1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | ZTE is slightly shorter, narrower, and thicker, which might result in a slightly different in-hand feel; not a major difference. |
| Weight | 196g | 204g | Xiaomi is lighter by 8g, which may be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.8" | Negligible size difference, both provide large screens for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1116x2480 | Xiaomi's higher resolution results in a sharper, more detailed image, especially noticeable when reading small text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 400 | Xiaomi's higher PPI means images and text look crisper; the difference in clarity will be noticeable to the eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1500 nits | Both offer excellent visibility in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | ZTE's newer chip offers better overall performance (faster app loading and smoother operation) and is more energy-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 1,061,300 | ZTE is noticeably faster in benchmarks, implying smoother performance during heavy usage and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | ZTE's GPU will provide better gaming performance and graphics rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 64MP | Xiaomi has higher resolution, allowing for more detailed photos and cropping possibilities. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.6 | ZTE's wider aperture allows more light in, which can lead to slightly better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.72" | Xiaomi's larger sensor captures more light, potentially leading to better overall image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | Xiaomi has slightly higher selfie resolution for more detailed images. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.0 | ZTE's wider selfie aperture can lead to brighter low-light selfies |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 64MP | ZTE offers optical zoom capabilities, while Xiaomi does not. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP | No | Xiaomi has a dedicated wide-angle camera for capturing more expansive scenes, while ZTE doesn't. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | No | 0.3MP | ZTE has a ToF sensor for depth mapping (potentially better portrait mode), while Xiaomi does not. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | No | Xiaomi has a dedicated macro lens for very close-up shots, while ZTE does not. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | 64MP | ZTE's single sensor for wide-angle and macro is potentially more versatile than Xiaomi's separate lenses. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps/30fps | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | Both offer high-quality video, but ZTE offers a higher frame rate at 4K. |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 112 (Photo 100, Video 133) | Not Available | Xiaomi selfie camera performance is measured; there is no data for ZTE. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 5000 mAh | ZTE has slightly larger battery, resulting in potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | ZTE charges slightly faster. |
| Features | 50W Wireless Charging, 10W Reverse Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | Xiaomi offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added flexibility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | ZTE has newer Android version out of the box. Xiaomi has potential for longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC) | 5.2 (A2DP, LE) | Xiaomi has better audio codec support for better Bluetooth audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1) | Xiaomi offers potentially more accurate positioning through a broader range of satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1024GB | ZTE offers higher storage options, better for storing large amounts of data like photos and videos. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB, 12GB, 16GB, or 18GB | ZTE offers more RAM options for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both have stereo speakers, ZTE has better surround sound, better voice capture. Xiaomi has hi-res audio support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both use basic fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi provides better screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Heart Rate; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Xiaomi offers a more comprehensive set of sensors, including heart rate monitoring. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density offer a noticeably clearer viewing experience, especially for reading and detailed images.
- Wider Range of Sensors: Includes heart rate monitor and compass for more advanced features, plus an ultrasonic proximity sensor.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging.
- Better Bluetooth Audio Codec Support: Offers high-quality audio playback for Bluetooth headphones.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, provides better screen protection.
- More detailed selfie camera: Higher resolution selfie camera
- Software Support: Has better software support for Android 14.
- More accurate positioning: Supports more satellite systems for better GPS performance.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Advantages:
- Better Performance: Newer, more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides smoother performance, particularly in demanding tasks like gaming.
- Higher AnTuTu Benchmark Score: Significantly faster performance, translating into quicker app loading and better responsiveness.
- Better Camera Features: Wider aperture, optical zoom, and versatile wide-angle/macro lens.
- Better Selfie Camera Low-Light Capability: Wider aperture of the selfie camera
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Larger battery and faster charging allow for longer usage and quicker top-ups.
- Higher RAM Options: Up to 18GB RAM for extreme multitasking capabilities.
- Greater Internal Storage Options: Up to 1TB of storage for those who need more space for apps and media.
- More advanced audio: Enhanced surround sound with DTS/ DTS-X and better voice capture.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11 sacrifices performance and battery capacity for a sharper display, wireless charging, and better audio codecs.
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra sacrifices the sharper display and broader sensor suite for better performance, longer battery life, and more versatile camera features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal Users:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize display clarity for watching videos, reading, and browsing.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality audio playback through Bluetooth.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those interested in having a more comprehensive suite of sensors, including a heart rate monitor and compass.
- Selfie Focused Users: People who like taking high-resolution selfies.
Use Cases:
- Content Creation and Consumption: Enjoying high-resolution media and detailed content.
- Travel and Navigation: Utilizing comprehensive GPS systems for reliable navigation.
- Fitness Enthusiasts: Utilizing the heart rate monitor for tracking workouts.
- On-the-go Convenience: Taking advantage of wireless and reverse wireless charging.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Users who prioritize performance and smooth gaming experiences.
- Power Users: Users who need extensive multitasking and fast performance for productivity.
- Mobile Photographers: Users who value versatile camera features, including telephoto zoom, wide-angle, and macro capabilities.
- Users who take lots of videos or video content creators: Prefer higher frame rate during video recording.
Use Cases:
- Gaming: Demanding mobile games that require high performance.
- Professional Photography: Taking advantage of optical zoom and versatile camera setup for various scenarios.
- Productivity: Multitasking between apps, handling large documents, and utilizing fast processing.
- Extensive Media Consumption: Users with lots of downloaded movies and videos due to the high storage options.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize display quality or performance? If the sharpest display is a must, go with Xiaomi. If you want the best performance for gaming and other demanding tasks, go with ZTE.
- How important is wireless charging? If it's a must-have, Xiaomi is the clear choice.
- What camera features do you value most? If optical zoom and versatility are essential, go with the ZTE. If you prefer high-resolution standard lens and wide-angle, go with the Xiaomi.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming: Choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra for its superior performance, more RAM, and faster charging.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption & Reading: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 for its sharper display and richer audio experience.
- Scenario 3: Everyday Use with Versatile Camera Needs: Choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra due to the versatile camera system and large storage options, especially if you use your phone for professional work.
- Scenario 4: Fitness and Tech Enthusiast: Choose Xiaomi Mi 11 because of its comprehensive range of sensors (including heart-rate) and better Bluetooth audio support, as well as the wireless charging feature.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. My reasoning is that while the Xiaomi Mi 11's sharper display is appealing, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's significantly better performance, more versatile camera, larger battery, and faster charging align more closely with my typical use case. I prioritize responsiveness and longevity when using my phone, and the ZTE seems better suited for that, especially as someone who engages in mobile gaming on occasion. Additionally, the wider aperture on the selfie camera and better audio codecs, combined with the versatile camera system on the ZTE, makes it a more appealing device overall. While the higher resolution display and wireless charging are nice to have, they don't outweigh the benefits I would get from the ZTE, particularly if I were to use my phone for creative purposes.
