Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Foldable offers a unique tablet-like experience; Standard is more pocketable. |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.1 mm | 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 mm (unfolded) | Mi 11 is taller and thicker; Z Fold3 is significantly wider unfolded and thinner. |
| Weight | 196g | 271g | Mi 11 is considerably lighter, more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 7.6" (unfolded) | Z Fold3 offers a much larger screen, great for multitasking and media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1768x2208 | Mi 11 has a slightly sharper display; noticeable difference is minor. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 374 PPI | Mi 11 offers a much sharper image due to higher PPI, text looks crisper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Mi 11 offers superior contrast and color vibrancy. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 is much better for outdoor visibility, especially under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 888 5G | Identical chipsets, similar performance in most tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 898,700 | Z Fold3 has a slightly higher benchmark score, indicating marginal performance advantage. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 | Identical GPU, similar graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | Mi 11 has much higher resolution, Z Fold3 has larger pixels for better low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | Mi 11 has higher resolution, Z Fold3 has slightly larger sensor and aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 12MP, f/2.4 | Z Fold3 offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Z Fold3 slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0 | No | Mi 11 has dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24/30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Mi 11 can record higher resolution videos. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 112 | 83 | Xiaomi Mi 11 is better for selfies |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | N/A | 120 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is only tested for mobile camera |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 4400 mAh | Mi 11 has slightly larger battery, potentially better battery life. |
| Charging | 55W Fast | 25W Fast | Mi 11 charges much faster. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wireless | 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse Wireless, Bypass Charging | Mi 11 has faster wireless charging; Z Fold3 has Bypass Charging to reduce heat |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G will have software support for a longer time |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Z Fold3 offers larger storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 12 GB | Both offer ample RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Other | |||
| Audio | Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Mi 11 offers higher quality audio. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Z Fold3 has better fingerprint scanner placement |
| Sensors | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Biometric, Motion, Proximity, Environmental | Z Fold3 includes a Barometer, Xiaomi Mi 11 includes Heart Rate monitor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density (515 PPI) offers a crisper visual experience.
- Brighter Screen: Significantly higher brightness (1500 nits) for superior outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: 55W wired and 50W wireless charging for quicker power-ups.
- Higher Resolution Video: 8K video recording capabilities.
- Better Audio Quality: Includes Hi-Res Audio and 2 microphones.
- Lighter Weight: Significantly lighter (196g vs 271g) making it easier to handle.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Better Selfie Camera: Significantly better overall selfie camera based on DXOMark results
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Unique form factor providing a tablet-like experience.
- Larger Display: Significantly larger 7.6" screen for enhanced multitasking and media.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom.
- eSIM Support: Ability to use an eSIM in addition to a physical SIM.
- Slightly Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu benchmark score.
- Larger Storage Options: Up to 512GB storage available.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint: Easier to use side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Environmental Sensors: Additional sensors including a Barometer
- More Up-To-Date Software: Guaranteed software support up to Android 15
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11: Lacks a telephoto lens and is a standard, not a foldable design. It also has a lower selfie camera performance according to DXOMark.
- Z Fold3: Significantly heavier, bulkier when folded, more expensive, and has significantly worse display quality in terms of resolution, pixel density and brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Those who value a high-quality display for streaming and viewing content.
- Mobile Photographers: Users interested in detailed photos (108MP main sensor) and macro shots.
- Gamers: Those who appreciate smooth gameplay with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Budget-Conscious: Individuals seeking flagship performance at a more accessible price point.
- Users who need great selfies: The Xiaomi Mi 11 has a much better selfie camera based on DXOMark scores
Specific Use Cases:
- Outdoor Photography: The bright display allows for clear framing even in bright sunlight.
- Mobile Gaming: The high refresh rate and Snapdragon 888 provide a smooth experience.
- Video Recording: 8K video allows for detailed editing of high-resolution content.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Ideal User:
- Multitaskers: Professionals who need to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Tablet Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy a larger screen experience for browsing and content consumption.
- Tech Innovators: Those who want the latest technology, regardless of cost.
- Users who need optical zoom: Users who want to take photos with the optical zoom telephoto lens
- Users who need up-to-date software: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G will be supported up to Android 15
Specific Use Cases:
- Productivity: The larger display is excellent for split-screen applications, document editing, etc.
- Media Consumption: Enjoying movies, shows, and games on a larger screen.
- E-reading: Viewing comics, magazines, and books with a tablet-like feel.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you value portability and one-handed use? (If yes, the Mi 11 is better due to its weight).
- Is a large display and multitasking essential for your usage? (If yes, Z Fold3 is the better choice).
- Is budget a major consideration? (If yes, the Mi 11 is typically more affordable).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Daily Usage and Media Consumption: If you prioritize display quality, performance, and fast charging, and don't need a foldable device, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is recommended.
- Scenario 2: Heavy Multitasking and Productivity: If you need a large screen for multitasking, and value a more modern design, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is recommended, despite its drawbacks in display quality.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you need high-resolution photographs and high-quality selfies, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is a better choice.
- Scenario 4: Cutting-Edge Technology: If having the newest tech is your priority (and budget is no issue) the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is a better choice.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally lean towards the Xiaomi Mi 11. My primary use case revolves around daily usage, media consumption, and photography. The Mi 11's superior display sharpness and brightness, coupled with its significantly lighter weight and faster charging capabilities, make it a more practical and enjoyable phone for my everyday needs. While the foldable design of the Z Fold3 is impressive, it isn't essential for my typical usage patterns and has significant drawbacks for me like low pixel density, bulkiness and bad display brightness. The Mi 11's better selfie camera and more comfortable form factor make it the better option for my needs.
