1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly taller & thicker, but narrower. Poco F3 might feel slightly wider in hand, Mi 11 Pro has a slightly larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 196g | 208g | Poco F3 is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. The 12g difference might be noticeable to some. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.81" | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3200 | Mi 11 Pro has significantly sharper display, leading to clearer text and images, and finer details. |
| PPI | 395 | 515 | Mi 11 Pro's higher pixel density results in a noticeably crisper display, more pleasing to the eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, standard for high-quality screens. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations for a fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1700 nits | Mi 11 Pro is significantly brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Mi 11 Pro's chip is more powerful, providing better performance in demanding tasks & gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 854,267 | Mi 11 Pro has a higher benchmark score, indicating superior performance, although the difference might not be noticeable in casual usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 660 | Mi 11 Pro's more powerful GPU offers better graphics performance for gaming and graphic-intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 5000mAh | Mi 11 Pro's larger battery might offer slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Mi 11 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | QC3+/PD3.0 | Reverse charging, 67W wireless charging, 10W reverse wireless charging | Mi 11 Pro has more versatile charging options, including wireless and reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor, Sony IMX582 | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" sensor, Samsung GN2 | Mi 11 Pro has a larger sensor and higher resolution, resulting in better low-light performance and more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3T2 | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3T2 | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV13B10 | Mi 11 Pro offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for more versatile photography, Poco F3 lacks it entirely. |
| Telephoto/Macro lens | None | 8MP, 1/4.4", Omnivision OV08A10 | Mi 11 Pro offers a dedicated telephoto and macro lens, increasing versatility, which is missing on the Poco F3. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p various fps w/EIS | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps w/HDR, EIS | Mi 11 Pro can record in higher 8K resolution & better HDR processing, and more versatile video features. |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | Overall: 124, Photo: 118, Video: 132 | Mi 11 Pro has been independently tested by DxOMark and showed good photo/video qualities |
| Features | 4K Video, digital zoom, triple camera, etc. | 8K Video, optical zoom, triple camera, OIS, Ultra stable video, etc. | Mi 11 Pro has advanced video recording and stabilization options like OIS, along with optical zoom not present in the Poco F3. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 13 | Android 11 | Poco F3's OS is upgradeable to 13. The Mi 11 Pro lacks information regarding future upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both have similar WiFi speeds, and features like Wi-Fi MiMO, Wi-Fi Direct etc. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly newer Bluetooth standard, possibly offering a more stable connection and slightly improved power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | Mi 11 Pro supports more satellite systems for potentially more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support Dual SIM functionality, offering users the flexibility of using two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both have similar internal storage options, offering the same maximum storage amount. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Mi 11 Pro offers a higher RAM option, improving multitasking and gaming performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage options, which can be a disadvantage for users who require a lot of storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both offer good audio quality with stereo speakers. Poco F3 supports Dolby Atmos while Mi 11 Pro comes with 3 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Poco F3 offers an arguably more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor; Mi 11 Pro has a basic sensor which implies an in-display fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Mi 11 Pro has superior screen protection, more resistant to scratches and breakage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint, Heart Rate; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Mi 11 Pro additionally features heart rate sensor and a standard proximity sensor, while the Poco F3 comes with an ultrasonic proximity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Lighter and slightly thinner: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Some users find side-mounted sensors faster and more convenient.
- Dolby Atmos: Can provide more immersive audio experience for media consumption.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior display: Higher resolution, greater pixel density, and higher brightness makes for a significantly better viewing experience, especially in bright sunlight.
- More powerful processor and GPU: Better performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Larger battery and much faster charging: Longer battery life and quicker charging times, convenient for users who are always on the go.
- More versatile camera system: Features dedicated wide-angle and telephoto lenses, offering more creative photography options, as well as 8K video recording capabilities.
- Better video recording and stabilization: Offers 8K video recording, optical zoom, and superior video stabilization.
- Wireless and reverse wireless charging: Adds additional convenience.
- More RAM Option: Offers higher RAM, suitable for heavy usage.
- Superior screen protection: Gorilla Glass Victus provides better protection against scratches and drops.
- Heart Rate Sensor: Includes a heart rate sensor, allowing for basic fitness tracking.
Trade-offs:
- The Mi 11 Pro is heavier and thicker, which some might find less comfortable, and is more expensive than the Poco F3.
- Poco F3 lacks the advanced camera features and superior display of the Mi 11 Pro, but it is significantly more affordable.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Who want a good balance of performance and features at a lower price.
- Gamers on a budget: Who want smooth gaming performance but do not need the absolute best graphics performance.
- Everyday users: Who prioritize a lightweight and comfortable device for daily tasks like social media, browsing, and media consumption.
- Users who don't prioritize camera: Who do not need a versatile camera setup and only need the basic functions.
Use Cases:
- Casual gaming
- Daily social media and browsing
- Media consumption
- Basic photography needs
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Ideal User:
- Enthusiast users: Who want top-tier performance and the best available features.
- Photography enthusiasts: Who want a versatile camera system with high-quality images and video recording capabilities.
- Heavy multitaskers and gamers: Who require a powerful processor, large RAM, and a high refresh rate display for demanding tasks.
- Users who prioritize display quality: Who want the best viewing experience, especially in bright outdoor conditions.
- Users who need long battery life: and fast charging.
- Users who want convenience: Offered by wireless and reverse wireless charging.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming
- Professional-quality photography and videography
- Heavy multitasking with demanding apps
- Outdoor use with high visibility under bright light
- Wireless charging convenience
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Poco F3: Offers excellent value for the price, providing a good balance of performance and features at a more affordable cost.
- Mi 11 Pro: Is more expensive but offers significant upgrades in display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: What is your budget for a smartphone? (Poco F3 is significantly cheaper)
- Priorities: Do you prioritize a high-end display and camera, or is performance sufficient? (Mi 11 Pro is superior in display/camera)
- Use case: What will you primarily use your phone for? (Heavy gamers or photo enthusiasts will find more value in the Mi 11 Pro)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget gaming and everyday use: The Poco F3 is the better choice due to its lower price and good performance for casual usage.
Scenario 2: Professional photography, video, and high-end gaming: The Mi 11 Pro is the better option with its superior camera system, processing power, and better display.
Scenario 3: All-around user with some heavy use: The Mi 11 Pro is recommended due to its superior display and enhanced features. The increase in price is justified by the increase in quality.
My Choice
Given the choice, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. While the Poco F3 offers excellent value, the Mi 11 Pro's comprehensive upgrades in display quality, processing power, camera versatility, and battery features make it the superior device overall. My primary use cases lean towards photography and videography, requiring the best possible hardware and image quality which the Mi 11 Pro provides. The superior display and faster charging, plus additional features like wireless charging, are valuable additions, even if the phone is heavier and more expensive.
