iPhone 11 or Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro – which is better to buy in 2026?

Introduction: Two Approaches to a Flagship Smartphone

The choice between the iPhone 11 and Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro is not just a comparison of technical characteristics, but a clash of two philosophies: Apple’s closed ecosystem and the open Android platform with Xiaomi’s aggressive pricing policy. Both smartphones were released in 2019-2020, but still remain relevant in the secondary market and in budgets up to 30-40,000 rubles.

On the one hand, the iPhone 11 offers legendary iOS optimization, long support for updates (up to iOS 17 inclusive) and flawless camera performance in automatic mode. on the other hand, the Mi 10 Pro seduces with a 108-megapixel sensor, AMOLED-It's a 90Hz screen and a top-end Snapdragon 865 processor that still pulls up modern games. But which one is best for you.

In this article, we’ll analyze real differences in performance, autonomy and user experience, not just the dry numbers from the specs: Which smartphone is aging faster, where the camera is better for shooting videos, and whether to overpay for the Apple brand in 2026.

1. Design and ergonomics: glass vs aluminum

The iPhone 11 and Mi 10 Pro are both design schools. Apple has a conservative approach: an aluminum body with a matte rear panel (the Pro version has a matte glass), thick bezels around the screen and a monobravre notch. The Mi 10 Pro follows the trends of 2020: glossy glass with a gradient color, curved edges of the screen and a miniature hole for the front camera.

In terms of ergonomics, both smartphones are convenient, but there are nuances:

• 📏 Size and weight: iPhone 11 compact (150.9×75.7×8.3 mm, 194 (d) against Mi 10 Pro (162.6×74.8×9 mm, 208 Difference in 14 Gram is noticeable with prolonged use.
• 🔒 Protection: iPhone 11 has a certificate IP68 (dive to 2 meters for 30 minutes, Mi 10 Pro - only IP53 (spray-proof).
• 🎨 Colors: Xiaomi offers 4 options (including the exclusive "Alpine White"), Apple 6 (including pastel tones).

⚠️ Warning: The Mi 10 Pro’s glossy glass collects fingerprints and requires a case, whereas the matte iPhone 11 is more practical in everyday use.

If premium looks are important to you, the Mi 10 Pro looks more modern thanks to the fact that it is a good idea to be a good model. AMOLED-But if you want to prioritize reliability and moisture protection, the choice is obvious.

2.Screens: LCD vs AMOLED with 90Hz

The difference is fundamental. iPhone 11 is equipped with an IPS-matrix with a resolution of 1792×828 (326 ppi), while the Mi 10 Pro received AMOLED with a resolution of 2340×1080 (386 ppi) and support for HDR10+. But the main difference is the refresh rate: Xiaomi it is 90 Hz against the standard 60 Hz from Apple.

What does that mean in practice?

• 🎮 Games and scrolling: On the Mi 10 Pro, animation is noticeably smoother, especially in dynamic games or when scrolling through social media feeds.
• 🌓 Contrast: AMOLED provides a deep black color (off pixels), while the IPS black.
• ☀️ Brightness: iPhone 11 brighter in the sun (up to 625 nits vs 500 nits in Xiaomi).
• 🔋 Energy consumption: AMOLED It is more economical when displaying dark themes, but 90 Hz eats up the extra charge.

The critical difference is that the 90Hz on the Mi 10 Pro is not software-disabled, it's a hardware feature. If you don't like soapy smoothness, it can be annoying. The iPhone 11 has a fixed frequency, but there's no software blur effect that some people have. AMOLED-screen.

3.Performance: A13 Bionic vs Snapdragon 865

On paper, the Snapdragon 865 (in the Mi 10 Pro) and the Apple A13 Bionic (in the iPhone 11) are the flagship chips of their time, but in real-world tests, the difference is palpable:

• 🏆 Single-core performance: A13 Snapdragon 865 is ahead of the ~25% according to Geekbench 5).
• 🎮 Graphics: In games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile), the iPhone 11 holds a stable 60. FPS On the maximum, while the Mi 10 Pro can sag to 45-50 FPS heavy-handed.
• 🔄 Optimization: iOS uses the resources of the chip more efficiently – even after 4 years, the iPhone 11 does not “brake” when multitasking.
• 🔥 Heat: Snapdragon 865 warms up more, especially under prolonged loads (for example, recording video in the video). 4K).

