Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-01 | 2021-11-11 | Poco M4 Pro 5G is newer by approximately 10 months, indicating potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 163.6 × 75.8 × 8.8 mm | Mi 11 is slightly thinner; Poco M4 Pro 5G is a bit wider and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 196g | 195g | Virtually identical weight, negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.6" | Mi 11 provides a slightly larger screen, which is better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Mi 11 offers a significantly sharper display with much more detail, noticeable in reading text and viewing high-resolution images/videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 399 | Mi 11 has a noticeably sharper display; text and images appear clearer and more refined. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Mi 11 has superior display technology with deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors, resulting in a richer viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mi 11 has slightly smoother scrolling and animations, especially beneficial during fast-paced games and transitions. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11's high brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility even in direct sunlight, a major advantage for outdoor use. Note: Poco M4 Pro 5G brightness data is missing, but it's likely below the Mi 11. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mi 11 has a significantly more powerful chipset, providing much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 806,139 | 438,700 | Mi 11 shows much better benchmark performance, leading to snappier and smoother overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mi 11's GPU is more powerful, delivering superior gaming performance and graphics rendering capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M4 Pro 5G has a larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life, but the difference may be marginal in real use. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Mi 11 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and offering a quicker top-up. |
| Battery Features | 50W wireless charging, 10W reverse charging, 2x2250mAh | Non-removable | Mi 11 has wireless and reverse charging, adding flexibility and convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.85, 1/1.33") | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | Mi 11 captures more detailed photos with a larger sensor, offering superior low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.3, 1/3.4") | 16MP (f/2.45, 1/3.06") | Mi 11's selfie camera offers higher resolution and a slightly wider aperture, while the Poco has slightly larger pixels. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.3, 1/3.06") | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | Mi 11's wide-angle lens has higher resolution, while the Poco's has a slightly wider aperture and larger sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | None | Mi 11 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | Mi 11 is capable of recording high-quality video with 8K and 4K options; the Poco is limited to 1080p. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Mi 11 offers electronic image stabilization for videos, resulting in smoother and less shaky videos. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Laser AF, RAW, etc. | Exposure Compensation, Night Mode, etc. | Mi 11 has additional features suitable for professional photography. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Mi 11 is upgradable to Android 14, which implies longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi MiMO | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Mi 11 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, providing faster internet speeds and more stable connection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | Mi 11 offers a newer Bluetooth version, potentially better connectivity and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Mi 11 supports more satellite systems, which increases the accuracy and reliability of location services. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both have up to 256GB of storage. Poco offers a 64 GB base model. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Mi 11 offers more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking and better performance in memory-intensive tasks. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, users must consider their storage needs when selecting the phone. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Poco M4 Pro offers an enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Poco offers a more advanced and ergonomic approach. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Mi 11 offers significantly more durable screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| 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 adds a heart rate sensor, useful for health monitoring. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness provides a noticeably better viewing experience, especially for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Much More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides substantially faster performance, suitable for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: The 108MP main camera, along with higher quality video recording (up to 8K) and additional lenses like Macro lens and OIS deliver a better overall photography and videography experience.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 55W wired and 50W wireless charging capabilities significantly reduce charging times and provide flexibility.
- Better Software Support: Upgradable to Android 14, extending the life and features of the device.
- Advanced Connectivity: Better wifi and GPS.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior protection.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Potentially Longer Battery Life: The larger 5000mAh battery might provide slightly better battery life for some use cases.
- Dolby Atmos Support: Provides an enhanced audio experience for content consumption.
- More Affordable: Generally positioned as a more budget-friendly option.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint: Often preferred for its ergonomic design and faster access.
- More storage options: 64GB, 128GB and 256GB variants
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Mi 11's higher cost is balanced by superior performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- The Poco M4 Pro 5G's more affordable price point comes at the cost of a weaker processor, lower-resolution display, and a less sophisticated camera system.
- The Mi 11, despite its advanced features, has a smaller battery capacity and may not last as long on a single charge as the Poco M4 Pro 5G.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand high performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of videos, movies, and games, appreciating the superior display quality.
- Photography and Videography Fans: Users who want a capable camera with advanced features for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Users who prefer fast charging and wireless charging: For those who value the convenience of these features.
- Users who value a premium build quality and display protection: For those who tend to be more rough with their devices.
Use Cases for Mi 11:
- Gaming with demanding games at high settings.
- Editing photos/videos on the go.
- Watching HDR content with vivid colors and deep blacks.
- Taking photos and videos with high detail even in low light.
- Long days with a quick recharge using fast charging or wireless.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Individuals looking for a decent smartphone at a more affordable price point.
- Everyday Users: Users who primarily use their phones for social media, browsing, calls, and basic photography.
- Users who want a side mounted fingerprint sensor: For those who value this more convenient style.
- Users who want slightly longer battery life: Those that cannot charge often during the day.
- Users that want a 64GB Base model: The Mi 11 base model has double storage for extra cost.
Use Cases for Poco M4 Pro 5G:
- Casual gaming, social media browsing, and communication.
- Daily photography with good image quality in adequate light.
- Watching videos and movies with Dolby Atmos audio.
- Those who need a reliable daily phone with good battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Mi 11 is typically more expensive; if budget is a primary concern, the Poco M4 Pro 5G may be more suitable.
- How important is display quality and performance? If you value top-tier display and processing power for gaming or intensive tasks, the Mi 11 is the clear choice.
- How important is battery life and charging speed If you value a slightly larger battery and can settle for slower charging speeds, the Poco M4 Pro 5G might be more suitable. However, if fast and wireless charging is important, the Mi 11 is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance Gaming and Media: Choose the Mi 11 for its superior chipset, screen, and audio.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Daily Use: Choose the Poco M4 Pro 5G as it provides adequate functionality at a lower cost.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Mi 11, as it provides a better camera system with more features and better quality.
- Scenario 4: Battery Focused: The Poco M4 Pro 5G may last longer; however, the difference may be small.
Personal Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11. Although it is an older device, it still boasts a vastly superior display, significantly higher performance, and a much more capable camera system. My preference is for a top-tier display for media consumption and gaming, and the Mi 11 excels in this area. Additionally, the faster charging, wireless charging capabilities, and superior screen protection are important features that I value. While it comes at a higher cost, the enhanced user experience and the longevity that the Android 14 compatibility brings outweighs the price difference for my use case.
