Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of key specifications, focusing on practical implications for users:
Design & Build
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard Smartphone | Foldable Smartphone | Galaxy Z Fold4 offers a larger screen when unfolded for multitasking and media consumption; Mi 11 is more pocketable. |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.1 mm | 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mm (Unfolded) | Mi 11 is taller, thinner when folded, and less wide making it pocketable; Z Fold4 is wider unfolded for tablet use. |
| Weight | 196g | 263g | Mi 11 is significantly lighter for easier single-hand use, and comfortable for extended durations than the Z Fold4. |
| Build Material | Not Specified | Not Specified | Both should use premium materials - More information needed for a better comparison |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 7.6" | Z Fold4 offers a larger display for enhanced viewing experience, ideal for videos and reading; Mi 11 is a typical size for most users. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1812 x 2176 | Mi 11 has moderately higher pixel count; Z Fold4's resolution is adequate for its larger display, and is not as sharp as the Mi 11. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 373 PPI | Mi 11's higher PPI makes text and images sharper; Z Fold4's lower PPI will look less sharp; Mi 11 will look crisper than the Z Fold 4. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Not Specified | Mi 11 offers superior display technology (AMOLED vs ) offering deeper blacks, better contrast, superior power efficiency for dark themes, more vibrant colors, Z Fold 4 will most likely use an OLED or AMOLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations for fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 is much brighter, much better for outdoor use in sunny conditions; Z Fold4 brightness is not specified, but typically high. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Z Fold4 offers superior performance and power efficiency for demanding apps and games, and multitasking, compared to Mi 11. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 1,232,800 | Z Fold4 offers faster overall performance, app loading and better multitasking, especially useful for games and heavy productivity applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Z Fold4's more powerful GPU allows for smoother graphics in games and video editing and graphic-intensive tasks, with better thermal performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.85, 1/1.33", 0.8µm) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.0µm) | Mi 11 captures higher detail with larger sensor; Z Fold4 has wider aperture, better low light performance and better pixel size for larger light capture. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.3, 1/3.4", 0.8µm) | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm) | Mi 11 captures more detailed selfies; Z Fold4 has slightly larger pixels, potentially better low-light selfies; Z Fold 4 has wider aperture than the Mi 11 camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP (f/2.4, 1/3.9", 1.0µm) | Z Fold4 allows for optical zoom, better quality for distant subjects compared to Mi 11, which lacks this feature. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.3, 1/3.06", 1.12µm) | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm) | Both offer similar wide-angle capture; Z Fold 4 offers a slightly wider aperture compared to the Mi 11. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.0, 1/5", 1.12µm) | None | Mi 11 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which the Z Fold4 lacks; Z Fold 4 relies on the main sensor for macro shots; |
| Video | Up to 8K/30fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 8K/24fps with HDR, EIS | Both offer high-quality video, but slightly different frame rates at max resolutions, both support video stabilization and slow motion capture. |
| DXOMark | Selfie: 112 (Photo:100, Video:133) | Mobile: 124 (Photo:131, Video:122) | Z Fold4 overall score is better for mobile camera; Mi 11 has better video score for selfie camera, Z Fold4 is generally better than the Mi 11 for mobile photography. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 4400 mAh | Mi 11 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering marginally better battery life under the same load; Both should last a day, depending on the usage. |
| Charging | 55W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Mi 11 charges faster, reducing time spent plugged in; Z Fold4 needs more time to charge. |
| Features | 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | 15W wireless, 9W reverse wireless, Bypass Charging | Mi 11 offers faster wireless and reverse wireless charging; Z Fold4 features bypass charging, which allows for the phone to be used with less heat while charging. |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | Z Fold4 has newer software, potentially with more features and security updates, and longer support. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Z Fold4 offers more storage options, better for users needing a lot of space for videos and files. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 12 GB | Z Fold4 has more RAM, better for heavy multitasking, gaming; Both phones have enough for fluid performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo speakers, Mi 11 has higher resolution and quality audio, Z Fold4 has Dolby Atmos for enhanced spatial audio. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensors are generally considered more practical compared to basic sensors, while faster to use. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Both offer good screen protection. |
| Connectivity | A more complete set of GPS and navigation systems, better bluetooth. | A more complete Bluetooth profile. | More precise GPS and better audio and wireless options for Mi 11; Z Fold4 has more modern Bluetooth options. |
| Sensors | Has an heart rate sensor, and virtual ultrasonic proximity sensor. | Has a Barometer | These phones have different use cases for the variety of sensors they have. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Z Fold4 uses an eSIM for easier digital switching, and Mi 11 uses two physical SIMs. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density (515 PPI) for a crisp viewing experience.