However, the Mi 10 Pro has a trump card – 12 GB of RAM versus 4 GB of iPhone 11. In practice, this means that Xiaomi keeps the applications in the background longer (up to 15-20 pieces versus 5-7 Apple). MIUI The difference in smoothness of work is not always noticeable.

⚠️ Note: In 2026, the Mi 10 Pro no longer receives updates MIUI, While the iPhone 11 is supported before iOS 17 and will likely receive iOS 18, it is critical for security and compatibility with new apps.

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The A13 Bionic in the iPhone 11 still outperforms the Snapdragon 865 in tasks that require high single-core performance (for example, processing photos or running heavy games).

4.Cameras: 108MP vs. Apple algorithms

On paper, the Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro will beat the iPhone 11 in terms of megapixels (108 MP vs. 12 MP), but the real quality of the photo is determined not only by the sensor.

Main camera.

• 📸 Daytime shots: Mi 10 Pro gives more detail thanks to 108 MP, but iPhone 11 better handles dynamic range (no overlit skies or dark shadows).
• 🌃 Apple’s Night Mode algorithms are better at handling noise than Xiaomi’s Night Mode 2.0.
• 🔍 Zoom: Mi 10 Pro has 2× optical zoom (telephoto) and 10× Hybrid, iPhone 11 – only digital zoom up to 5×.

Video

Here is the iPhone 11 undisputed leader:

• 🎥 Stabilization: Optical + Apple's software stabilization works almost like a stedicam.
• 🎬 4K@60fps: iPhone 11 drop-in 4K/60 without overheating, Mi 10 Pro through 10–15 minutes begins to troll.
• 🎤 Sound: Apple's stereo noise-cancellation recording at the level of individual microphones.

5: Battery and autonomy: who lives longer?

Battery capacity is almost the same: 3110 mAh for the iPhone 11 and 4500 mAh for the Mi 10 Pro. But the real working time is different:

• 🔋 Screen: AMOLED Xiaomi is eating up charge faster than 90Hz IPS 60Hz Apple.
• ⚡ Fast charging: Mi 10 Pro supports 50W (100% in 45 minutes, iPhone 11 is only 18W (50% in 30 minutes).
• 🔄 Wireless charging: Both support Qi, but Xiaomi has higher power (30W against 7.5W).
• 📊 Real tests: Video (YouTube, 50% brightness): iPhone 11 - 12 hours, Mi 10 Pro - 9 hours (PUBG Mobile: iPhone 11 - 5 hours, Mi 10 Pro - 3.5 hours Standby: Mi 10 Pro loses due to background activity MIUI.

⚠️ Warning: The Mi 10 Pro battery degrades faster due to high charging currents. In 2-3 years, the capacity can fall to 70-75%, while the iPhone 11, even after 4 years of operation, often remains 85-90%.

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To extend the life of the Mi 10 Pro battery, turn off 90Hz in settings (Settings → Display → Upgrade Frequency) and limit fast charging to 80% (in the battery menu).

6.Software: iOS vs MIUI

The comparison is not in favor of Xiaomi. iPhone 11 runs on iOS 17 (with the prospect of upgrading to iOS 18), while Mi 10 Pro stopped at MIUI 14 (based on Android 12) and will no longer receive official updates. What does this mean for the user?

• 🔒 Apple Guarantees Security Patches for 1-2 Years, Xiaomi Doesn’t.
• 📱 Optimization: MIUI Over time, “brakes” due to the accumulation of garbage, iOS remains stable.
• 🎮 Games: Many newer games (like Diablo Immortal or Honkai: Star Rail) are optimized for iOS and run smoother.
• 🔧 Customization: MIUI It allows you to change themes, fonts, animations, while iOS is limited.

If you want stability and long-term support, the choice is obvious; if you like to customize things, MIUI offers more freedom (albeit at the cost of productivity).

7.Price and relevance in 2026

In the secondary market, prices for both smartphones vary depending on the state:

• 💰 iPhone 11 (64 GB) – 25,000–35,000 ₽.
• 💰 Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro (256 GB) – 20,000–28,000 ₽.

Should I pay more for the iPhone 11?

• ✅ Yes, if you need: Long-term updates and security. Best video and stabilization. Apple Ecosystem (AirDrop, iCloud, Continuity).
• ❌ Not if priority: AMOLED-90Hz screen, 108MP camera for photos, fast charging and large storage.

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In 2026, the iPhone 11 remains a better purchase for most users because of its long-term support and better optimization. The Mi 10 Pro will suit Android enthusiasts willing to put up with outdated software.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions