Xiaomi Mi 11 vs Sony Xperia 10 III - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Xiaomi Mi 11
Xiaomi Mi 11
Xiaomi

General

Launch Date January 1, 2021 June 11, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 99.28 cm³ 86.92 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.47 "/g 3.55 "/g
Weight 196 g 169 g
Height 164.3 mm 154 mm
Width 74.6 mm 68 mm
Thickness 8.1 mm 8.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Gold
  • Cloud White
  • Violet
  • Midnight Gray
  • Horizon Blue
  • Special Edition Blue
  • Black
  • Blue
  • White
  • Pink

Display

Screen Size 6.81 " 6 "
Resolution 1440 x 3200 1080 x 2520
Aspect Ratio 20:9 21:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 91.4 % 80.3 %
Pixel Density 515 PPI 457 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 1500 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 99.19 mAh/in² 125.00 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.33 mAh/cm³ 51.77 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4600 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver)
GPU Adreno 660 Adreno 619

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.1
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 3.1, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 14 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureXiaomi Mi 11Sony Xperia 10 IIIPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm154 × 68 × 8.3 mmXiaomi Mi 11 is larger and may be less comfortable for single-handed use, while the Xperia 10 III is more compact and pocketable.
Weight196g169gSony Xperia 10 III is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended holding.
Display
Size6.81"6"Xiaomi Mi 11's larger display provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. The Xperia 10 III is better for one-handed use due to its smaller screen.
Resolution1440x32001080x2520Xiaomi Mi 11 has significantly sharper visuals due to its higher resolution, resulting in clearer text and more detailed images.
PPI515457Xiaomi Mi 11's higher pixel density makes the display appear sharper and more refined.
TechnologyAMOLEDOLEDBoth offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. Differences are minor in everyday usage.
Refresh Rate120Hz60HzXiaomi Mi 11's 120Hz refresh rate results in smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming, while Xperia 10 III offers the standard 60Hz refresh rate.
Brightness1500 nits0 nits (specification missing/likely inaccurate)Xiaomi Mi 11 is significantly brighter, improving visibility in bright sunlight. The Xperia 10 III specification is missing/likely inaccurate, so it is not possible to provide an impact.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 (8 nm)Xiaomi Mi 11's flagship chip offers vastly superior performance in all tasks including gaming and heavy multitasking.
AnTuTu Score806,139275,000Xiaomi Mi 11 provides much faster app loading and superior gaming performance.
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 619Xiaomi Mi 11's GPU provides far superior graphics performance for gaming.
Battery
Capacity4600mAh4500mAhBoth have similar battery sizes, suggesting comparable battery life (assuming screen on time and usage remains similar)
Charging55W fast charging18W fast chargingXiaomi Mi 11 charges significantly faster, reducing time spent plugged in.
Features50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless, 2*2250mAhNon-removableXiaomi Mi 11 offers more versatile charging options (wireless and reverse charging). The Xperia 10 III is limited to wired charging only.
Camera
Main Camera108MP, f/1.8512MP, f/1.8Xiaomi Mi 11 captures images with much higher detail due to its higher resolution. Sony's slightly wider aperture may result in marginally better low light performance, however this advantage may be eclipsed by Mi 11's far larger sensor.
Telephoto CameraNot present8MP, f/2.4Sony Xperia 10 III has a dedicated telephoto lens, providing optical zoom capability not found on Xiaomi Mi 11.
Selfie Camera20MP, f/2.38MP, f/2.0Xiaomi Mi 11 captures more detailed selfies. Sony's slightly wider aperture may result in slightly better low light performance.
Wide Angle Lens13MP, f/2.38MP, f/2.2Xiaomi Mi 11 captures wider scenes with better detail. Sony's wider aperture may result in marginally better low light performance.
Macro Lens5MP, f/2.0Not presentXiaomi Mi 11 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@24/30fps with HDR, EISUp to 4K@30fpsXiaomi Mi 11 is capable of higher-resolution video recording, while the Xperia 10 III is limited to 4K.
FeaturesOIS, Ultra-stable video, Laser AFExposure compensationXiaomi Mi 11 includes features that enhance video and photo quality, specifically optical image stabilization. The Xperia 10 III allows the user to control exposure more directly.
Software
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to 14Android 11, upgradable to 13Xiaomi Mi 11 has the potential for one additional Android OS update.
Connectivity
WiFiWi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMOWi-Fi 5Xiaomi Mi 11 has faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in crowded networks.
BluetoothBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.1Xiaomi Mi 11 has a newer version of Bluetooth offering more features. The Xperia 10 III supports a wider variety of profiles.
GPSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC SystemStandard GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GalileoXiaomi Mi 11 supports more precise and stable GPS positioning.
Storage
Internal128GB or 256GB128GBXiaomi Mi 11 offers more storage, allowing users to store more media and applications.
RAM8GB or 12GB6GBXiaomi Mi 11 allows for more responsive multitasking and smoother app loading.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone allows for expandable storage.
Audio
QualityStereo SpeakersNo Stereo SpeakersXiaomi Mi 11 offers a richer audio experience with stereo speakers, providing better sound immersion, whereas the Xperia 10 III relies on a single speaker.
Security
FeaturesBasic Fingerprint SensorSide-Mounted Fingerprint SensorThe side-mounted sensor on the Xperia 10 III may be more convenient for some users, while the basic sensor is less well defined.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass VictusGorilla Glass 6Xiaomi Mi 11's screen offers better protection against scratches and drops.
Sensors
SensorsHeart Rate, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual, Accelerometer, CompassAccelerometer, Compass, Hall, ProximityXiaomi Mi 11 offers a wider array of sensors that can be used to improve usability and gaming performance.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides significantly faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming capabilities.
  • Better Display: The higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness levels result in a sharper, smoother, and more vibrant visual experience.
  • Superior Camera: The 108MP main sensor, along with additional camera features such as OIS and 8K video, offers far superior photography and videography.
  • Faster Charging: The 55W fast charging and wireless charging options offer superior convenience.
  • More Storage & RAM: Offers more options for RAM and storage.
  • Stereo Speakers: Better audio quality with stereo speakers.
  • Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Standards: Faster wireless performance.
  • Wider array of sensors: Allows for a wider range of features.

