Xiaomi’s flagship 11 smartphone (codenamed venus) has become one of the most talked-about devices of 2021, thanks not only to its powerful “stuffing”, but also to its revolutionary design. Whereas Xiaomi used to copy the stylistics of competitors, here engineers have embarked on a bold experiment: a combination of premium materials, unusual color solutions and ergonomics designed for long-term use. In this article, we will examine how the Xiaomi 11 looks from all angles – from the texture of the rear panel to the location of buttons, and compare it with other models of the series.
It’s important to understand that the Xiaomi 11 came in several versions: the standard version, the Xiaomi 11 Pro and the Xiaomi 11 Ultra. They look similar but differ in detail — for example, the camera module or the curvature of the screen. We will focus on the base model, but mention the key differences of the “older brothers.” If you are planning to buy, this information will help avoid confusion when choosing.
Body design: materials and assembly
The Xiaomi 11 is made from a combination of aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus (front and rear), the strongest protective glass at the time of release, resistant to scratches and falls from a height of up to 2 meters. However, despite the stated strength, the rear panel still collects fingerprints - especially in glossy color options.
The thickness of the smartphone is only 8.06 mm, and weight – 196 g For comparison: iPhone 12 Pro Max of the same year weighed 228 g, and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra – 227 g Thanks to this Xiaomi 11 is conveniently in hand even with prolonged use, although due to the smooth rear panel sometimes slips.
- 🔹 Frame: Aluminum 6000 series with matte processing (does not slide, does not collect prints).
- 🔹 Rear panel: glass with 3D-bending at the edges (the Pro version has a smoother bend).
- 🔹 Front panel: Gorilla Glass Victus with oleophobic coating (repels fat).
- 🔹 Protection: IP53 — Only from dust and splashes (not waterproof!).
One of the most controversial design elements is the camera module. Unlike the Xiaomi 11 Ultra, where the cameras are located in a massive square block, it uses a vertical strip with two lenses and an LED flash. The module protrudes over the body by 1.5 mm, so the smartphone “limps” on the table. The solution is not the most practical, but it looks minimalistic.
Color options and textures
Officially, the Xiaomi 11 was released in three primary colors, but in some regions there were exclusive options.
| Colour | Texture description | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Midnight Gray (Midnight Gray) | Matte glass with a light metallic shine | Less than collecting prints, looks strict |
| Horizon Blue (Blue Horizon) | Glossy glass with a gradient from blue to green | Bright, but very brandy (see all the scratches) |
| Cloud White (cloud white) | Glossy glass with pearl ebb | It looks good, but it gets dirty quickly. |
| Frost Purple* (purple frost) | Overflowing matte glass | Exclusive to China, later on global sale |
In some regions it was called Lavender Purple (lavender).
The most practical option is Midnight Gray, which not only hides scratches, but also heats less in the sun, but Horizon Blue, despite its beauty, requires a case: there are even microdusts on the glossy surface. Interestingly, the Xiaomi 11 Pro palette was expanded with a Star Dust variant with flickering intersperses.
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If you choose a glossy color, immediately buy a matte case - this will save you from constant polishing of the screen and the back panel.
Screen: form, frames and features
Xiaomi 11 It was the first smartphone with a curved AMOLED-It's a screen on all four sides. 6,81 inch, resolution 3200×1440 pixel (QHD+) and maintains the refresh rate 120 But the big thing is that the microscopic frames are almost invisible, the upper and lateral frames are almost invisible, and the lower one is shortened to 2,7 mm.
Because of the curved edges, the screen seems “infinite,” but it has a downside:
- 👆 False touches when holding the smartphone behind the edges (solved in the settings by turning off sensitivity on the sides).
- 🔍 It is difficult to find protective glass - most do not cover the curves.
- 💡 In sunny weather, glare appears on the curved edges.
On top of the screen is a dot-cut for the front camera (at 2.76mm), one of the most compact notches on the market in 2021, and underneath the screen is an optical fingerprint scanner that works faster than the ultra-sound one in the Samsung Galaxy S21.
How to turn off false touches on a curved screen?
Location of buttons and connectors
The ergonomics of Xiaomi 11 are thought out to the smallest detail.
- 🔘 Power button (with built-in fingerprint scanner in some regions).
- 🔊 Volume Controller (two separate rockers).
- 📶 Slot for SIM-map (hybrid: nanoSIM) + nanoSIM or nanoSIM + microSD).
On the lower edge are:
- 🔌 USB-Type C (supports USB-Type C) USB 3.2 Gen1).
- 🎤 Microphone (main).
- 🔈 Dynamic (stereo, second is located on the upper edge).
Note: Xiaomi 11 does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack and no microSD slot in the global version (the Chinese version is hybrid).
⚠️ Note: If you use wired headphones with a 3.5 mm connector, you will have to buy a Type-C adapter → 3.5mm The original adapter from Xiaomi costs ~500 rubles, but any certified will do.
Comparison with other models of the series
To understand how Xiaomi 11 differs from its siblings, compare it to Xiaomi 11 Pro and Xiaomi 11 Ultra:
| Characteristics | Xiaomi 11 | Xiaomi 11 Pro | Xiaomi 11 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chamber module | Vertical stripe | Square block | Massive block with additional screen |
| Back panel. | Glass, 3D-flexion | Ceramics (in some versions) | Ceramics with textured surface |
| Screen. | 6.81," QHD+, 120 Hz | 6.81," QHD+, 120Hz, brighter by 20% | 6.81", QHD+, 120Hz, Dolby Vision support |
| Weight. | 196 | 208g | 234 |
The Xiaomi 11 Ultra is not only sized, but also a secondary screen on the back (size 1.1 inches) that displays notifications, time and can even be used as a viewfinder for selfies by the main camera.
If you want premium design, you can go with the Pro or Ultra, which is more solid because of the ceramics, but if the priority is compactness and lightness, the standard version is optimal.
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Xiaomi 11 is the lightest and thinnest in the series, but inferior to the Pro and Ultra in premium materials and camera functionality.
How to distinguish the original from the fake in appearance
Fake Xiaomi 11s are common in the secondary market, and here are 5 visual signs that can be used to recognize a copy:
The MI logo on the back is metal, not erasable by the nail |
The chamber module does not stagger when pressed |
The screen is evenly lit (no yellow at the edges)|
USB-Type C connector symmetrical, without backlash |
Box with a hologram and serial number that matches the settings of the phone-->
The most reliable way to check is to compare the IMEI on the box and in the phone settings (Settings → About Phone → General Information).
⚠️ Attention: Fakes are often produced by poor frame assembly, with gaps between glass and aluminum.
360° Photos and Videos: What Xiaomi 11 Looks Like
Words aren't enough to describe the design, so we've picked up real photos and videos from different angles.
- 📸 Playing lights on glossy colors (especially Horizon Blue).
- 👁️ Screen frame thickness with the display on.
- 🖐️ Ergonomics – how the smartphone lies in the hand (despite its large size, it is comfortable).
360° video shows how the screen is bent and how harmoniously the chamber module looks, and also notice the reflection of the light on the back panel - in the original it is uniform, without bubbles.
If you're looking for live photos, we recommend watching YouTube reviews with the hashtag #Xiaomi11Unboxing or forums like 4PDA, where users post photos without retouching, where you can see all the nuances.
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To estimate the real size of the Xiaomi 11, take a ruler and draw a 164×75 mm rectangle on paper — that’s the dimensions of the device, so you understand how large it is compared to your current smartphone.