Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. vivo X100
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | vivo X100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-01 | 2023-11-21 | The vivo X100 is a significantly newer device, likely benefiting from newer technologies and features. |
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 164.1 × 75.2 × 8.5 mm | Similar overall size, but the vivo X100 is slightly thicker and has a marginally larger volume, which could affect handling. |
| Weight | 196g | 202g | The Xiaomi Mi 11 is slightly lighter, which may feel more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.78" | Negligible difference in screen size, both feel almost identical in hand for general usage. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1260x2800 | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a sharper display with a higher pixel density, which could lead to slightly crisper text and images. |
| PPI | 515 | 452 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has noticeably sharper display compared to the vivo X100. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones offer vibrant colors and deep blacks associated with AMOLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, suitable for gaming and everyday use. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 3000 nits | The vivo X100 has dramatically better outdoor visibility, making it significantly better for bright sunlight use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Dimensity 9300 (4 nm) | The vivo X100's newer chip offers superior processing power, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 1,881,325 | vivo X100 offers much better performance for intensive tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | vivo X100 has a much more powerful GPU, resulting in significantly better gaming performance and smoother graphics rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP f/1.85, 1/1.33" sensor | 50MP f/1.57, 1/1.31" sensor | Xiaomi Mi 11 has higher megapixel count. vivo X100 has a wider aperture and larger sensor, which typically results in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP f/2.3, 1/3.4" sensor | 32MP f/2.0, 1/2.8" sensor | vivo X100 has higher resolution, wider aperture and larger sensor, resulting in better selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP f/2.6, 1/2" sensor | vivo X100 provides dedicated telephoto capabilities for zoomed photos, which the Xiaomi Mi 11 lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP f/2.3, 1/3.06" sensor | 50MP f/2.0, 1/2.76" sensor | vivo X100 offers a higher resolution and wider aperture wide angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.0, 1/5" sensor | None | Xiaomi Mi 11 allows for dedicated close-up macro photography, which the vivo X100 lacks. |
| Video | Up to 8K with HDR, EIS | Yes, Slow-motion: Yes, 960 fps | Xiaomi Mi 11 supports higher video resolution. Both offer video stabilization and slow motion but with different speeds. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | vivo X100 offers a slightly larger battery, potentially leading to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | vivo X100 charges significantly faster, allowing for quicker top-ups. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 50W wireless charging | None | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers reverse charging and wireless charging features which the vivo X100 lacks. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 14 | Android 14 | vivo X100 ships with a newer version of Android and is likely to receive software updates for a longer period. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | vivo X100 supports the newer WiFi 7 standard, potentially offering faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.4 | vivo X100 has a newer Bluetooth version for more efficient connections and better audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | vivo X100 has enhanced GPS support for better accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | vivo X100 offers significantly more storage options, catering to users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 12/16 GB | vivo X100 has more RAM available, which can make multitasking and running heavy applications smoother. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo speakers | vivo X100 has an edge for offering enhanced spatial audio with Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both phones provide similar basic fingerprint sensors for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi Mi 11 has better screen protection than the vivo X100 (screen protection is unknown for vivo X100). |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Ultrasonic proximity virtual; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi Mi 11 has an ultrasonic proximity sensor, which is considered more reliable than traditional ones and heart rate sensor. The vivo X100 has a regular proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Higher Display Resolution and PPI: Offers a sharper display.
- Reverse and Wireless Charging: Offers versatility for charging other devices and wireless charging capabilities.
- Heart Rate Sensor: Integrated heart rate sensor provides additional health tracking.
- Macro Lens: Includes dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Better screen protection The Xiaomi Mi 11 uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Practical Implications:
- The sharper display is noticeable for reading text and viewing images.
- Reverse charging is useful for quick top-ups for other devices.
- The heart rate sensor caters to health-conscious users.
- The macro lens is great for capturing detailed close-up shots.
- The screen protection is useful for those who are prone to dropping phones.
vivo X100 Advantages:
- Significantly Newer and More Powerful Chipset: Provides superior performance and is more energy-efficient, which is noticeable in games and heavy applications.