Sony Xperia 10 III Advantages:

  • More Compact and Lighter: The Xperia 10 III is more comfortable for one-handed use and easier to carry.
  • Telephoto Lens: Offers more versatile photography with dedicated telephoto lens.
  • Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and faster to use.

Practical Implications & Trade-offs:

  • The Xiaomi Mi 11 prioritizes performance, media consumption, and camera quality. However, it sacrifices a slightly more compact form factor, and does not include a telephoto lens.
  • The Sony Xperia 10 III focuses on portability, offering a more ergonomic design and simpler operation. However, it compromises on performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and charging speeds.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal Users for Xiaomi Mi 11:

  • Power Users: Gamers, heavy multitaskers, and those who require the fastest performance.
  • Media Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of videos, movies, and games on their phones, where the superior display and audio quality are highly valuable.
  • Photography Lovers: Those who prioritize camera quality and features, including high-resolution photography and 8K video.
  • Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest features and the fastest charging speeds.

Specific Use Cases for Xiaomi Mi 11:

  • High-end gaming with demanding graphics.
  • Editing and rendering videos.
  • Enjoying multimedia content with vibrant colors and smooth motion.
  • Professional photography and videography.
  • Heavy daily use across many applications.

Ideal Users for Sony Xperia 10 III:

  • Users Seeking Portability: Individuals who prefer a lightweight and compact phone for easier one-handed use and pocketability.
  • Casual Users: Those who use their phones primarily for calls, texts, social media, and light browsing, and don't need high-end performance.
  • Users who prefer Telephoto Lens: Individuals who want a dedicated lens for telephoto zoom photography.
  • Users who prefer a Side-mounted Sensor: Individuals who prefer side mounted fingerprint sensor for convinience.
  • Price-Conscious Buyers: Those who want a decent device without spending premium costs.

Specific Use Cases for Sony Xperia 10 III:

  • Everyday tasks like checking emails, browsing the web, and social media.
  • Making phone calls, sending texts, and light media consumption.
  • Users who prefer a side mounted fingerprint sensor over a basic one.
  • Users who require a telephoto lens for telephoto zoom photography.
  • Those who appreciate a slim and light phone.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • The Xiaomi Mi 11 likely has a higher price point due to its premium features and performance.
  • The Sony Xperia 10 III is likely more affordable, making it a value-oriented choice for users who don't need high-end performance.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers to Consider:

  1. What is my primary use case? (Gaming, Photography, Everyday tasks)
  2. How important are size and portability? (Do I prioritize compact design or a larger screen?)
  3. What is my budget? (Am I willing to pay more for premium features and performance?)

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Gaming and Media Enthusiast
    • Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11
    • Reason: Its superior performance, display, and audio provide an unparalleled gaming and media experience.
  • Scenario 2: Everyday Use and Portability
    • Recommendation: Sony Xperia 10 III
    • Reason: The more compact design, lighter weight, and a simpler operating system suit general daily tasks.
  • Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast
    • Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11
    • Reason: Superior main camera with higher resolution, better video capabilities and a wide range of features provide much better photography performance. The Sony Xperia 10 III provides better zoom, however its general photo performance is less impressive overall.
  • Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious Buyer
    • Recommendation: Sony Xperia 10 III
    • Reason: Offers decent performance and features at a more affordable price, while compromising on high-end specs.
  • Scenario 5: Telephoto Zoom Photography
    *  **Recommendation:** **Sony Xperia 10 III**
    *   **Reason:** The only phone with a dedicated telephoto lens.
    

My Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Xiaomi Mi 11.

Reasoning:

While the Sony Xperia 10 III offers better portability, the performance jump offered by the Xiaomi Mi 11 is simply too compelling to ignore. As someone who engages in multitasking and enjoys occasional gaming, I would prefer the higher refresh rate display, and superior chipset. Although the Sony has a telephoto lens, the Mi 11 boasts a more comprehensive and generally superior camera system, with better overall picture quality, more features, and better video capabilities. The faster charging, larger battery, and better display would significantly enhance my daily experience.

While I do appreciate the smaller form factor of the Sony, the benefits offered by the Mi 11 are more important to my usage needs. The higher performance and superior display would contribute significantly to my daily workflow and overall usage enjoyment. The additional features in audio, wireless charging, and other sensors are also welcome. Therefore, while the Xperia 10 III is a solid choice for more casual users, the Mi 11 is the clear winner for those who prioritize high-performance, top quality camera experience and features.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.