Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Xiaomi Redmi A3
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Redmi A3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 168.3 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | Mi 11 is slightly smaller and thinner, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use. A3 is larger and a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 196g | 193g | Both have similar weights, unlikely to feel a significant difference in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.71" | Negligible size difference. Both offer a large screen suitable for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1650 | Mi 11 has significantly sharper, more detailed images. A3’s display will appear noticeably less crisp. |
| PPI | 515 | 268 | Mi 11 has much higher pixel density, resulting in significantly clearer text and images. A3 has a lower clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Mi 11's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, richer colors, and better contrast, superior viewing experience. A3's LCD has lower contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mi 11’s display is smoother, especially when scrolling and playing fast-paced games. A3 display will not feel as fluid. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 is much brighter and easily usable under direct sunlight. Xiaomi Redmi A3's brightness is not listed, which might indicate very limited visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Helio G36 (12nm) | Mi 11 offers significantly faster performance. A3 is adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with demanding apps and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 127,000 | Mi 11 is significantly faster and more responsive overall. A3 is limited to very basic usage due to lower processing power. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | PowerVR GE8320 | Mi 11 has significantly better graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay. A3 is not suitable for high-end gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi A3 may offer slightly better battery life due to the bigger battery, but the difference may be minimal due to other factors. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | Mi 11 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. A3's charging is quite slow. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | None | Mi 11 provides more charging convenience (wireless, reverse) and has a more advanced battery technology compared to A3. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP f/1.85 | 8MP f/2.0 | Mi 11 captures much more detailed and higher quality photos, especially in low light. A3’s camera is suitable for casual shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP f/2.3 | 5MP f/2.2 | Mi 11 captures sharper and more detailed selfies. A3 has very basic front camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP f/2.3 | None | Mi 11 provides an option for wide angle photography, while A3 doesn't offer a wide-angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.0 | None | Mi 11 provides the ability to take detailed close-up photos, which A3 lacks entirely. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24/30/60fps | 1080p@30fps | Mi 11 records videos in much higher quality, suitable for more advanced video creation. A3 video is limited. |
| DXOMark | Selfie: 112 | Mobile: 45 | Mi 11 selfie camera is vastly superior. A3's overall mobile camera score is very low. |
| Features | OIS, 8K Video | None | Mi 11 has a much more versatile camera system suitable for a wide array of scenarios, including stabilized video recordings. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | A3 has a more recent version of Android out of the box. Mi 11 can also upgrade to Android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Mi 11 offers faster and more stable Wi-Fi connections, better performance in crowded networks. A3 Wi-Fi is slower |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 LE | Both have similar capabilities. A3 has a newer version which may offer marginally better power efficiency. |
| GPS | Advanced (Dual Band) | Basic | Mi 11 has more accurate location tracking due to more supported satellites. A3 GPS is not as accurate. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support two SIM cards active at the same time |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | Mi 11 offers significantly more internal storage capacity, allowing for more apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 3GB/4GB/6GB | Mi 11 has more RAM for smoother multitasking and better app performance. A3 may struggle with multiple apps running. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Features | Mi 11 offers a far superior audio experience, including high-quality audio and immersive sound. A3 has basic audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Redmi A3 features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Mi 11 offers much better protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Motion, Proximity | Mi 11 is equipped with a far more comprehensive suite of sensors, for better usability of advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, higher refresh rate, and brightness for superior viewing experience.
- Much Higher Performance: Much more powerful chipset, resulting in significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, optical image stabilization (OIS), 8K video recording, and more camera features for professional-quality photos and videos.
- Faster Charging: 55W fast charging drastically reduces charging time, and includes wireless charging capabilities
- Superior Audio: Features stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio for much better audio quality
Better Build Quality: Features Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
More Sensors: Equipped with more advanced sensors for comprehensive tracking and features.
Xiaomi Redmi A3 Advantages:
- Newer OS: Comes with a newer version of Android (14) out of the box, potentially providing the latest features.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Offers slightly longer battery life than Mi 11, but this may be minimal in real-world use, due to the higher efficiency of the Mi 11 chipset.
- Lower Cost: A3 is typically much more affordable.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11: Significantly higher price point and slightly older OS (although upgradable), with a slightly smaller battery.
- Redmi A3: Compromises on almost all aspects, including performance, display, and camera, for the sake of budget-friendliness.
- Mi 11: It lacks a headphone jack, and expandable storage
- Redmi A3: Does not feature advanced features such as wireless charging, Hi-Res audio and has less processing power.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 - Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who demand high performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Individuals who want a high-quality camera system for taking professional-grade photos and videos.
- Multimedia Consumers: People who enjoy watching videos, movies, and playing games with a high-quality display and audio.
- Users who want fast charging: Individuals who value quick charging and wireless charging capabilities.
- Users who value build quality: People who prioritize better drop and scratch protection
Specific Use Cases for Mi 11:
- Playing graphically intensive games with high frame rates and visuals.
- Editing 4K or 8K videos for professional content creation.
- Viewing high-resolution media with superior color accuracy and brightness.
- Multitasking between demanding apps with minimal lag.
- Capturing detailed photos in various lighting conditions, including low-light scenarios.
Xiaomi Redmi A3 - Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who are looking for an affordable smartphone for basic tasks and general use.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for browsing the internet, social media, calling and light messaging.
- First-Time Smartphone Owners: People who are new to smartphones and need an easy-to-use, reliable device.
- Users on a tight budget: Those who want a phone to meet daily needs and aren't concerned with premium features.
Specific Use Cases for Redmi A3:
- Basic web browsing and social media scrolling.
- Simple messaging and calling.
- Casual photography in well-lit conditions.
- Everyday tasks such as emails and note-taking.
- Streaming videos and music, if the user isn't particular about the display quality and sound.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Mi 11: Offers high performance, a premium display and camera, and other advanced features for a higher price. Delivers excellent value for those who need a high-end smartphone.
- Redmi A3: Provides basic functionality at a very affordable price. Offers good value for its target audience: those seeking an affordable option.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- What is your budget? The Mi 11 will be significantly more expensive than the Redmi A3.
- What are your primary use cases? Are you primarily using your phone for basic tasks or demanding tasks such as gaming and photo/video editing?
- How important is the display and camera quality to you? The Mi 11 offers a much better viewing and photography experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming Enthusiast: If you play a lot of demanding mobile games, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the clear winner with much better performance and a high-refresh-rate display.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Buyer: If budget is your primary concern and you are just looking for an affordable and basic smartphone for calls and basic tasks, the Redmi A3 is a suitable choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography Lover: If you value taking high-quality photos and videos, especially in low light, the Mi 11 is the significantly better option.
- Scenario 4: Multimedia Fan: If you enjoy watching movies and streaming content on your phone, the Mi 11 will give you a much more pleasant viewing experience thanks to its AMOLED display and better audio.
- Scenario 5: General Daily Use: If you need a reliable phone for daily tasks, then consider how important quality of life features such as screen quality, and charging speed, which is where Mi 11 will excel compared to Redmi A3.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi Mi 11. While it's an older phone, the differences in its display quality, processing power, camera system, and charging speed are so significant that they outweigh the newer OS and slightly bigger battery of the Redmi A3. I prioritize high-quality display, smooth performance, and camera capabilities, as I frequently use my phone for watching videos, editing photos, and playing games. The additional features like wireless charging, stereo speakers, and a better build quality also make a substantial difference in the daily usability of the device. Though I would be buying a slightly older phone, I find the advantages of Mi 11 to significantly outweigh those of Redmi A3, while also keeping in mind that Mi 11 can upgrade to Android 14.
