1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | ZTE Blade A75 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 164.1 × 75.8 × 8.6 mm | Xiaomi is slightly narrower and thinner, potentially feeling more comfortable in hand for some users. |
| Weight | 196g | 189g | ZTE is marginally lighter, which might be noticeable during long usage sessions. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.6" | Xiaomi offers a slightly larger display, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 720 x 1612 | Xiaomi's display is significantly sharper, with much clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 515 | 267 | Xiaomi offers much higher pixel density, resulting in a far superior viewing experience, with less visible pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi's AMOLED provides deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors compared to ZTE's LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi's smoother refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi's display is much brighter, far more visible under direct sunlight, ZTE brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Xiaomi's chipset offers drastically higher performance, handling demanding apps and games with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 240,000 | Xiaomi provides much faster overall performance; loading apps quicker and with better responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Xiaomi's GPU is far more capable, resulting in significantly better graphics for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8 | Xiaomi can capture higher-resolution images and more detail. ZTE has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | 8MP | Xiaomi takes higher quality selfies with more detail and better clarity. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06" | None | Xiaomi offers wider angle shots; ZTE lacks this capability. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5" | None | Xiaomi enables dedicated close-up photography; ZTE lacks this capability. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24/30fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi offers vastly superior video recording quality, with 8k video and various frame rates. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | ZTE has a marginally larger battery, which might translate to slightly longer usage time |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wireless | 22.5W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges much faster, and offers additional wireless and reverse charging features. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | ZTE has a newer version out-of-the-box; but the Xiaomi may be more up-to-date after updates |
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Xiaomi supports newer Wi-Fi standards, enabling faster and more efficient connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Xiaomi has newer Bluetooth version with more codecs for better audio. |
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both devices offer same internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 4/8 GB | Xiaomi can provide better performance due to more RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via SD card. |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | DTS/DTS X | Xiaomi offers a richer audio experience with stereo speakers. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | ZTE has a more convenient side-mounted sensor, Xiaomi has a basic sensor type. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi offers superior screen protection against scratches and damage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, higher refresh rate and brightness result in a significantly better viewing experience.
- High-End Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers dramatically faster processing, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus wide-angle and macro lenses, offer far more flexibility and quality in photos and videos.
- Faster Charging: 55W wired and 50W wireless charging capability for significantly quicker charging times. Includes reverse charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers provide a richer and more immersive audio experience.
- Better Connectivity: Newer WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 standards offer faster and more reliable wireless connections.
- Advanced Sensors: Includes compass, heart rate, and ultrasonic proximity sensor, offering more features and utility.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better screen protection
Practical Implications: The Mi 11 is a flagship device aimed at users who demand the best performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. It is suitable for power users, gamers, and anyone who prioritizes a premium multimedia experience.
ZTE Blade A75 4G Advantages:
- Newer Android Version Out of the Box: Ships with a more recent version of Android (13), although the Xiaomi may catch up with updates.
- Potentially Longer Battery Life: Slightly larger battery capacity might provide marginally extended battery life, although this can be impacted by usage patterns.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More convenient placement for unlocking.
- Lower price: The ZTE is likely the more affordable device.
- Lighter: Marginally lighter than the Xiaomi.
Practical Implications: The Blade A75 4G is a budget-friendly device focused on basic smartphone functionality, suitable for users with simple needs or those on a tight budget.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 sacrifices battery capacity for vastly improved performance, display, and camera features.
- The ZTE Blade A75 4G offers a newer Android version, but compromises significantly in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who heavily multitask, use demanding apps, and play graphic-intensive games.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize high-quality video and audio for streaming movies, TV shows, and music.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value versatile camera systems and high-resolution images and videos.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate having the latest and greatest technology, features, and performance.
Use Cases:
- Professional photo and video editing on the go.
- Playing high-end mobile games at maximum settings.
- Streaming 4K video with HDR and high-fidelity audio.
- Running multiple apps simultaneously without lag.
ZTE Blade A75 4G Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Individuals who prioritize affordability over high-end features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Those who primarily use their phone for calling, texting, social media, and light browsing.
- First-Time Smartphone Owners: Users who are new to smartphones and do not require advanced features.
Use Cases:
- Casual browsing and social media usage.
- Making phone calls and sending text messages.
- Basic photography with decent image quality in good lighting conditions.
- Running simple apps and games.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The price difference between these phones can be significant, and this is a primary factor in choosing between the two.
- What do you primarily use your smartphone for? Heavy users of media, gaming, and photography need the Xiaomi, while basic users can manage well with the ZTE.
- How important is display quality and overall performance? The Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a vastly superior visual experience and processing speed.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance and Top-Tier Display: If you need a device that can handle heavy tasks and provide a great multimedia experience, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the only option.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Friendly and Basic Usage: If you want a basic phone that handles casual tasks, the ZTE Blade A75 4G is the more affordable and practical choice.
- Scenario 3: Balance between Performance and Affordability: If you require a decent level of performance and camera quality, but you are on a budget, then neither of these two is a good fit. You will need to consider other mid-range options.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11. While it is an older phone, its specifications and features are considerably superior to the ZTE Blade A75 4G in nearly every aspect that matters to me. My primary use case is heavy multitasking, media consumption (including streaming and high-fidelity audio), and photography. The Mi 11's display is far superior, performance is much faster, and the camera system is significantly more versatile. The slightly smaller battery is a compromise I would accept for the gains in overall user experience, especially with the much faster charging speeds. Though the ZTE is more affordable, the vast difference in overall functionality makes it an easy choice for me to pick the Xiaomi.
