1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 162 × 77.3 × 8 mm | Mi 11 is taller and narrower, while S24 FE is shorter and wider. S24 FE might feel more bulky due to the added width. |
| Weight | 196g | 213g | Mi 11 is lighter and may be more comfortable for long holding times. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Mi 11 has a marginally larger display, potentially offering a slightly more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2340 | Mi 11 has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images, which is beneficial for media consumption and reading. |
| PPI | 515 | 385 | Mi 11 offers higher pixel density, resulting in much sharper images and text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1900 nits | S24 FE has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Exynos 2400e (4 nm) | S24 FE's newer chip (Exynos 2400e) offers significantly higher performance in benchmarks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 1,600,000 | S24 FE is substantially faster for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Xclipse 940 | S24 FE's GPU should offer better performance in graphics-intensive apps and games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4700mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity. |
| Charging | 55W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Mi 11 charges much faster, reducing time spent tethered to a charger. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse | 15W Wireless, Bypass Charging | Mi 11 has significantly faster wireless charging and more reverse wireless charging. S24 FE offers bypass charging for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | Mi 11 has higher resolution, S24 FE has slightly larger individual pixels and a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | Mi 11 has higher resolution, while S24 FE has slightly larger individual pixels. |
| Telephoto | N/A | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" | S24 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots, a feature missing in the Mi 11. |
| Wide-Angle | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06" | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" | S24 FE has slightly wider aperture for low light, Mi 11 has slightly larger sensor. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5" | N/A | Mi 11 has dedicated Macro lens. |
| Video | 8K@30, 4K@60, etc | 8K@30, 4K@60, etc | Both offer comprehensive 8K and 4K recording capabilities. |
| DxOMark | Selfie 112 | Mobile 133 | S24 FE has a higher DxOMark score for mobile camera, indicating superior camera performance. |
| Features | OIS, Laser AF, etc | OIS, Optical Zoom, etc | Both have OIS, S24 FE has Optical zoom, Night Mode, PDAF, Mi 11 has Laser AF for faster focus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | S24 FE comes with a newer Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24 FE supports newer Wi-Fi 6E, offering faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | S24 FE has a newer Bluetooth version with more features. |
| GPS | L1+L5 + more | L1+L5 + more | Mi 11 supports more satellite systems for better accuracy, however both provide great positioning. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano/eSIM | S24 FE has eSIM support, providing more flexibility in carrier options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | S24 FE has a 512 GB option, providing more storage for media and apps. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8 GB | Mi 11 has a 12GB RAM option, potentially offering better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, 2 Microphones | Noise Cancelling Mic | Mi 11 has a slight edge in audio, offering high-resolution audio output and 2 microphones. S24 FE offers noise cancellation for voice. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both use basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | GG Victus | GG Victus+ | S24 FE has a slightly upgraded glass screen protection. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, etc | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic, etc | Mi 11 includes a heart rate sensor, while S24 FE includes a barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density make the display noticeably clearer for reading and media consumption.
- Faster Charging: 55W wired and 50W wireless charging mean less time waiting for a full battery.
- Slightly Better Audio: Hi-Res audio and two microphones for enhanced audio recording quality.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Lighter Build: 17g lighter for a more comfortable hold, especially over extended periods.
- More RAM (12GB Option): A 12GB option allows for heavy multitasking and demanding apps and games
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2400e chip offers a much higher AnTuTu score, translating to faster app loading, better multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Brighter Display: 1900 nits brightness is significantly better for outdoor visibility.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed-in images.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 14 out of the box.
- Wi-Fi 6E: Supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster and more reliable network connectivity.
- Better Camera System: Higher DxOMark scores indicate better overall camera performance.
- eSIM Support: More flexibility in terms of mobile connectivity with eSIM.
- Bypass Charging: The bypass charging feature lets you game while plugged in without stressing the battery.
- Larger Storage Option: Has a 512GB option, double the storage capacity compared to base Xiaomi Mi 11.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11: While having a sharper display, it is less bright, its processor is not as powerful as the S24 FE, and the camera system is not as well-rounded, but it compensates with its lighter and more compact design and a dedicated macro lens.
- S24 FE: Heavier and wider, it also charges slower. Lacks a dedicated macro lens compared to Mi 11.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Enjoy watching videos and reading content and prioritize display quality and audio.
- On-the-Go Users: Appreciate the lighter weight and fast charging capabilities.
- Macro Photography Enthusiasts: Need a dedicated macro lens for close-up photos.
- Budget-conscious: May offer better value if found at a lower price point.
- Multitasker: May prefer the 12GB option for running a lot of apps.
Use Cases:
- Binge-watching shows and movies on the sharper display with good audio.
- Quickly topping up the battery between meetings.
- Capturing detailed close-up shots.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Ideal User:
- Power Users: Need a high-performance phone for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Require a bright screen for comfortable viewing in sunlight.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Value telephoto capabilities and overall better camera performance.
- Early Adopters: Prefer the latest software and connectivity features.
- Users needing storage: Value the 512GB option for storing videos, photos and applications.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games smoothly.
- Taking pictures and videos in various lighting conditions, including zoomed shots.
- Using the phone outdoors in bright sunlight, with the telephoto lens for distant subjects.
- Utilizing eSIM for traveling.
Price-to-Value:
- The Mi 11 is older, therefore is likely to be found at a lower price point. This makes it appealing to budget-conscious buyers. The S24 FE offers a more future-proofed experience thanks to its newer hardware and software, it commands a premium for this advantage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize raw processing power, fast app loading, and smooth gaming (S24 FE) or a more basic performance with a higher resolution display (Mi 11)?
- Display Preference: Is a brighter display essential for outdoor use (S24 FE), or is a sharper, higher-resolution display with less brightness sufficient (Mi 11)?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need a versatile camera system with a dedicated telephoto lens (S24 FE), or is a basic camera with a dedicated macro lens (Mi 11) adequate for your usage?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a mobile gamer who frequently plays games in various locations. You should pick the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE due to its superior processing power and better screen visibility outdoors. The 25W charging and battery bypass feature are a compromise compared to Mi 11's fast charging.
- Scenario 2: You are a student or content creator, often using your phone indoors, and take detailed macro photos. You should pick the Xiaomi Mi 11 due to its sharper, higher-resolution display, 55W charging speed and a dedicated Macro lens. The slower processor and less refined cameras are a compromise.
- Scenario 3: You are a casual user who wants a reliable phone for daily tasks without high performance requirements. Depending on price, the Xiaomi Mi 11 can provide a good value for daily use, however, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE will offer more future-proofing and a more up-to-date experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would personally pick the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. While the Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a compelling package with a sharper display, faster charging, and a dedicated macro lens, the performance difference between the two is too large to ignore. The S24 FE's Exynos 2400e chip significantly outperforms the Snapdragon 888, resulting in a much smoother and responsive user experience in all use cases. Also, the brighter display of the S24 FE would be a major advantage as well as its much more refined and versatile camera system. While I may not always use it, the addition of a Telephoto lens makes the S24 FE more versatile as well. The added convenience of eSIM and better wireless connection are also quite valuable to me, and are worth the trade-off of slightly slower charging speed. The higher DxOMark score further reinforces the S24 FE as the superior option. I also prefer the design of the S24 FE.
The only advantages I would miss from the Mi 11 are the faster wired and wireless charging speeds, but the S24 FE's bypass charging and longer-lasting battery reduce the impact of this drawback. The S24 FE feels like a more future-proof phone with its newer chipset, software, and connectivity.
