1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature Category | Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.9 mm | ZTE is slightly wider and thicker, might feel bulkier; Mi 11 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 196g | 229g | Mi 11 is noticeably lighter; more comfortable for extended use. | |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Mi 11 has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. | |
| Display | Size | 6.81" | 6.8" | Very similar screen size; negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1116x2480 | Mi 11 has a significantly sharper display with finer details. | |
| PPI | 515 | 400 | Mi 11 provides much crisper text and images. | |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Similar vibrant colors and deep blacks. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. | |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 is vastly superior in outdoor visibility; ZTE brightness is unknown. | |
| Performance | Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | ZTE has a much newer, more powerful and efficient processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 2,369,542 | ZTE provides much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and gaming. | |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | ZTE has a more advanced GPU, offering better graphics performance. | |
| Camera | Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85 | 50MP, f/1.88 | Mi 11 has higher resolution main sensor, while ZTE has larger pixels. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3 | 16MP, f/2.0 | ZTE has wider aperture selfie camera for better low-light; Mi 11 higher resolution. | |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.3 | 50MP, f/2.0 | ZTE has significantly higher resolution and wider aperture for ultrawide. | |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.0 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Mi 11 has higher resolution macro; ZTE has larger pixel size. | |
| Video Recording | 8K@30, 4K@60, 1080p@240 | 8K@30, 4K@60, 1080p@240 | Both offer high-resolution recording; comparable video capabilities. | |
| Features | OIS, EIS, Laser AF, RAW, Ultra stable video | OIS, EIS, Gimbal, LAF, Under Display Camera, Night Mode | Both offer OIS & EIS; Mi 11 provides advanced video features & RAW; ZTE better low-light with Gimbal & Night Mode. | |
| DXOMark Selfie | Score: 112 | Not Available | Mi 11 has a verified superior selfie camera. | |
| Battery | Capacity | 4600mAh | 6500mAh | ZTE has a significantly larger battery for much longer usage. |
| Charging | 55W | 80W | ZTE charges faster than Mi 11. | |
| Features | 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless, Reverse charging | Non-removable | Mi 11 provides versatile charging options; ZTE lacks wireless options. | |
| Software | OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | ZTE has a newer, more up-to-date Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | ZTE supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster, more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, AptX | 5.2, SBC | Mi 11 supports AptX codec for better audio quality over Bluetooth. | |
| GPS | GPS, Galileo | QZSS | Both have precise location services; Mi 11 provides more satellite systems. | |
| Storage | Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | ZTE offers double storage at higher tier; Mi 11 has a 128 GB entry-level option. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 12/16 GB | ZTE has more RAM for smoother multitasking, especially for gaming. | |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. | |
| Audio | Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo, 2 mics | DTS/DTS X, Stereo, 3 mics | ZTE has better surround sound; Mi 11 has hi-res; ZTE better for calls. |
| Security | Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | Sensors | Heart Rate, Ultrasonic | Proximity, Gravity | Mi 11 has more health-related sensors; ZTE more practical sensors for general use |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and PPI provide a significantly crisper and more detailed display.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better scratch and drop resistance.
- Brighter Display: Much brighter display for better outdoor visibility.
- Versatile Charging: Wireless and reverse charging capabilities, which are missing in ZTE.
- Advanced Video Features: Provides features like RAW video and Ultra-Stable Video for more professional control.
- Verified Selfie Camera Quality: DXOMark score indicates better selfie performance.
- Health Sensors: Includes a heart rate sensor for health tracking.
- Better Audio Codec support: Supports AptX codec for better wireless audio
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful: Newer and much faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.
- Larger Battery: 6500mAh battery offers much longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 80W fast charging provides quicker power-ups.
- Higher RAM Options: 16GB of RAM provides better performance in heavy multitasking.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 14 out of the box.
- Newer Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 7 support for faster, more reliable connections.
- Better low light and ultrawide cameras: Larger sensors, wider apertures and added Gimbal makes a huge difference.
- Under Display Camera: A more modern display with no visible camera.
- Better Mic setup: 3 microphones offer better call quality.
- Larger Storage Options: Up to 512 GB available
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 sacrifices battery life and processing power for a sharper display and wireless charging.
- ZTE sacrifices display sharpness for superior performance, battery life, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal Users:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing, and enjoying photos.
- Casual Photographers: Users who need a good camera system for everyday photos and videos.
- Users who prefer lighter devices: The Mi 11 is considerably lighter for comfortable handling.
- Those who value versatile charging options: The wireless charging & reverse wireless charging is useful for many situations
- Users in bright environments: Prefer outdoor visibility with superior display brightness.
Use Cases:
- Enjoying detailed content on a crisp, vibrant screen.
- Capturing high-resolution photos and videos.
- Extended use cases for reading and social media with higher battery efficiency.
- Charging devices on the go using reverse wireless charging.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro Ideal Users:
- Mobile Gamers: Users who need maximum performance, a high refresh rate, and a large battery for extended gaming sessions.
- Power Users: Users who need a phone for heavy multitasking, video editing, and other resource-intensive tasks.
- Users who want the latest technology: The ZTE provides a superior modern user experience.
- Users who prioritize battery life: The massive battery ensures all-day use and beyond.
- Mobile Content Creators: Those who require powerful video capture and stabilization
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games at high frame rates.
- Running multiple apps simultaneously without slowdown.
- Extended use without worrying about battery life.
- Capturing professional-quality videos, particularly in low light.
- Those who want to future-proof themselves with the latest Wi-Fi standards
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a sharper, more detailed display (Mi 11) or are you willing to trade some sharpness for other benefits (ZTE)?
- Performance Needs: Do you require the absolute highest performance for gaming and intensive tasks (ZTE) or is good performance sufficient (Mi 11)?
- Battery Life: Do you need all-day battery without compromise (ZTE), or will a moderate battery life with versatile charging options do (Mi 11)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Casual User, Multimedia Focus: If you primarily browse the web, watch videos, and use social media, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is a better fit due to its superior display and lighter weight.
Scenario 2: Hardcore Gamer, Power User: If you are a mobile gamer or a power user who needs maximum performance and battery life, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro is the clear choice, even with less display sharpness and fewer charging options.
Scenario 3: Balanced Usage, Value Conscious: If you need a balanced phone for mixed use, the decision becomes tougher. Consider the specific trade-offs that matter most to you. If a great display, light weight and versatile charging are important, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is a better choice. If the most modern experience and high performance is more important, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro is a better choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally choose the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. While I appreciate the sharper display and versatile charging of the Xiaomi Mi 11, the significantly improved performance, larger battery, and superior camera capabilities of the Red Magic 9S Pro are more compelling for my usage. As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks, including gaming and content creation, the power and battery life are critical. The newer Android version and Wi-Fi standards also provide a more future-proof device. Although the brightness is unknown, and it has a lower PPI display, these are a secondary consideration compared to overall performance and battery life. I also prefer the more modern design of the ZTE.
