1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Tecno Spark 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 164.4 × 75.5 × 8.4 mm | Tecno Spark 10 5G is slightly thicker and wider, but both are similar in size. |
| Weight | 196g | Weight missing | Xiaomi Mi 11 is 196g. The weight of Tecno Spark 10 5G is missing making it difficult to make an accurate comparison for this spec. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.6" | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a slightly larger screen, offering more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1612 | Xiaomi Mi 11's display is much sharper with finer details, ideal for media consumption and text clarity. |
| PPI | 515 | 267 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has significantly higher pixel density leading to sharper images and text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi Mi 11's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, with better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi Mi 11 has smoother scrolling and animations, noticeable when gaming or browsing social media. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | Brightness missing | Xiaomi Mi 11 has significantly better outdoor visibility. The brightness of Tecno Spark 10 5G is not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) | Xiaomi Mi 11's chipset offers much better overall performance, more efficient power usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 331,000 | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers significantly faster app loading, multitasking, and smoother gaming experiences. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xiaomi Mi 11’s GPU is superior, resulting in better graphics performance for gaming and other graphically intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" sensor | 50MP, f/1.6, sensor size missing | Xiaomi Mi 11 captures more detail with its higher resolution sensor. Tecno Spark 10 5G has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Front Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" sensor | 8MP, f/1.8, sensor size missing | Xiaomi Mi 11 takes higher resolution selfies. Tecno Spark 10 5G has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3 | Missing | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in a single shot. Tecno Spark 10 5G lacks this. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi Mi 11's Macro lens offers better quality close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi Mi 11 can record much higher quality video with HDR and image stabilization. |
| DxOMark Selfie | 112 (Overall), 100 (Photo), 133 (Video) | Missing | Xiaomi Mi 11's selfie camera is tested and rated, providing a measure of its quality; no data available for Tecno. |
| Camera Features | 4K, 8K Video, OIS, Laser AF, RAW | 4K Video, Dual camera, digital stabilization | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers more advanced camera features, including Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), while Tecno Spark 10 5G offers a dual camera setup with digital stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Tecno Spark 10 5G has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 55W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Xiaomi Mi 11 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 50W Wireless charging, 10W Reverse-wireless, Reverse charging | None | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers versatile charging options, including wireless and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 13 | Tecno Spark 10 5G has a more recent OS out of the box, with better native features and optimizations than the launch version of Mi 11. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), MiMO | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Xiaomi Mi 11 has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi; Xiaomi Mi 11 supports MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering minor improvements in range and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1,B2), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Xiaomi Mi 11 has more precise GPS capabilities |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones allow dual SIM usage. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256 GB | Both offer 256 GB storage option. Xiaomi Mi 11 also offers a 128 GB variant. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8 GB | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers up to 12 GB of RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Basic audio features | Xiaomi Mi 11 provides a much better audio experience with higher quality audio playback and recording capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Tecno Spark 10 5G’s side-mounted sensor provides a more convenient and advanced security option. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Missing | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers superior screen protection against scratches and impacts. Tecno’s screen protection is not specified. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a more comprehensive sensor suite for additional features such as heart rate monitoring and advanced proximity. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with much higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness results in a vastly better visual experience for all tasks.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 888 offers considerably better processing power and graphics performance, making it much faster and more capable for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus a wide-angle lens and superior video recording capabilities, mean better photos and videos in all scenarios.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Capabilities: Much faster 55W charging and additional wireless charging options provide greater convenience.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers result in a richer and more immersive audio experience.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection means better durability.
- More Sensors: More sensors including compass, heart rate, and advanced proximity.
Tecno Spark 10 5G Advantages:
- Newer OS out of the Box: Ships with Android 13, potentially offering newer features and optimizations, though Xiaomi can upgrade to Android 14.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Offers slightly better battery life.
- Wider Aperture on Primary and Selfie Cameras: Potentially better low-light photos.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Arguably more convenient than basic fingerprint sensor.
- Potentially Lower Cost: Tecno phones are generally more budget-friendly.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Higher cost, potentially shorter battery life due to high-performance components.
- Tecno Spark 10 5G: Significantly inferior display, performance, camera quality, and lacks premium features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, media enthusiasts, photography enthusiasts.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming with high refresh rate and powerful GPU.
- High-quality video and image capture.
- Watching movies and videos with a vibrant and sharp display.
- Multitasking with demanding apps.
- Daily use cases for users who want a premium experience.
Tecno Spark 10 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, casual users, those prioritizing battery life and basic functionality.
- Use Cases:
- Basic social media and browsing.
- Casual photography.
- Long battery life for extended use.
- For users who prioritize price over premium features and performance.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 offers significantly higher performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, justifying its higher price for users who value these aspects.
- The Tecno Spark 10 5G offers acceptable value for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize affordability and a modern OS, but at the cost of most premium features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, everyday tasks, etc.)
- How important is display quality to you? (Sharpness, colors, refresh rate)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay more for higher performance and features?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Power User): If you need top-tier performance, the best possible display, and a versatile camera system, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the clear choice despite its age.
- Scenario 2 (Budget User): If your budget is tight, and you only need basic smartphone functionalities and prefer a modern OS, the Tecno Spark 10 5G is a budget-friendly option.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you need a good balance between performance and budget, the Xiaomi Mi 11 may be the better option if you are OK with the used market price, as you get a significantly better product.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11. While it is an older device, its superior display, performance, camera capabilities, and faster charging make it a much better all-around device. The Tecno Spark 10 5G is designed for a different audience who prioritize affordability, but it significantly compromises the user experience in ways that I wouldn't be willing to accept. The Mi 11 provides a more premium experience. Even though it might be a used or refurbished model, it still has a lot more to offer, and will feel more like a complete smartphone package than the Tecno.
