Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. TCL 40 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-01 | 2023-04-04 | TCL 40 SE is newer, potentially has longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 167.9 × 76.5 × 8.5 mm | TCL 40 SE is taller, wider, and thicker, making it feel slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 196g | 190g | TCL 40 SE is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable in hand for prolonged periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.75" | Negligible size difference, both feel similar in hand for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 720 x 1600 | Xiaomi Mi 11 is much sharper, with crisper text and images. TCL 40 SE's screen will appear less detailed. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 260 | Xiaomi Mi 11's display will have finer details, whereas the TCL 40 SE's display will look noticeably less sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi Mi 11 has vibrant colors, deep blacks, better contrast, and superior power efficiency, whereas TCL 40 SE will have less contrast, colors won't be as vibrant and will consume more power when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi Mi 11 has smoother animations and scrolling, providing a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 900 nits | Xiaomi Mi 11 is significantly more visible in bright sunlight. TCL 40 SE may struggle in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G37 (12 nm) | Xiaomi Mi 11 has much faster performance, loading apps quickly, better gaming performance, and smoother multitasking, more future-proof. TCL 40 SE is slower, which will affect loading times and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 160,000 | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and is more future-proof, while the TCL 40 SE will struggle with demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | PowerVR GE8320 | Xiaomi Mi 11 handles graphics-intensive tasks like gaming and video editing significantly better than TCL 40 SE. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 captures more detailed images in good lighting. |
| Standard Rear Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.85 | Similar light gathering capabilities. |
| Standard Rear Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.70 µm | Xiaomi Mi 11 has slightly larger pixels, which can help with low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 8MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 captures much more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.0 | TCL 40 SE has a slightly wider aperture which may help in low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP | Not Available | Xiaomi Mi 11 allows for ultra-wide shots, making it more versatile. |
| Portrait Lens | Not Available | 2MP | TCL 40 SE can provide depth effects in portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | 2MP | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a higher-resolution macro lens with a wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi Mi 11 records much higher resolution video, better for those wanting professional-grade video. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | No | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers video stabilization for smoother recording while TCL 40 SE will have more shaky videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 5010 mAh | TCL 40 SE has slightly larger battery, providing slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging Speed | 55W | 18W | Xiaomi Mi 11 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | Not Available | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers convenient wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | TCL 40 SE has newer software out of the box, with less guarantee of future updates, while Xiaomi Mi 11 gets updates up to Android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has faster Wi-Fi and better performance in crowded networks, offering future-proof connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a newer Bluetooth version, which provides better connectivity. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Same storage options available for both phones. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 4/6GB | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers more RAM, enhancing multitasking and gaming performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers higher quality audio playback, better audio separation, and better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | TCL 40 SE offers a more convenient fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi Mi 11 has better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers more sensors, allowing for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and higher brightness offer a vastly superior visual experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers a much faster experience, making it ideal for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, along with the inclusion of a wide-angle lens, offer more flexibility and quality in photography and videography, better video recording.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 55W wired and 50W wireless charging provide a more convenient charging experience, especially with wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Enhanced Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio and dual microphones offer a better listening and recording experience.
- Better Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi and better Bluetooth connectivity.
- More sensors: Allowing for more advanced features.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
Practical implications: The Xiaomi Mi 11 is a better choice for users who prioritize a high-quality display, top-tier performance, and advanced camera capabilities, along with faster charging and better audio.
TCL 40 SE Advantages:
- Newer Software Out of the Box: Android 13 provides a modern operating system experience, but the lack of future updates is a concern.
- Slightly Larger Battery: May offer marginally better battery life for moderate users.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Considered more convenient by some users than an in-display sensor.
- Lower Price Point: Likely more budget-friendly, making it accessible to more users.
Practical implications: The TCL 40 SE is a more budget-friendly option that still provides a modern software experience and a decent battery, suitable for basic everyday use.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Higher price point and older software.
- TCL 40 SE: Significantly lower display quality, processing performance, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Gamers, multitaskers, and content creators who need top-tier performance.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for consuming video, images, and gaming.
- Photography & Videography Lovers: Users who want advanced camera capabilities and recording video features, and video stability.
- Users Who Need Fast Charging: Those who need to quickly charge their phone.
- Users who need good audio quality: Those who want better audio for listening to music and calls.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games smoothly at high refresh rates.
- Editing high-resolution photos and videos.
- Consuming multimedia content on a vibrant and sharp display.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in different lighting conditions.
- Fast Charging on the go, and wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging to charge other devices.
TCL 40 SE Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who want a modern smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Users who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and social media.
- Users Who Need Decent Battery Life: Those who don't need to charge their phones multiple times a day.
- Users that prefer side-mounted fingerprint sensors: Those who don't like in display fingerprint sensors.
Use Cases:
- Basic daily tasks like browsing the internet and social media.
- Making and receiving phone calls and messages.
- Taking casual photos and videos.
- Extended battery life for moderate usage.
- Users who want side mounted fingerprint readers.
Price-to-Value:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Offers high performance and features for a higher cost.
- TCL 40 SE: Provides basic functionality at a more affordable price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for a smartphone? (e.g., gaming, photography, basic daily use)
- What is your budget? (Price is a significant factor in choosing between these two)
- How important is display quality and performance to you? (Consider the difference in resolution, display technology, and processing power)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance Gaming & Content Creation
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11 is the better choice due to its superior processor, display, and camera.
- Scenario 2: Basic Daily Usage on a Budget
- Recommendation: TCL 40 SE offers a good enough experience for basic tasks and is more affordable, making it a suitable option for those who do not need high-performance features.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Videography:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11 for its superior camera quality and features.
- Scenario 4: Users that prefer side-mounted fingerprint reader
- Recommendation: TCL 40 SE for its side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Scenario 5: Users that want to use the phone for a long time and need good future software updates:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11 as it will receive updates up to Android 14, compared to the TCL 40 SE that has no information on the future update schedule.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Mi 11. While it's an older device and may cost more, its superior display, vastly better performance, advanced camera system, faster charging, and enhanced audio experience make it the better choice for my needs.
Here's why:
- Display Quality: The AMOLED display with its higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate is a significant advantage for daily use, media consumption, and gaming.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset ensures smooth performance, multitasking, and gaming, which is essential for my typical usage.
- Camera System: The better camera system is important for capturing high-quality photos and videos, something I would want from my smartphone.
- Future-Proofing: Even though it's an older model, the Mi 11 has a lot of features that are still relevant, and is expected to get updates up to Android 14, making it a worthwhile investment.
- Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity is very important to ensure I am able to connect to devices and Wi-Fi networks quickly and efficiently.
While the TCL 40 SE is a newer device with a larger battery and is more budget-friendly, its compromises in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities are too significant for my needs. For me, the better overall experience offered by the Xiaomi Mi 11 makes it the clear choice despite its higher price point and older software.
