1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Redmi 10A | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.1 mm | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm | Mi 11 is slightly slimmer and narrower, potentially more comfortable in hand. Redmi 10A is slightly thicker and wider, may feel bulkier |
| Weight | 196g | 194g | Virtually identical weight, not a noticeable difference in hand |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Unknown | Mi 11 has superior screen protection, likely more resistant to scratches and drops |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Redmi 10A | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.53" | Mi 11 has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. Redmi 10A slightly more compact, easier for single-hand use |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 720 x 1600 | Mi 11 significantly sharper display with higher pixel density, clearer text and images. Redmi 10A appears noticeably less sharp |
| PPI | 515 | 269 | Mi 11 offers significantly crisper details and text, essential for high-quality viewing |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Mi 11 provides deeper blacks, vibrant colours, better contrast, and improved power efficiency for dark modes, superior viewing experience. Redmi 10A is an LCD which doesn't provide the same level of image quality |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Mi 11 has noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, feels more responsive. Redmi 10A feels less smooth, especially when navigating or gaming |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 is far more usable outdoors in bright sunlight. Redmi 10A lacks information on brightness making outdoor visibility a significant issue |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Redmi 10A | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | MediaTek Helio G25 (12nm) | Mi 11 offers significantly faster processing for demanding tasks, smoother multitasking, better gaming. Redmi 10A is slower, struggles with heavy apps and gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 102,778 | Mi 11 performs dramatically better across the board, making the phone more responsive. Redmi 10A is much slower, shows in everyday tasks |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | PowerVR GE8320 | Mi 11 provides superior graphics for gaming and video editing. Redmi 10A has significantly lower performance when gaming |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Redmi 10A | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" sensor, 0.8µm pixels | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.0µm pixels | Mi 11 captures significantly more detail, better low-light performance, and better dynamic range. Redmi 10A will have a noticeable reduction in image quality |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" sensor, 0.8µm pixels | 5MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | Mi 11 takes much sharper selfies with more detail. Redmi 10A will have images with reduced quality |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06" sensor, 1.12µm pixels | None | Mi 11 allows you to capture more in your photos. Redmi 10A does not have this feature |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi 10A can capture portrait photos with a shallow depth of field. Mi 11 does not have this feature |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5" sensor, 1.12µm pixels | None | Mi 11 allows for detailed close-up shots. Redmi 10A does not have this feature |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps, HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Mi 11 supports professional-grade video recording with high resolution, stabilization, and slow-motion capabilities. Redmi 10A limited to basic video capture |
| DXOMARK Selfie | Overall: 112, Photo: 100, Video: 133 | Not Tested | Mi 11 has significantly better selfie camera performance, both photo and video quality. Redmi 10A has not been tested, thus cannot be compared with actual performance |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K video, OIS, Laser AF, RAW | Basic features | Mi 11 offers advanced features like optical image stabilization, and RAW capture for professionals. Redmi 10A is basic and for casual capture |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Redmi 10A | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 5000 mAh | Redmi 10A may have slightly longer battery life, but this can be significantly impacted by other factors |
| Charging | 55W fast charging | 10W fast charging | Mi 11 charges much faster, minimizing downtime. Redmi 10A will take considerably longer to charge |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging | None | Mi 11 offers the convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging. Redmi 10A does not have these features |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Redmi 10A | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 11 | Mi 11 has confirmed OS updates up to Android 14, and is therefore more future-proof. Redmi 10A has no information on updates |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-band, MIMO | 802.11n | Mi 11 offers faster and more stable WiFi connections. Redmi 10A has older WiFi standard offering slower speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE, AptX, LDAC | 5.0 LE, EDR | Mi 11 has newer Bluetooth for better connectivity and audio codecs. Redmi 10A has an older bluetooth standard |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a), Beidou (B1,B2), NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Mi 11 has superior GPS functionality with more satellite systems for better accuracy. Redmi 10A offers basic GPS functionality |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 32/64/128 GB | Mi 11 has options for higher storage. Redmi 10A has lower base storage and limited options |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 2/3/4/6 GB | Mi 11 is much better for heavy multitasking and running demanding apps. Redmi 10A may struggle when running multiple apps simultaneously |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones do not allow for expandable storage |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, Hi-Res audio | Basic audio | Mi 11 has a much better audio experience. Redmi 10A will not offer good audio quality |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Similar basic security experience, fingerprint is used for biometric unlock |
| Sensors | Heart Rate, Gyroscope, Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity | Accelerometer, Proximity | Mi 11 has a much wider set of sensors for better functionality, gaming, and health tracking. Redmi 10A has a minimal set of sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness lead to an incredible visual experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 888 provides flagship-level performance, allowing for seamless multitasking and demanding games.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers vastly superior image and video quality, with many additional features and modes for professional capture.
