What Xiaomi 11 looks like: design, materials and external features of the flagship 2021

Xiaomi 11 is one of the most striking flagships of 2021, combining advanced technology and stylish design. This model replaced the Mi 10, offering users not only updated hardware, but also a radically redesigned look. If you are considering buying this device or just interested in the evolution of Xiaomi design, this article will help you understand all the nuances of its appearance, from the materials of the case to the location of buttons and cameras.

Unlike previous generations, the Xiaomi 11 has a more premium look, approaching the style of top models of competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S21 or iPhone 12. while the brand has retained its signature highlight — a combination of elegance with functionality. Next, we will analyze in detail what changes have undergone design, what colors are available to customers and what to look for when choosing this model.

Design Evolution: How Xiaomi 11 differs from its predecessors

If you compare the Xiaomi 11 to the Mi 10, the first thing that catches your eye is the curved screen on both sides. In the previous model, the display was flat, and here the manufacturer decided to go on an experiment by adding smooth curves on the sides. This solution not only improved the ergonomics (the phone is more comfortable in the hand), but also visually made the gadget thinner.

Another key difference is the main camera module. In the Mi 10, it was vertical and occupied a significant part of the upper left corner, while in Xiaomi 11, the cameras are located in a large rectangular block that slightly protrudes above the body. This design became a trend in 2021 (it was used in the iPhone 12 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra), but Xiaomi added its own feature - the camera block visually "smoothly flows" into the body, creating the effect of a single whole.

• 📱 Screen: AMOLED, 6.81" curved side faces (as opposed to flat Mi 10)
• 📸 Cameras: a rectangular block instead of a vertical strip, protrudes on ~2 mm
• 🔄 Buttons: Power button with integrated fingerprint scanner (in Mi 10 the scanner was in the screen)
• 🎨 Colors: matte and glossy options (previously only glossy)

It’s also worth noting that Xiaomi 11 was the first smartphone of the brand without the Mi logo on the back, now it only flaunts the words Xiaomi in a minimalist style – this is part of the rebranding of the company, which decided to abandon the Mi sub-brand for flagship models.

Materials and build: how premium feels Xiaomi 11

The Xiaomi 11 is made of a combination of aluminum and glass. The frame is metal, and the back panel is glass, and depending on the color it can be both glossy and matte. For example, the Midnight Gray version has a rough surface that is less dirty and does not slide in the hand, while Horizon Blue (blue) or Cloud White (white) is glossy and more branded.

Glass is protected by the Gorilla Glass Victus standard, one of the most durable coatings on the market, resistant to scratches and falls from a height of up to 2 meters. However, it is worth remembering that even such glass does not guarantee 100% protection: if you hit hard, the screen or rear panel can crack. So the case and protective glass for the Xiaomi 11 is not a luxury, but a necessity.

⚠️ Warning: The matte versions of the case (Midnight Gray, Frost Purple) are less slippery, but they show more micro-scraps over time.

The smartphone is built at a high level: the gaps between the parts are minimal, the buttons go clearly, without backlashes. However, some users note that the camera module slightly "walks" when pressed - this is not a defect, but a feature of the design associated with shock absorbing gaskets to protect the lenses.

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If you're choosing between a matte and a glossy case, consider that the matte is less dirty, but it's more visible to the long-term wear, and the gloss looks brighter, but requires frequent cleaning of fingerprints.

Size and ergonomics: is it convenient to use Xiaomi 11 with one hand?

Xiaomi 11 can not be called a compact smartphone: its dimensions are 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.06 mm, and weight is 196 grams. For comparison, the iPhone 12 Pro Max with a similar screen diagonal (6.7) weighs 228 g, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra – 227 g Thus, Xiaomi 11 is one of the lightest flagships of its class.

With curved side faces and rounded corners, the body is comfortable in the hand, but reaching the top edge with one hand is a problem that is common for all large smartphones, and here Xiaomi offers several solutions:

• 👆 One-Hand Mode: Reduces the interface to the bottom of the screen (included in Settings) → Special facilities → One-hand mode)
• 🔍 Gestures: Swipe down the center of the screen opens the notification bar (even if the finger does not reach the top)
• ⚙️ Customize the interface: You can move the most commonly used elements to the bottom of the screen

The device's thickness - 8.06mm - is standard for flagships, but because of the large camera module, the smartphone swings on the table if you put it up with the screen.This is inconvenient when watching video or typing, so many users prefer to use it with a case that levelles the surface.

