/2.3 | 12.2MP f/2.2 | Samsung S24 slightly better low light performance. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.0 | None | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a dedicated macro lens, better for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K 30FPS with HDR and EIS | Up to 8K 30FPS with HDR and EIS | Both offer similar high-quality video capabilities with stabilization. |
| DxOMark Selfie | 112 Overall | Not Available | Xiaomi Mi 11 selfie camera has good tested results |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4000mAh | Xiaomi Mi 11 is likely to offer longer battery life due to its larger battery capacity. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wireless | 25W Fast Charging, Reverse Wireless | Xiaomi Mi 11 charges much faster wired and has faster wireless charging, reducing charging times. |
| Features | 2*2250mAh, Reverse charging, Non-removable, 50W wireless charging, 10W reverse-wireless charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers more comprehensive charging features |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 21) | Samsung Galaxy S24 has newer Android and longer software support. |
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | Samsung Galaxy S24 has a newer WiFi standard with faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Samsung Galaxy S24 has a newer Bluetooth version with potentially better efficiency and features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Xiaomi Mi 11 supports more satellite systems, may have better accuracy in some regions. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM / eSIM | Samsung Galaxy S24 adds eSIM support, useful for travelers. |
Storage & Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB or 512GB | Samsung Galaxy S24 offers larger storage options, better for users with large media collections. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB or 12GB | Both are good for multitasking and demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for external storage expansion. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers slightly higher quality audio capabilities. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have a fingerprint sensor for biometric unlock. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity, Hall, Geomagnetic | Samsung S24 includes environmental sensors. Mi 11 offers some biometric and virtual sensor additions. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Larger, Sharper Display: Larger 6.81" screen with higher 1440x3200 resolution and 515 PPI makes it better for media consumption.
- Potentially Better Battery Life: Larger 4600mAh battery provides better endurance.
- Faster Charging: 55W wired and 50W wireless charging is significantly faster than the Samsung S24.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens provides more versatility in photography.
- Slightly Better Selfie Performance: Higher resolution and a good DXOMark score suggests good selfie performance.
- Better Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio and dual microphones suggest better audio capture.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Advantages:
- Newer, More Powerful Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers significantly better performance and efficiency.
- Brighter Display: 2600 nits brightness greatly enhances visibility in sunlight.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens with optical zoom adds versatility to the camera system.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14 and has longer software support with guaranteed future updates.
- Compact and Lighter: Smaller, lighter design is more comfortable for one-handed use and pocketing.
- eSIM Support: Provides additional flexibility for travelers and digital carrier switching.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Loses out on overall performance, telephoto camera, and software updates. Its large size may not suit everyone.
- Samsung Galaxy S24: Smaller display, smaller battery and slower charging compared to Mi 11. Lacks dedicated Macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Media Enthusiasts: Prefers a larger, high-resolution screen for watching videos and browsing.
- Power Users with Fast Charging: Those who prioritize battery life and fast charging.
- Macro Photography Fans: Those who like to take close-up pictures.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers Might find this phone at a lower price on the used market.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S24:
- Performance Seekers: Users who want the best available processing power.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright, easily visible display under sunlight.
- Versatile Photographers: Users who appreciate having a telephoto lens for optical zoom.
- Software Up-to-Date: People who want the latest Android software and long-term updates.
- One Handed Use: People who prefer compact and light phones.
Specific Use Cases:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Watching movies, playing graphically intensive games (with compromise on performance compared to S24), close-up photography, users who need to be on the go all day and need that larger battery.
- Samsung Galaxy S24: Competitive gaming, photography with zoom, outdoor navigation, long term user looking for consistent updates.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11, being an older device, may offer a better value on the used market. It will offer a larger display and faster charging at a lower cost.
- The Samsung Galaxy S24 is a premium device that delivers cutting-edge performance, software, and build quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: Screen size or one-handed comfort? If you prefer a larger screen for media, the Mi 11 is better, if you prefer compactness, S24 is better.
- Is long term performance and software support essential? The S24's newer chip and software are better for the long run.
- How important is optical zoom for your photography? If it’s important, the S24's telephoto lens is a must-have.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Media Consumer: If you need a large screen and fast charging at a lower price, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is suitable.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Camera Enthusiast: If you want the best performance, better sunlight visibility, a versatile camera with zoom, and long-term updates, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Compact Phone User: If you prefer a small and light phone with long-term updates, choose the Samsung Galaxy S24.
My Choice
Based on the comparison, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24. While the Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a larger display and potentially longer battery life, the S24's superior performance, brighter screen, telephoto camera, and newer software make it a more compelling device overall. As a power user, the consistent updates and higher performance for gaming and demanding applications is more important for my use case. The long term software support also makes it a more attractive option as a long term daily driver device.
While the Mi 11 would work for most people, the S24's newer hardware and features make it worth the investment.
