1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 163.2 × 76 × 7.7 mm | Mi 11 is slightly taller & thicker, Poco F4 is a bit wider. Difference is minor, may affect comfort slightly for small hands |
| Weight | 196g | 195g | Virtually identical, negligible difference in hand feel |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.67" | Mi 11 offers slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Mi 11 has a much sharper and more detailed display, noticeable difference when reading text and viewing high-res content |
| PPI | 515 | 395 | Mi 11's higher pixel density results in a significantly crisper image |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have excellent contrast, colors, and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1300 nits | Mi 11 will be slightly more visible in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Poco F4 has a newer chipset architecture with slightly better performance in benchmarks. Both are very capable for gaming and everyday tasks. Snapdragon 888 had thermal issues. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 861,200 | Poco F4 has marginally better performance |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 650 | Adreno 660 offers slightly better graphics performance but the difference is minimal |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | Mi 11's larger sensor and higher resolution capture more detail and have better low-light performance; Poco F4 has a wider aperture for better low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2" | Poco F4's larger sensor may capture better low-light selfies; Mi 11 has a wider aperture for better background blur. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | Mi 11's wider lens and larger sensor can capture more in the scene and better in low light; Poco F4 has wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5" | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Mi 11's macro lens can capture more detailed close-up shots; Poco F4 has larger pixel size for more light. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24/30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Mi 11 offers higher resolution video recording, suitable for professional needs |
| DxOMark Selfie | 112 (Photo 100, Video 133) | N/A | Mi 11 has good selfie camera based on DxOMark scores |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Laser AF, AF assist Beam | PDAF, Exposure Compensation, Night Mode | Mi 11 offers Laser AF for quick focusing; Poco F4 offers night mode and PDAF for more diverse shooting. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4500mAh | Similar capacities, should offer comparable battery life for a normal day |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Poco F4 charges significantly faster, saving time |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging, 50W Wireless Charging, 10W Reverse Wireless Charging | None | Mi 11 offers more versatile charging options including wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Poco F4 ships with newer OS initially, but Mi 11 has better support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support fast Wi-Fi speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, aptX | 5.2, SBC | Mi 11 offers higher quality audio with aptX; Poco F4 supports SBC. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC, QZSS, | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Both offer accurate positioning. Poco F4 supports more systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer dual SIM support |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both have the same storage capacity |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | Poco F4 offers a wider range of RAM options |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Poco F4 offers immersive audio; Both phones have good speakers and audio |
| Security | |||
| Features | In-display fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Poco F4's side-mounted sensor is often faster and more reliable |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Mi 11 has better scratch resistance for the screen |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Heart Rate; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Mi 11 offers heart rate sensor; Both phones have comprehensive sensor suites |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density result in significantly sharper image quality, better for detailed content and media consumption.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor captures more light, has better dynamic range, and more detail in photos.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers professional-grade video capabilities.
- Versatile Charging: Supports faster wireless charging, reverse charging, and reverse wireless charging for increased flexibility.
- Better Screen Protection Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better scratch resistance
Heart Rate Sensor Added for health tracking needs
Practical Implication: Ideal for users who prioritize display quality, professional videography, and versatile charging options.
Xiaomi Poco F4 Advantages:
- Newer Chipset and Slightly Better Performance: Provides marginally better performance overall based on benchmark scores.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging is significantly quicker than the Mi 11's 55W charging, great for those who need a quick charge.
- More Secure Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted sensor is often faster and more convenient to use.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhances the listening experience with more immersive spatial audio.
- Wider RAM Options: Has more choice in RAM sizes.
- Practical Implication: Suited for users who prioritize speed, fast charging and gaming; value immersive audio.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11: While the display and camera are better, it lacks the newer chipset, quicker charging, side-mounted fingerprint sensor and immersive sound quality and also has a slightly older OS.
- Poco F4: Loses out on the higher screen resolution, better camera, 8K video, better screen protection and versatile charging options of the Mi 11; has a slightly older Android update roadmap.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who watch a lot of videos and want the highest resolution display.
- Photography/Videography Buffs: Individuals who prioritize camera quality, especially those who may want to dabble in 8K video.
- Power Users: Those who would benefit from wireless and reverse charging capabilities.
- Users who value screen durability Those who want better screen protection.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Use Cases:
- High-quality media viewing: Netflix, YouTube, movies
- Professional Video/photo creation: Shooting videos for social media and other professional use.
- Power User Needs: Travel, long days where battery versatility is needed.
Xiaomi Poco F4 Ideal User:
- Gamers: Users who prioritize performance and fast charging for gaming sessions.
- Everyday Users: Those who want a fast and smooth phone with quick charging.
- Audiophiles: Users who value immersive audio experience.
Xiaomi Poco F4 Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming: Playing high-intensity games
- Fast daily use: Browsing the web, social media, communication
- On-the-go: Users who need quick charges
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 is likely to be available at lower prices now due to its age. This makes it a great option for those seeking high-end features at a lower price point.
- The Xiaomi Poco F4 is newer and is likely to be priced slightly higher or similarly to the Mi 11. It's a strong option if you prioritize modern features, gaming performance and value fast charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize display quality or performance? If display is a must then go for the Mi 11. If performance, then Poco F4 is better.
- Is wireless charging important to you? If yes, then Mi 11 is the only option. If no, then consider Poco F4 for fast wired charging.
- How important is fast charging vs. high quality image capturing? If fast charging is critical, then the Poco F4 is the better choice. If the higher resolution camera is a priority, the Mi 11 is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: You are a content creator/media consumer. Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11. The superior display and camera features are crucial for your use case.
Scenario 2: You are a gamer/everyday user who needs a fast phone. Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco F4. The faster charging, performance and audio makes this better for everyday use and gaming.
Scenario 3: You want the best value phone for less. Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11. Likely to be cheaper than the newer Poco F4, with better screen, main camera, and versatile charging options.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11. While the Poco F4 offers faster charging and slightly better performance, the Mi 11's superior display, higher-resolution main camera, 8K video recording, wireless charging capabilities, better screen protection and heart rate sensor are more crucial for my needs. The improved visual experience, detailed images/videos, and more versatile charging make it a better fit. I'm willing to sacrifice the side-mounted fingerprint reader and faster wired charging for the higher-quality display and camera system. While the Poco F4 has some advantages, the Mi 11 edges ahead in the areas that matter more to my usage.