Color options: which Xiaomi 11 to choose

The Xiaomi 11 is available in five official colors, each with a unique texture and shades. Here is the full list with a description:

1. Midnight Gray is matte, with a slight metallic luster, the most practical option, the least dirty.
2. Horizon Blue is a gloss gradient from dark blue to light blue. It looks spectacular, but you can see the prints.
3. Cloud White is a glossy pearl tint. It looks premium, but it's marquee.
4. Frost Purple is a matte, light pinkish color, popular with female audiences.
5. Haze Green is a matte, muted salad color, a rare color, often ending up on sale.

It's important to consider that glossy colors (Horizon Blue, Cloud White) visually seem brighter and more elegant, but require careful handling. Matte options (Midnight Gray, Frost Purple) are more practical, but can seem boring. If you often take pictures of a smartphone or shoot it for stories, the gloss will look better.

It is also worth noting that exclusive colors such as Sunset Orange (orange) or Pink (pink) were available in some regions (e.g. China), but they are difficult to find in official sales outside Asia.

Determine whether you will use a case (if so, the color of the case is not so important)|Think about how often you wash your hands (the gloss gets dirty faster)|Watch the video with reviews of colors in different lighting|Note that matte colors visually make the smartphone thinner-->

Location of elements: buttons, connectors and speakers

In Xiaomi 11, the manufacturer placed all the elements according to the classic scheme, but with several features:

• 🔊 Speakers: stereo (top and bottom) The top speaker is hidden in the slot above the screen, the bottom speaker is to the right of the USB-Type-C.
• 🔌 Connectors: USB-Type-C only (below the center of the bottom end) and a slot for nano-SIM (left). No 3.5 mm audio jack!
• 🔘 Buttons: power button on the right (with integrated fingerprint scanner), volume buttons above it. On the left, only trays for the scanner. SIM-map.
• 📶 Antenna lines: thin stripes on the sides of the frame, almost invisible.

The lack of a headphone jack can be a problem for music lovers, but Xiaomi compensates for this with the support of high-quality Bluetooth audio (codecs). LDAC, aptX Adaptive. There's also an adapter. USB-C → 3.5 mm, but it is easy to lose.

⚠️ Note: The power button in Xiaomi 11 is quite high – if you have small hands, it can be inconvenient to reach it with one hand. → Lock screen).

The proximity and illumination sensor is hidden under the screen, so the top frame is minimal, but the infrared port (for control of equipment) is left — it is located on the upper end, which is pleasing to fans of smart homes.

Comparison with competitors: how Xiaomi 11 looks in their background

In 2021, Xiaomi 11 competed with flagships such as Samsung Galaxy S21, iPhone 12 and OnePlus 9 Pro. Let’s compare their design:

Xiaomi 11 stands out from the competition due to its curved screen (the iPhone 12 is flat) and minimalist design of the rear panel (no unnecessary inscriptions or logos).However, in premium materials, it is inferior to the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, which has a matte metal frame and stronger glass.

Compared to the OnePlus 9 Pro, the latter has a more massive camera module, thanks to the collaboration with Hasselblad, but the body is thinner. Xiaomi 11 offers a more balanced design, which most users like.

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Xiaomi 11 is one of the few flagships of 2021 that combines a curved screen with compact (by class standards) dimensions. This makes it more convenient for everyday use than the same Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Covers and accessories: how to emphasize the design of Xiaomi 11

Thanks to the popularity of the model, a huge number of accessories are available for Xiaomi 11.

• 🛡️ Cases: Transparent case - emphasize the original color of the case, but turn yellow over time; leather - premium, but more expensive and heavier; bumpers (metal / plastic) - reliable protection, but spoil the ergonomics.
• 🔋 Chargers: Included in the package 55W GaN charging, but you can buy a wireless station 50W.
• 🎧 Headphones: for full sound suitable Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro (with support) LDAC).
• 📱 Protective glass: mandatory for a curved screen - choose with a coating 2.5D.

If you want to keep the original design of the smartphone, pay attention to ultra-thin cases (thickness ~0.5 mm). They hardly add dimensions, but protect against scratches. For maximum protection, fit cases with reinforced angles and a notch for cameras (for example, Spigen Tough Armor).

Also worth mentioning are the decorative stickers on the back panel, which allow you to change the color of the case without replacing the case. There are popular options with carbon texture or under wood, but they can leave traces of glue when removed.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about the appearance of Xiaomi 11