1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi 13T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 162.2 × 75.7 × 8.5 mm | Mi 11 is slightly taller and thinner, while the 13T is wider and thicker. The difference in hand feel would be subtle. |
| Weight | 196g | 193g | Both feel almost identical in weight, with a negligible difference. |
| Build | Not specified | Not specified | No information available for detailed build material, making this hard to compare. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi 13T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.67" | Mi 11 offers a slightly larger display, potentially better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1220x2712 | Mi 11 provides a significantly sharper and more detailed display due to its higher pixel density; noticeable difference in visual clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 446 ppi | Mi 11 will have crisper text and images. 13T is still sharp but less so. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | 13T has a slightly smoother scrolling and animation experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2600 nits | 13T has significantly better outdoor visibility and readability in bright sunlight, much more useable in harsh conditions |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi 13T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8200 Ultra (4 nm) | 13T's Mediatek chipset is newer and benchmarks higher, though both are capable of handling demanding tasks and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 905,364 | The 13T demonstrates slightly better overall performance in benchmarks, leading to marginally faster app loading and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G610 MC6 | Different GPUs, the 13T's performs better on paper. Both are capable for most mobile games but the 13T may offer slightly higher framerates in demanding titles. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi 13T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Mi 11 captures more detail, but the 13T's larger sensor may result in better low-light performance and more light sensitivity. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.9 | Mi 11 has a slightly wider aperture allowing a bit more light to reach the sensor. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.28" | 13T has a larger sensor, leading to enhanced light sensitivity, potentially better low-light shots. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Lens | None | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/2.88") | 13T has a dedicated telephoto lens for better portrait shots and optical zoom. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 20MP | Both capture detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.2 | The 13T selfie camera should allow more light reaching the sensor, improving low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/2" | 13T's selfie camera has a significantly larger sensor for better low-light shots. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.3, 1/3.06") | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.06") | 13T has a slightly wider aperture, both share the same sensor |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.0, 1/5") | None | Mi 11 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, but this is lacking on the 13T. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Mi 11 can record higher resolution video, better for professional use; both offer stabilization |
| Video Stabilization | Yes, EIS | Yes, EIS & OIS | Both offer stabilization features, the 13T offers both electronic and optical image stabilization for more stable videos |
| Slow Motion | 480fps | 960fps | The 13T has a higher slow-motion recording capability |
| DXOMARK | Selfie: 112 (Overall), 100(Photo), 133(Video) | Mobile: 123 (Overall), 121(Photo), 132(Video) | 13T has better camera scores, especially for main camera; Mi 11 has a better video score on the selfie camera |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi 13T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 5000 mAh | 13T has slightly larger battery capacity which should translate to longer battery life. |
| Charging Speed | 55W | 67W | 13T charges faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wireless | None | Mi 11 offers the convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: Significantly sharper display with a higher pixel density, providing a more detailed visual experience.
- 8K Video Recording: Supports 8K video recording, ideal for professional-grade video content creation.
- Wireless Charging: Features 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging, offering more versatility.
- Macro Lens: Has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots.
Xiaomi 13T Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: Utilizes a newer Mediatek Dimensity 8200 Ultra, resulting in slightly higher performance in benchmarks.
- Brighter Display: Significantly brighter screen (2600 nits) for better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Telephoto/Portrait Camera: Dedicated telephoto lens for better portraits and optical zoom.
- Faster Charging: Supports faster 67W charging, reducing downtime.
- Better DXOMARK score: Significantly better score in overall mobile camera.
- Newer Software: Runs on a newer version of Android OS and has better support in software updates.
- Better Connectivity: Supports faster WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3.
- Larger sensor for selfies: Significantly better selfies in low-light due to the bigger sensor.
- Better Slow-Motion recording: 960fps slow-motion recording.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11: Sacrifices some performance and outdoor visibility for higher resolution, wireless charging, and 8K recording. Lacks a telephoto lens.
- 13T: Offers better performance and display brightness but loses out on 8K video, wireless charging, and a macro camera. Slightly lower resolution screen.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Ideal User: Content creators who prioritize higher-resolution video recording, photographers who like close-up shots, and users who value wireless charging.
- Use Cases:
- Filming high-resolution 8K video footage
- Macro photography of detailed subjects
- Media consumption with a sharper screen
- Users that prefer the convenience of wireless charging
- Price-to-Value: Older device, may offer good value on the secondary market.
Xiaomi 13T:
- Ideal User: Everyday users, mobile gamers, and those who need excellent outdoor visibility and appreciate newer software, better performance, and a better main camera.
- Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games
- Taking photos in various lighting conditions
- Using the phone in bright sunlight
- Enjoying the benefits of newer WiFi and Bluetooth technologies
- Better for taking portraits using the Telephoto lens.
- Price-to-Value: Newer device, provides a more well-rounded experience with better main camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you need the absolute sharpest display and 8K video recording, or do you need better performance and brighter screen?: If display clarity and professional video are important, the Mi 11 is better. If you prefer a brighter display with better performance, the 13T is better.
- Is Wireless charging necessary for you?: The Mi 11 has the advantage here.
- Do you often take portraits and need a Telephoto lens, or do you take many close up pictures?: The 13T has the advantage with the telephoto lens; if you are more of a macro photographer, the Mi 11 would be a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Professional Content Creator): If you frequently shoot high-resolution video and need a macro lens, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the better choice due to its 8K recording and macro capabilities.
- Scenario 2 (Outdoor Enthusiast/Casual User): If you need a phone for everyday use, gaming, and bright outdoor visibility, the Xiaomi 13T is the superior option due to its brighter display, better performance, and modern features.
- Scenario 3 (Budget-Conscious User): If budget is a constraint, the older Xiaomi Mi 11 may offer good value on the secondary market if the lack of software support is acceptable. But for newer features, the 13T is a better choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi 13T. While the Mi 11's higher resolution display and 8K video are tempting, the 13T's brighter screen, better performance, dedicated telephoto lens, significantly better camera capabilities, modern software and improved connectivity are more beneficial for my typical usage scenarios. I appreciate the faster charging and better outdoor visibility the most. The loss of wireless charging isn't a major concern for me, especially with the faster wired charging.