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED for deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors.
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher brightness (1500 nits) for excellent outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: 55W wired charging and 50W wireless for quick power replenishment.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: For close-up photography.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Offers 20MP vs 10MP of the Z Fold 4.
- More precise GPS and better bluetooth: With support for more satellite navigation system, and high quality audio wireless capabilities
- Lighter and More Pocketable: More comfortable for one-handed use.
- Audio features: Has a higher resolution quality audio output, with 2 microphones, and better audio separation and immersion.
- Cost effective: The Mi 11 is more cost-effective, with a more economical price, than the Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Advantages:
- Larger Foldable Display: Offers a tablet-like experience when unfolded, and a premium feel.
- More Powerful Chipset: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 for top-tier performance.
- Higher AnTuTu Score: 53% higher score indicates significantly better overall performance.
- Telephoto Lens: Enables optical zoom capabilities.
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 12 (upgradable to 16), potentially longer support.
- Larger Storage Options: Up to 1024 GB for media enthusiasts.
- Better Mobile Camera DXOMark Score Shows the Samsung has superior mobile photography features, and a more well-rounded camera setup.
- More practical Fingerprint Sensor: Side mounted fingerprint scanner, for easier accessibility.
- Newer Bluetooth Profile: Offers more features for more modern devices.
- Bypass Charging: The phone is usable while charging with less heat.
- eSIM Support: Offers flexibility in carrier switching.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Lacks the versatility of a foldable display and the high-end performance of the Z Fold4. Has a basic fingerprint scanner.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4: Heavier and bulkier; lacks macro lens, a significantly brighter screen, and higher resolution for the selfie camera. It has slower wired charging than the Mi 11. Is also more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a sharp and bright display, fast charging, good camera, with a traditional smartphone form factor.
- Use Cases: Media consumption, gaming, daily photography, general use.
- Good fit: For students, young adults, or anyone looking for a good value.
- Strengths: Excellent display quality for media, fast charging for convenience, lightweight design for daily carrying.
- Weaknesses: Not as powerful for gaming, not as versatile as a foldable device.
- Price-to-value: Offers a good value, with some of the high-end features of the top-end smartphones at a more economical price.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4:
- Ideal User: Power users, multitaskers, productivity-focused professionals, tech enthusiasts who want the latest features, and a foldable display.
- Use Cases: Multitasking, mobile productivity, gaming, tablet-like experience, video editing, photography.
- Good fit: For professionals, or anyone with a large budget who prioritizes the latest features.
- Strengths: Larger and foldable display for enhanced productivity, top-tier performance for demanding tasks, good camera setup, telephoto lens and a modern software package.
- Weaknesses: More expensive, heavier and bulkier, lacks the sharpness and brightness of the Mi 11's display.
- Price-to-value: High cost is justified with its unique foldable form factor and superior performance.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider when choosing between the Xiaomi Mi 11 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4:
Do you value the foldable form factor and a large display for multitasking?
- Yes: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the better option for the tablet-like screen experience.
- No: Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a more conventional smartphone experience.
Do you need the best possible performance and the latest software?
- Yes: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the winner with its newer chipset and operating system.
- No: The Xiaomi Mi 11 still offers great performance for most everyday tasks.
Is screen brightness, sharp display, and fast charging crucial, or you want the most premium features, and you don't mind the large size and high price?
- Brightness and sharp screen: Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a much better brightness for outdoor use, a sharper screen, and faster charging.
- Most premium features, portability and budget are not the focus: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For a user who wants a reliable phone for daily use, with a sharp and bright screen for media consumption and daily use, with good battery life and a fast charging at a more economical price: The Xiaomi Mi 11 is the more suitable choice.
- For a power user who needs a phone for mobile productivity, needs the latest and most powerful features, a premium and versatile camera system, with a large tablet screen: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the recommended option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Xiaomi Mi 11.
Reasoning:
While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is undoubtedly a more powerful and feature-rich device, my priority is a practical and highly functional smartphone for daily use. The Mi 11's superior screen brightness and sharpness are paramount for outdoor visibility and comfortable viewing of media. I also prefer the traditional smartphone form factor, lighter build, faster charging, better audio, and the more cost-effective price. While I acknowledge the Z Fold 4's benefits for multitasking and productivity, the compromises in portability, charging speed, and screen brightness aren't worth the trade-off for me. The Mi 11's excellent display, daily use camera, and fast charging are better suited for my regular use cases. Ultimately, the Mi 11 offers the best value and user experience for my needs.
My needs are more focused on a traditional smartphone experience, with a great screen for media consumption and a reliable camera for daily photography. And the price point of the Mi 11 is much more attractive.
