Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Xiaomi Poco F3
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | Mi 11 is slightly taller and thicker, while the F3 is a bit wider. Marginal differences, likely negligible in hand. |
| Weight | 196g | 196g | Identical weight; both feel similar in hand in terms of heft. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.67" | Mi 11 has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience, particularly for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Mi 11 has significantly sharper display with more detail, which is noticeable when reading text or viewing high-resolution images. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 395 ppi | Mi 11 offers a much clearer and crisp image than the Poco F3, reducing eye strain for users who read or work on their phones a lot. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks characteristic of AMOLED, leading to high contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, suitable for gaming. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1300 nits | Mi 11's display is noticeably brighter, significantly improving outdoor visibility on sunny days. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Both are high-end chipsets, but Mi 11's 888 offers a bit more power for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 800,216 | Both offer very similar real-world performance; any difference would be marginal. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 650 | Adreno 660 in Mi 11 provides a slight edge in graphically intensive games; this may not be noticeable to most users. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 4520 mAh | Similar battery sizes, suggesting comparable battery life; real-world differences should be minimal. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Mi 11 charges considerably faster, reducing downtime, and offering better convenience. |
| Features | 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless, reverse charging, 2*2250mAh | QC3 + / PD3.0 | Mi 11's wireless charging and reverse charging provide added convenience compared to F3 which supports only basic fast charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | Mi 11's larger sensor and higher resolution allow better low-light performance and more detail in photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4" | Mi 11’s wider aperture captures more light, improving low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06" | None | Mi 11 includes a wide-angle lens for group photos and landscapes; F3 lacks this. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5" | None | Mi 11 allows close-up shots that F3 can't handle. |
| Video | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | Mi 11 has a significantly higher video resolution, making it better suited for video professionals or enthusiasts. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Mi 11 has better video stabilization, leading to smoother recording, especially for people on the move |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Mi 11 has an extra year of software support, making it future-proof for a little longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both offer the latest Wi-Fi standards for fast speeds. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Mi 11 has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth, leading to slightly more reliable connections. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1/B2), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS, NavIC System | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1/B2), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Mi 11 supports a wider array of satellite systems, providing more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer ample storage, but are not expandable. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | Mi 11 offers more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo speakers, however the Mi 11 has dual microphones and the F3 has Dolby Atmos, making each unique. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic in-screen | Side-mounted | Side-mounted sensors are generally faster and more reliable. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Mi 11 has better protection against scratches and drops, offering superior screen durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Mi 11 features a Heart Rate sensor, for advanced fitness tracking that F3 does not. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density (1440p vs 1080p), and brightness (1500 vs 1300 nits) results in a noticeably sharper and brighter display, great for viewing content.
- Better Camera System: Larger main sensor, additional wide-angle and macro lenses, and 8K video recording offers greater versatility and quality.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 55W wired and 50W wireless charging make it much more convenient to recharge.
- More RAM Options: Up to 12GB RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding apps.
- Newer Bluetooth & More Accurate GPS: Offers more reliable connections and better location tracking.
- Future-Proofed Software: One extra year of major Android updates.
- Screen Protection: Superior Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides extra durability.
- Heart Rate Sensor: Provides additional fitness tracking features not available on the Poco F3.
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally considered faster and more reliable than in-screen options.
- Dolby Atmos: Better audio for users who want an immersive experience.
- Lower Price: Usually priced lower, offering a good value proposition.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- Mi 11: Higher price.
- Poco F3: Inferior camera and display compared to Mi 11; less future-proof software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User:
- Content Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing, and reading.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with high-resolution images, wide-angle shots, and excellent video recording capabilities.
- Power Users: Users who engage in heavy multitasking and demanding gaming, benefitting from the extra RAM and processing power.
- Users who need wireless charging and fast charging
- Users who value future-proofing
- Users who prioritize a brighter display.
Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users seeking a high-performance phone without breaking the bank, and are willing to trade a higher price tag for enhanced performance.
- Gamers: Users who prioritize smooth performance and a responsive screen, while not needing the absolute best camera and display quality.
- Users who value a quick and reliable fingerprint sensor
- Users who want great sound quality
- Users who are okay with less advanced camera tech
Specific Use Cases:
- Mi 11: Creating professional-quality videos, detailed photo editing, gaming at the highest settings, watching high-resolution movies in bright conditions.
- Poco F3: Mobile gaming, general daily use with high responsiveness, consuming media on the go, social media browsing, taking good photos and videos.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Poco F3 is a more budget-friendly option.
- How important is camera quality to you? The Mi 11 offers a significantly better camera system.
- What is your priority for display quality? The Mi 11 has a sharper, brighter display.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Photographer/Videographer - Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 for its superior camera and video capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Gamer - Choose the Xiaomi Poco F3 for its excellent performance-to-price ratio.
- Scenario 3: All-Around Daily User - If budget is not a concern, go with the Xiaomi Mi 11 for a more refined experience; If budget is a concern, Poco F3 is a great option.
- Scenario 4: User who needs the most durable phone - Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11, since it has better screen protection.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would personally pick the Xiaomi Mi 11. While it is the pricier option, the enhancements in the display quality, camera capabilities, and charging speeds are well worth it for me. As someone who consumes a lot of media and also uses their phone for photography, the Mi 11 would be the more versatile option for my needs. I also like the fact that it is slightly more future-proofed than the Poco F3, with it having an extra year of Android updates, along with better build quality.
