Discover the Xiaomi Mi 11, the ultimate flagship killer that combines top-notch performance and innovative features in a sleek package. Read our in-depth review to uncover the strengths and weaknesses of this powerhouse device.
Design and Build Quality
The Xiaomi Mi 11 boasts a premium design that rivals other flagship smartphones in the market. Its front and back are encased in Gorilla Glass Victus, offering excellent protection against scratches and drops. The phone feels sturdy and well-built in hand, thanks to its aluminum frame.
On the front, the Mi 11 features a stunning 6.81-inch AMOLED display that curves gracefully towards the edges. The bezels surrounding the screen are minimal, providing an immersive viewing experience. The front-facing camera is discreetly tucked away in a tiny punch-hole cutout at the top left corner.
The back panel of the Mi 11 is also eye-catching. Our review unit came in a sleek frosted glass finish that not only looks elegant but also helps to minimize fingerprints and smudges. The camera module is located in the top left corner and features a distinctive design that sets it apart from other smartphones.
Performance
The Xiaomi Mi 11 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, which was the most powerful chipset available for Android devices at the time of its release. This octa-core processor, combined with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, delivers lightning-fast performance across the board.
Whether you’re navigating through demanding apps, playing graphically intensive games, or multitasking between several applications, the Mi 11 handles it all with ease. The phone feels incredibly responsive, with apps launching quickly and animations running smoothly.
Benchmark scores for the Mi 11 consistently place it among the top-performing Android phones, showcasing its raw power. In real-world use, this translates to a fast and fluid user experience that can handle even the most demanding tasks.
Camera Quality
The Xiaomi Mi 11 boasts an impressive camera setup designed to capture stunning photos and videos. Its triple-lens rear camera system features a 108MP wide-angle lens, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP telemacro lens. This combination offers incredible versatility, allowing you to capture a wide range of perspectives and subjects.
The 108MP main sensor excels at capturing detail and producing sharp images, even in challenging lighting conditions. With its large sensor size and wide f/1.85 aperture, it captures ample light, resulting in vibrant and well-exposed photos. The ultrawide lens is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and group photos, while the telemacro lens allows you to get up close and personal with your subjects, revealing intricate details often missed by the naked eye.
In addition to its impressive hardware, the Xiaomi Mi 11 also packs a punch in terms of software features. Its camera app offers various shooting modes, including Night Mode 2.0 for stunning low-light photography, Pro mode for manual control over camera settings, and AI Scene Detection, which automatically optimizes camera settings based on the scene being captured.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Mi 11 packs a 4600mAh battery, which is a decent size for a flagship phone. In my experience, the battery life has been solid, easily lasting a full day of moderate use. This includes browsing the web, checking social media, streaming music, and taking a few photos and videos.
However, heavy users who spend a lot of time gaming or streaming video will likely find themselves needing to charge the phone before the day is over. The Mi 11’s powerful processor and high refresh rate display can take a toll on battery life when pushed to their limits.
Fast charging is a standout feature of the Mi 11. The phone supports 55W wired charging, which can fully charge the battery in just under an hour. It also supports 50W wireless charging, which is incredibly fast for wireless charging.
Software and Features
The Xiaomi Mi 11 runs on MIUI 12, Xiaomi’s custom Android skin, on top of Android 11. MIUI 12 offers a clean and customizable user interface with a range of features and enhancements.
Key software features of the Xiaomi Mi 11 include:
- MIUI 12: A highly customized Android skin with a focus on fluidity and aesthetics.
- Android 11: The latest version of Android, providing the newest features and security updates.
- Customizable Themes and Icons: Personalize the look and feel of your device with a wide selection of themes and icon packs.
- Game Turbo: Enhance your gaming experience with performance optimizations and reduced distractions.
- Floating Windows: Multitask efficiently by using apps in floating windows.
- Dark Mode: Reduce eye strain and conserve battery life with a system-wide dark theme.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Mi 11 truly lives up to its “Flagship Killer” reputation with top-notch performance, stunning display, and impressive camera capabilities, all at a competitive price point. It sets a new standard for flagship smartphones in terms of value for money.