- Faster Charging: 55W wired and 50W wireless charging provides significantly quicker charging times.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio support create a much better audio experience.
- More Future-proof: With confirmed OS updates, and high-end specs, the phone will remain capable for a longer time
Xiaomi Redmi 10A Advantages:
- Marginally Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers slightly better battery life, though this is less significant due to its other specs.
- Affordability: Redmi 10A is significantly cheaper than Mi 11, making it accessible for users on a budget.
- Portrait Depth Camera: Offers basic portrait shots, missing in the Mi 11.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11: Significantly more expensive. Less battery capacity.
- Redmi 10A: Massive performance and display quality compromise. Very basic camera capabilities, which lack many features found in the Mi 11. Significantly slower charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Ideal Users:
- Power users seeking top-tier performance and features
- Gamers looking for a smooth and responsive gaming experience
- Photography enthusiasts who need high-quality images and video capabilities
- Media consumers who value a vibrant and sharp display
- Use Cases:
- High-end gaming with demanding graphics
- Professional photography and videography
- Heavy multitasking with demanding applications
- Enjoying multimedia content with high fidelity
- Value: High price, but offers premium experience, justifying the cost for users with specific requirements
Xiaomi Redmi 10A:
- Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious buyers who need a functional smartphone
- Users with basic needs for calling, messaging, and casual browsing
- Those who prioritize battery life over performance
- Users who are not demanding regarding camera features
- Use Cases:
- Basic social media browsing and messaging
- Simple tasks, such as calls, emails, and web browsing
- Everyday mobile use without the need for intensive performance
- Value: Extremely affordable, offering basic functionality, therefore a good budget choice.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Mi 11 is considerably more expensive, while the Redmi 10A is budget-friendly.
- How important is performance? The Mi 11 excels at intensive tasks, while the Redmi 10A is designed for basic use.
- What is your display and camera needs? The Mi 11 provides a significantly better visual experience and much better photography capabilities, while the Redmi 10A is very basic in these two areas.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the primary concern, and basic smartphone functions are enough.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi 10A. It provides essential smartphone functionalities at a very low price point.
- Scenario 2: Performance, camera quality, and an immersive display are crucial for a good user experience.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11. It is much more powerful and has a more advanced camera system and display.
- Scenario 3: Good balance between features and price is required, not going all the way for performance and camera, but going a bit better than basic.
- Recommendation: Neither of these two models are good options. The Mi 11 is much more expensive, and the Redmi 10A is much lower performing. An alternative should be considered
My Choice
Given the choice between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11.
Here's why:
As an expert smartphone analyst, I value performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. The Mi 11 offers a significant leap in all of these aspects compared to the Redmi 10A. While the Redmi 10A is appealing due to its lower price, its compromises in key areas such as processing speed, display quality, and camera capabilities would significantly impact my user experience and usage.
Specifically:
- The Snapdragon 888 chipset in the Mi 11 provides superior performance. As a heavy user, I run many apps, some which are demanding, the Mi 11 would handle this without a struggle, while the Redmi 10A would struggle significantly.
- The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate would make content consumption smoother and much more enjoyable. The Redmi 10A's basic LCD display simply won't measure up.
- The camera system on the Mi 11 is much more versatile and capable. The video quality, many modes, and much better image sensors are a significant improvement over the Redmi 10A.
- The much faster charging speeds in the Mi 11 would help reduce downtime.
- The better sensors, wireless charging, and more capable WiFi and Bluetooth support on the Mi 11 are extra benefits.
Although the Mi 11 is more expensive, for me the improvements in overall performance, display quality, and camera performance are worth the extra cost, considering the longevity and improved daily user experience.
