1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Foldable design offers unique portability and form factor, while standard design is more typical. |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.1 mm | 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm | Mi 11 is slightly wider and thicker but similar height, Z Flip4 is more compact when folded. |
| Weight | 196g | 187g | Z Flip4 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.7" | Mi 11 offers slightly more screen real estate for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2640 | Mi 11 provides noticeably sharper images and text due to higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 426 ppi | Mi 11 has higher pixel density, leading to a clearer and crisper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Missing | Mi 11 AMOLED offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Z Flip4 display type not specified |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1200 nits | Mi 11 has better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight due to higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Z Flip4 has a newer, more powerful chipset for faster app loading and smoother operation. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 1,050,371 | Z Flip4 demonstrates superior performance in benchmarks, indicating faster speeds. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Z Flip4 GPU provides better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 3700mAh | Mi 11 provides longer battery life, likely requiring less frequent charging. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Mi 11 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | 50W wireless, 10W reverse | 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse, bypass charging | Mi 11 has slightly faster wireless charging speed, while the Z Flip4 has bypass charging to prevent heat while gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 12.2MP | Mi 11 captures more detail with higher resolution; Z Flip4 has a wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/2.55" | Mi 11 main camera sensor is larger, typically resulting in better light capture and less noise. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80µm | 1.40µm | Z Flip4 main camera has larger pixels, beneficial in low-light scenarios. |
| Front Camera Resolution | 20MP | 10MP | Mi 11 captures more detailed selfies with higher resolution. |
| Front Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/3.2" | Z Flip4 front camera sensor is larger, typically resulting in better low light performance and less noise. |
| Front Camera Pixel Size | 0.80µm | 1.22µm | Z Flip4 front camera has larger pixels, beneficial in low-light scenarios. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP | 13MP | Both phones have comparable wide angle lenses. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | None | Mi 11 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K 24/30fps | Up to 4K 60fps | Mi 11 allows for higher resolution video recording, while both offer stabilization and slow-motion capabilities. |
| DxOMark Camera | Selfie: 112 | Mobile: 112 | Mi 11 has a high selfie score, Z Flip4 has a high main camera score |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | Z Flip4 is released with a newer OS; both get same max android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | Mi 11 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version; both have A2DP, LE, and APT-X support. |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Fewer satellite systems | Mi 11 has more accurate location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Z Flip4 offers eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Z Flip4 has 512 GB option. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8 GB | Mi 11 can have more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Stereo Speakers | Mi 11 offers a higher audio quality and improved voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Z Flip4 has a more modern and convenient side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have durable screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Heart Rate, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Accel, Compass, Gyro | Proximity, Barometer, Accel, Compass, Gyro | Z Flip4 has environmental sensors; Mi 11 has heart rate and ultrasonic sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, and AMOLED technology offer a significantly sharper, more vibrant viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Better Battery Life and Charging: Larger battery and significantly faster charging (55W vs 25W) for longer usage and less downtime.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP sensor captures more detail, good for printing or cropping photos.
- Macro Lens: Provides dedicated close-up photography capability.
- Higher Quality Audio: Includes Hi-Res audio and two microphones for better quality audio recording.
- More RAM: Optional 12GB of RAM for intense multitasking.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Offers unique portability and a compact form factor when folded.
- Newer and More Powerful Chipset: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers a performance edge for smoother and faster operation.
- eSIM Support: Flexible digital carrier switching.
- Main Camera Pixel Size: Larger pixels on the main camera sensor for better low-light performance.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: Convenient and modern design.
- Bypass Charging: Allows for play and charge while avoiding overheating.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11's larger size may be less pocketable than the Z Flip4, though it doesn't fold to be smaller.
- Z Flip4 battery capacity is smaller, likely requiring more frequent charging despite the more power-efficient chipset.
- While the Z Flip4 has a higher single-camera photo score, it lacks 8K video capabilities of the Mi 11.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a vibrant, sharp display for content consumption and higher resolution video and photos.
- Power Users: Those who need extended battery life, quick charging, and high performance for demanding apps and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-resolution photos and the ability to take macro photos.
- Audio lovers: Users who need high quality audio playback and recordings.
Specific Use Cases:
- Binge-watching videos and movies with a large, high-resolution screen.
- Editing photos and videos on the go, making use of higher resolution and image quality.
- Using demanding apps and games without worrying about battery life.
- Capturing detailed photos for social media, printing, or editing.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4:
- Style-Conscious Individuals: Those who value a unique, compact, foldable design.
- On-the-Go Users: People who want a pocketable phone without compromising on screen size.
- Social Media Users: Users who want a smaller phone with the option of unique camera perspectives and low-light photos.
- Technology Innovators: Early adopters interested in the latest foldable technology.
Specific Use Cases:
- Carrying a compact phone in pockets or bags while maintaining a reasonably large screen.
- Capturing selfies and group photos from unique angles using the foldable form factor.
- Using the phone one-handed, with compact phone access.
- Using the phone while charging for extended gaming or productivity.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my main priority, a superior display or the foldable design?
- If display quality and battery life are key, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is better.
- If a unique, foldable design and compact size are more important, the Z Flip4 wins.
- How important is battery life and fast charging?
- The Mi 11 significantly outperforms the Z Flip4 in battery capacity and charging speed.
- What type of photography do I value most?
- Mi 11 is better for high-resolution captures and detailed macro shots.
- Z Flip4 excels with larger pixel main camera low-light and with its unique foldable form factor.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User/Multimedia Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 for its superior display, battery life, faster charging, and macro lens.
- Scenario 2: Style-Conscious User/Compact Phone Seeker: Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 for its unique foldable design and compact form factor.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: Consider the Xiaomi Mi 11 if higher resolution and macro shots are key or the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 if low light main camera performance and unique shots are key.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally pick the Xiaomi Mi 11.
Reasoning:
My priority in a smartphone is a combination of excellent display quality, long-lasting battery, fast charging, and good photo capabilities. While the foldable design of the Z Flip4 is interesting and has its own advantages, I value a superior display for my day-to-day use, specifically a high resolution and brightness. The Mi 11's significantly larger battery capacity and faster charging will also allow me to use my phone for longer periods without having to be constantly tethered to a charger. The main camera is fantastic, and while it lacks the slightly larger pixels of the Z Flip4, I value the additional macro lens. Lastly, high quality audio playback is very important to me.
Though the Z Flip4 has a more modern chip set and convenient form factor, I believe that the Mi 11 offers a better overall experience for my needs and is more aligned with what I value in a smartphone.
