1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Mi 11 and Xiaomi Poco F4 GT specifications, focusing on their real-world impact:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 162.5 × 76.7 × 8.5 mm | Mi 11 is taller but narrower, Poco F4 GT is wider and thicker; Mi 11 might feel slightly more comfortable in one hand, while Poco F4 GT might feel more substantial. |
| Weight | 196g | 210g | The Mi 11 is slightly lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no special form factors. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.67" | Mi 11 offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive content viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | Mi 11 has a significantly sharper display with more detail; text and images will appear crisper. |
| PPI | 515 | 395 | Mi 11's higher pixel density leads to a noticeably clearer and more detailed display, particularly noticeable in text and fine details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 excels in bright outdoor conditions, offering much better visibility. Poco F4 GT brightness is unknown. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Poco F4 GT's newer chipset offers faster processing, better performance in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 1,178,365 | Poco F4 GT offers a significant performance advantage for smoother day to day use, faster app loading and better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Poco F4 GT's more powerful GPU results in better graphics performance, particularly in gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" | 64MP, f/1.73, 1/1.7" | Mi 11’s larger sensor size and higher megapixel count offer more detailed images with better low-light performance. Poco F4 GT has wider aperture, but less sensor size and megapixel count. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2" | Poco F4 GT has a larger sensor which should result in improved light capture; Mi 11 has wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | Mi 11 has higher resolution, larger sensor; Poco F4 GT has slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5" | 2MP, f/2.4 | Mi 11's macro lens will capture more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K HDR, 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Mi 11 offers higher video resolution for professional use cases. Both provide good recording quality |
| Features | OIS, Ultra stable video, Laser AF, RAW | Gimbal, Laser AF, Flicker sensor, Night Mode | Mi 11 has optical stabilization and RAW support; Poco F4 GT has gimbal stabilization, flicker sensor and night mode. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 112 | N/A | Mi 11 selfie camera has been tested and performed well in the DxOMark test. Poco F4 GT has no data for its selfie camera. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4700mAh | Both should offer similar battery life for a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 55W, 50W wireless | 120W wired | Poco F4 GT charges much faster, beneficial for users needing to top up quickly. Mi 11 offers wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Features | Reverse, wireless | Non-removable | Mi 11 offers more charging flexibility. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density lead to a sharper, more detailed visual experience. The higher brightness is very important for outdoor visibility.
- Camera Versatility: Better primary sensor, higher resolution wide angle and macro lenses, offering more detailed images. Also offers 8K video, OIS, RAW support.
- Charging Flexibility: Offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, adding convenience for users on-the-go.
- Extra Sensors: Heart Rate sensor is useful for fitness tracking.
Xiaomi Poco F4 GT Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Newer, more powerful chipset and GPU provide smoother, more responsive performance, particularly in gaming.
- Faster Charging: 120W fast charging allows for very quick battery top-ups.
- Gaming-Focused Features: Gimbal stabilization, making video shooting while moving easier, and a flicker sensor for better display in some situations.
Trade-offs:
- The Mi 11 trades processing power and fast charging for a superior display, higher resolution camera, and charging flexibility.
- The Poco F4 GT sacrifices display sharpness, camera versatility, wireless charging, and some extra sensors for raw performance and quick charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User:
- Content Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for video streaming, reading, and browsing.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value detailed photos and videos with advanced features such as OIS and 8K recording.
- Users valuing convenience: Those who value wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, and can accept that the overall performance won't be as good as the Poco F4 GT
- Users who want a slightly lighter phone
Use Cases:
- Enjoying high-resolution movies and TV shows.
- Capturing detailed photographs and videos.
- Long-term use, where display clarity is important.
- Travelers who need flexibility in charging options.
- Those who will use the heart rate sensor for fitness tracking
Xiaomi Poco F4 GT Ideal User:
- Mobile Gamers: Users who prioritize maximum performance for demanding games and smooth frame rates.
- Power Users: Those who need fast processing and quick battery top-ups, and who don't mind sacrificing some image quality and display sharpness.
- Users who like fast charging: People who need quick charging times for a busy lifestyle.
- Users who record videos while moving: The gimbal stabilization will improve the video quality and reduce blur.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Heavy multitasking between resource-intensive apps.
- Users who will benefit from the better audio separation provided by Dolby Atmos
- Quickly charging their phone between tasks.
- Shooting videos while moving
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The price to value ratio is hard to measure, as it depends on which country and shop you buy from. However, both of them tend to be at a similar price range, with the Poco F4 GT being slightly more expensive on average.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions before choosing:
- How important is display quality? If you need the sharpest display with great outdoor visibility, the Mi 11 is superior.
- How much do you value processing power and gaming performance? If raw performance is paramount, the Poco F4 GT is a clear winner.
- Which camera features are most important to you? Consider whether you need OIS and 8K on the Mi 11, or if you value gimbal stabilization and night mode on the Poco F4 GT. Also, the Poco F4 GT camera sensor is smaller, so consider if it has adequate image quality for your needs.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you need a great all-round phone with the best display: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11.
- If you are a gamer who wants the best possible performance and fastest charging: Choose the Xiaomi Poco F4 GT.
- If you prioritize photography with advanced features like 8k, OIS and RAW shooting: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11
- If you are a videographer and need gimbal stabilization for videos while moving: Choose the Xiaomi Poco F4 GT.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11.
Here's why:
- Superior display: The higher resolution, pixel density and brightness are very important for me. I read a lot on my phone and watch lots of videos, and the Mi 11 will provide a much better experience in these use cases.
- Camera quality: I prefer the Mi 11's larger camera sensor and higher resolution for better images. I also prefer OIS and RAW image support. The Poco F4 GT camera is also decent, but I think the Mi 11 is more versatile.
- Wireless charging flexibility: The wireless charging capabilities of the Mi 11 offer convenience, which I find useful.
- Overall package: The Mi 11 is a great all-round phone that offers good performance.
While the Poco F4 GT is better for gaming and for users who need the fastest charging, I feel the Mi 11 offers the better user experience for my specific needs.
