Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Xiaomi Poco M4 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-01 | 2022-10-07 | Mi 11 is older, Poco M4 5G is newer, likely with more recent software features and potentially better support. |
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 164 × 76.1 × 8.9 mm | Mi 11 is slightly slimmer, while the Poco M4 5G is a bit wider and thicker, impacting in-hand feel and pocketability; Both have a similar height. |
| Weight | 196g | 200g | Virtually identical weight; negligible difference in daily use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.58" | Mi 11 has a slightly larger display; better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2408 | Mi 11 has significantly sharper and more detailed visuals, better for viewing high-resolution content. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 401 ppi | Mi 11 has noticeably crisper text and images; higher visual clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Mi 11 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes than the LCD of the Poco M4 5G. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mi 11 has smoother scrolling and animations, improving the user experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 has dramatically better visibility in bright sunlight, while the Poco M4 5G’s brightness is not available. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mi 11's chipset offers much faster processing, smoother multitasking and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 381,300 | Mi 11 provides significantly better overall performance, faster app loading times and smoother performance for demanding applications and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mi 11 is capable of handling more graphic intensive tasks with superior performance than the Poco M4 5G. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M4 5G has a slightly larger battery which may translate to slightly longer battery life, but this is also dependent on display and chipset efficiency. |
| Charging | 55W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Mi 11 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wireless, 2*2250mAh | Reverse Charging | Mi 11 offers more convenient charging options with both wireless and reverse wireless capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" sensor | 13MP, f/2.2 | Mi 11 captures significantly more detailed photos with better low-light performance thanks to the larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Selfie | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" sensor | 5MP, f/2.2 | Mi 11 captures much more detailed selfies with a larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06" sensor | None | Mi 11 captures wider field of view photos, good for landscapes and group photos. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Poco M4 5G has a dedicated depth sensor to enhance portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5" sensor | None | Mi 11 captures detailed close-up shots of small objects. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps, HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Mi 11 captures higher-quality videos with more detail, smoother footage, and advanced features for professional-level content creation. |
| DxOMark Selfie | Overall: 112, Photo: 100, Video: 133 | Not Available | Mi 11 has a verified and higher quality selfie camera, Poco M4 5G has no available scores |
| Camera Features | OIS, Laser AF, RAW, Ultra-stable video | Night Mode, Exposure Compensation | Mi 11 has a wider array of advanced photography features; the Poco M4 5G offers more basic features for point-and-shoot experiences. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 | Poco M4 5G has a newer version of Android out of the box, however, the Mi 11 is upgradeable to Android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Mi 11 supports newer WiFi standards, providing faster speeds and more efficient connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | 5.1, EDR, HID | Mi 11 supports more advanced Bluetooth audio codecs for higher quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Fewer satellite systems | Mi 11 offers more precise and accurate location tracking, particularly in challenging environments. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 64GB or 128GB | Mi 11 offers more storage space, suitable for larger media libraries and more apps. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 4GB or 6GB | Mi 11 handles more demanding tasks with more RAM, offering a smoother experience and better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Basic Audio | Mi 11 provides better audio quality with immersive sound and improved voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Poco M4 5G offers a more convenient and faster fingerprint unlock. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Mi 11 offers superior screen scratch and drop protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Heart Rate, Ultrasonic virtual proximity sensor | Proximity sensor | Xiaomi Mi 11 has additional sensors for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, higher refresh rate, and much higher brightness result in a significantly better viewing experience.
- Exceptional Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers a huge performance advantage, excelling in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- High-End Camera System: Features a much higher resolution main camera, wide-angle lens, and superior video capabilities, better for photography and videography.
- Faster Charging: Offers significantly faster wired charging and the convenience of wireless charging.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior screen protection
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G Advantages:
- Newer Software: Launched with a more recent version of Android, though Mi 11 is upgradeable.
- Marginally Larger Battery: May offer slightly longer battery life than the Mi 11 based on battery capacity, but this is heavily impacted by efficiency.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint: Can be more convenient for some users.
- Portrait (depth) camera: allows portrait mode photos
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Older phone, potentially higher price and may have some components that are more prone to failure based on age.
- Xiaomi Poco M4 5G: Compromises significantly on display, performance, and camera quality for a more budget-friendly approach.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Those who demand the best performance for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive apps.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for media consumption.
- Photography and Videography Lovers: Users who require a versatile and capable camera system.
- Users who appreciate premium design and build quality: Higher quality materials, better screen protection
- Users who prefer convenient charging options: wireless charging and reverse wireless charging
Use Cases:
- Gaming on high settings, video editing, professional photography, high-resolution streaming, or use in bright sunlight.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking an affordable 5G smartphone with a decent display and battery life.
- Casual Users: Users who primarily browse the web, use social media, and make calls.
- Users who want basic phone functionality and don’t need high-end features: Great for older individuals or people who aren’t familiar with more advanced smartphone features
- Users who want a larger battery: May offer slightly longer battery life
Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing, social media, calling, light gaming, and everyday tasks on a budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? If a vibrant, high-resolution display with excellent brightness is crucial, the Mi 11 is a much better choice.
- What is your performance priority? If demanding apps and gaming are important, the Mi 11 offers a significant performance leap.
- What is your camera usage? If photography and videography are important, the Mi 11 offers much more flexibility and better image quality.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance Needs: If you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, choose the Xiaomi Mi 11.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Choice: If your budget is tight and basic functionality is sufficient, choose the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G.
- Scenario 3: Multimedia Consumption: If you prioritize a high-quality display for streaming and watching videos, choose the Xiaomi Mi 11.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi Mi 11. The substantial improvements in display quality, processing power, and camera capabilities make it the superior choice for my needs. While it is an older phone, the upgrade to Android 14 will help to offset some of the software limitations. The significantly faster charging and wireless capabilities are also key considerations. While the Poco M4 5G is newer and has a slightly larger battery, the trade-offs in other areas are too significant to ignore. The Mi 11 remains a better overall package, especially for users who value performance and visual experience.