- Much Higher AnTuTu Score: Indicates significantly faster processing, app loading, and multitasking capabilities.
- Significantly Brighter Display: Offers much better outdoor visibility.
- Better Camera System: Has a telephoto lens, larger sensors for both front and rear cameras.
- Faster Charging: The phone recharges much faster which is essential for people who have a busy schedule.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer version of Android, which has better security and is likely to receive more updates.
- Advanced Connectivity The vivo X100 comes with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 which means it will have faster and better connections.
- More Storage and RAM Comes in higher storage and RAM options which is great for people who need a lot of storage and for intensive tasks.
Practical Implications:
- The faster processor provides a smoother and more responsive experience in daily tasks and demanding apps.
- The brighter display is easier to view under direct sunlight.
- The telephoto lens expands shooting capabilities, allowing for better zoomed photos.
- The faster charging is highly convenient.
- Newer software means a longer lifespan and up-to-date features.
- The better connectivity standards mean that the phone will have better connections and stability.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 sacrifices some camera capabilities, display brightness, and overall performance for its wireless charging and macro lens.
- The vivo X100 does not have macro lens, wireless charging, nor heart rate sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize a sharper display and macro camera: Those who appreciate high-resolution displays for crisp text and detailed images, and enjoy close-up photography.
- Users who need wireless charging: Those who need wireless and reverse wireless charging for convenience.
- Users who want a heart rate sensor: Ideal for health-conscious individuals.
Use Cases:
- Casual Photographers: Those who like taking close up pictures.
- Daily Media Consumption: Users who enjoy high-resolution content on their phone.
- Users needing versatile charging: Those who like the flexibility of wireless and reverse charging.
vivo X100 Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who need a device that can handle demanding games and apps without stuttering.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a high-quality camera system with versatile lenses and great low-light performance, even if it means missing out on dedicated macro.
- Users needing great outdoor visibility: Those who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight.
- Users wanting latest technology: Those who value newer chipsets, software, and faster charging.
- Users wanting large storage Ideal for people who need a lot of storage for high resolution files and applications.
Use Cases:
- Gamers: The advanced chipset and GPU enable smooth and immersive gameplay.
- Professional Photographers: The advanced telephoto, wide angle, and selfie cameras cater to different kinds of photography.
- Users who spend time outdoors: The brighter display is visible even in direct sunlight.
- Users who need long term performance: The newer chipset and software will keep it running smoothly for longer.
- Those that are heavy users Users who need large storage will benefit from the storage options.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize display sharpness or brightness? (Xiaomi Mi 11 for sharpness, vivo X100 for brightness)
- Is camera versatility (telephoto, wide angle) or macro lens more important to you? (vivo X100 for versatile lenses, Xiaomi Mi 11 for macro)
- Do you need top-tier performance or more versatile charging options? (vivo X100 for performance, Xiaomi Mi 11 for more versatile charging options)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For casual users needing a good all-rounder with versatile charging, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is still a viable option, especially if you get it at a good price.
- For users wanting top-tier performance for demanding tasks and advanced camera capabilities, the vivo X100 is the clear choice.
- If you spend a lot of time outdoors the vivo X100's display brightness is significantly superior.
- If you are into detailed close-up photography then the macro lens on the Xiaomi Mi 11 might be useful.
- If you prioritize having the most advanced technology such as latest WiFi and Bluetooth standards, then the vivo X100 is a better choice.
My Choice
Given the comparison, I would choose the vivo X100. Here's why:
The vivo X100's significantly newer chipset, higher AnTuTu score, and much brighter display are compelling factors that outweigh the benefits of the Xiaomi Mi 11. While I appreciate the higher pixel density of the Xiaomi, I value the overall user experience more, and the vivo X100's brighter display makes a significant difference in everyday use, especially outdoors. The much faster charging is another massive benefit of the vivo X100, and the newer connectivity standards will be useful in the long run. Although I might miss the macro lens, I believe the versatility offered by the telephoto and improved wide angle lenses in the vivo X100 is more beneficial for my photography needs. Finally the newer software and storage options mean that the phone will be more useful for a longer period.
