1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | Xiaomi Mi 11 is larger and may be less comfortable for single-handed use. The Sony Xperia 5 IV is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 196g | 172g | Sony Xperia 5 IV is noticeably lighter, enhancing comfort for prolonged use and portability. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.1" | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. Sony Xperia 5 IV is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2520 | Xiaomi Mi 11 provides a sharper and more detailed display, better for viewing high-resolution content and text. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 449 ppi | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a noticeably sharper display with finer details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both technologies offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation, improving the visual experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi Mi 11 has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight (Sony Xperia 5 IV brightness data is missing). |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Sony Xperia 5 IV has a more powerful and efficient chip, leading to better performance in demanding tasks and improved battery efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 1,021,542 | Sony Xperia 5 IV demonstrates superior performance, handling gaming and demanding apps more smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Sony Xperia 5 IV has a more powerful GPU, providing better graphics performance, particularly in games. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 12MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 captures significantly more detail in good lighting, allowing for more cropping and manipulation. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.7" | Xiaomi Mi 11's larger sensor allows it to capture more light, generally resulting in better low-light performance, but is not a guarantee due to processing and other factors. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.7 | Sony Xperia 5 IV's wider aperture allows more light to reach the sensor, often resulting in superior low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 12MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.0 | Sony Xperia 5 IV's wider aperture allows for brighter selfie shots in low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | Yes (12MP) | Sony Xperia 5 IV has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, offering better image quality at a distance. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP | 12MP | Both offer similar resolution wide-angle cameras, with Sony having a slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | Yes (5MP) | No | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Xiaomi Mi 11 supports 8K video for very high-resolution recording. Sony Xperia 5 IV provides smoother 4K recording at higher frame rates. |
| Stabilization | EIS, OIS | OIS, EIS | Both offer stabilization, but Sony has the advantage of OIS across the main camera which will lead to better real world results than just relying on digital stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | Selfie 112 | Mobile 119 | Sony Xperia 5 IV has a better general purpose camera (DXO Mark Mobile), Xiaomi has a better selfie cam. |
| Additional Features | 8K Video, Manual focus, Laser AF, AF assist Beam | Optical zoom, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Exposure compensation | Xiaomi focuses on advanced video features whereas Sony focuses on advanced still photography features. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Sony Xperia 5 IV's larger battery may provide slightly longer battery life, but real-world battery performance will depend on various factors. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Xiaomi Mi 11 charges significantly faster. |
| Additional Features | 50W Wireless Charging, 10W Reverse Wireless Charging | Bypass Charging | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers faster charging and wireless charging features. Sony has bypass charging, which can be useful while gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages
- Larger, Sharper Display: Larger screen size with higher resolution is ideal for media consumption and multitasking.
- Higher Brightness Display: Better visibility in outdoor and bright sunlight environments.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster wired charging and wireless charging capabilities for quick power-ups.
- 8K Video Recording: Supports higher resolution video recording for professional-grade content.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers a specific lens for close-up photography.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution selfie camera.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Advantages
- More Powerful Chipset: Newer and more efficient processor for improved overall performance and better battery efficiency.
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and more pocketable for everyday use.
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens: Offers better quality zoomed photography with a dedicated optical zoom.
- Better Main Camera Aperture: Better low-light performance through its main lens.
- Slightly Larger Battery: May offer slightly better battery life.
- Bypass Charging: Can reduce heat and preserve battery health while gaming.
- Better Overall Camera System: Based on DXOMark scores
- eSIM Support: Flexible carrier switching with eSIM capability.
- More Bluetooth Features: Wider range of bluetooth compatibility.
- Barometer sensor: Offers environmental sensor data.
Trade-offs
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Trades portability and a superior camera system for a larger screen, faster charging, and better video recording.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: Trades screen size and faster charging for performance, a superior camera system, better handling, and better battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a large, high-resolution screen for watching videos, browsing, and gaming.
- Power Users: Individuals who need fast charging capabilities and like to take high-resolution photographs.
- Video Content Creators: Users that shoot a lot of video, and want the highest resolution recording possible.
Specific Use Cases: Binge-watching shows, gaming, editing videos, viewing spreadsheets, professional content creation
Sony Xperia 5 IV Ideal User
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality and versatility, including optical zoom and better low light performance.
- On-the-Go Professionals: Users who need a lightweight and compact phone with reliable performance and a long lasting battery.
- Gamers: Users that want to play games and want a device that can deliver good performance without overheating.
Specific Use Cases: Taking high-quality photos, capturing video in various conditions, attending meetings, extended travel, mobile gaming, reading and consuming content.
Price-to-Value
- The value proposition of each phone will depend on the current market price and availability. The Xiaomi Mi 11 is older, so it is likely to be cheaper. Consider whether the price difference justifies the trade-offs for your specific needs.
- Generally speaking, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is designed as more of a professional device that is priced accordingly, and the Xiaomi Mi 11 as more of a power user device, that is priced slightly less, especially due to its age.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- What is your priority: screen size or portability? If you watch a lot of media or like a large interface, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the better pick. If you prefer one-handed operation, pocketability, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is better.
- How important is camera quality and optical zoom? If you prioritize a higher quality all around camera with an optical zoom, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is better suited for you. If you are a creator that needs higher resolution videos, or a macro camera, the Xiaomi may be better for you.
- Is faster charging or longer battery life more important for your usage patterns? If you prefer your phone to charge as quickly as possible, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is a better bet. If you prefer having a long lasting battery, then the Sony Xperia 5 IV might be better for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Heavy Media Consumption & Gaming: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 for its larger, sharper display and fast charging.
- Scenario 2: Professional Photography & Videography: The Sony Xperia 5 IV offers a more versatile camera system with an optical zoom. The Xiaomi Mi 11 however, offers higher resolution videos.
- Scenario 3: Everyday Use & Portability: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is better due to its smaller size, lighter build, and improved overall experience due to its performance and battery improvements.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
Here's why:
- I value portability and a more compact device: The Xperia 5 IV is significantly lighter and smaller, making it much easier to handle one-handed and carry around in my pocket.
- I prioritize image quality and versatility: While the Xiaomi has some strong points in video and pixel count, the telephoto lens, a better overall camera and the general camera features make the Xperia a much better camera system for the type of photography that I enjoy doing.
- I appreciate a more modern chipset and better overall performance: I like to use my phone for a variety of applications, and the Sony offers better performance in gaming and general usage.
- I value all-day battery life: While the fast charging on the Xiaomi is great, I would prefer the additional battery capacity in my day-to-day use.
While the Xiaomi Mi 11 has some compelling advantages like its larger, high-resolution display, faster charging, and macro camera, these features are less important to my specific needs than the advantages offered by the Sony Xperia 5 IV. The enhanced portability, more versatile camera, and better performance are more relevant to my typical usage patterns.
