Xiaomi Mi 10 or Mi 11: Which flagship is better to choose today?

Choosing between the Xiaomi Mi 10 and Xiaomi Mi 11 in 2026 is not just a comparison of two smartphones, but an analysis of how relevant their capabilities are today. Both models were flagships in their time: the Mi 10 debuted in early 2020 with the top-end Snapdragon 865, and the Mi 11 at the end of the same year brought the revolutionary Snapdragon 888 and a screen with a resolution of 2K+. But after 3-4 years, have priorities changed?

Today, the Mi 10 is cheaper to buy, but is it worth the cost of losing performance and support? And the Mi 11, though more powerful, no longer receives MIUI updates. In this article, we will analyze 8 key criteria, from the processor to the price, so you know exactly which model is right for you. Spoiler: the answer depends not only on the technical characteristics, but also on how you plan to use the smartphone.

1.Performance: Snapdragon 865 vs 888 in 2026

The main difference between the models is the processors. Xiaomi Mi 10 is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (5 nm), and Mi 11 – Snapdragon 888 (also 5 nm, but with architectural improvements). On paper, a difference of 20-25% in favor of the Mi 11, but what does it look like in practice today?

In 2026, the Snapdragon 865 still pulls on everyday tasks (social media, video, navigation), but starts to "choke" in heavy games like Genshin Impact at maximum settings. Snapdragon 888 will do better, but it also warms up more β€” the problem of overheating was characteristic of the first games of the Mi 11. If you are not a gamer, the difference will be noticeable only in the speed of opening applications.

  • πŸ”₯ Mi 10 (865): Enough for most tasks, but sags in games and multi-tasking.
  • ⚑ Mi 11 (888): Hurry up. 20-30%, but prone to overheating with prolonged loads.
  • πŸ“‰ 2026: Both chips are obsolete, but 888 are still β€œlive” for gaming.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use your smartphone to shoot videos in 4K/60fps, Mi 11 It will be more stable – it has better codec optimization.

πŸ“Š How do you use your smartphone?
Games and heavy applications
Social media and video
Photography and videotaping
Documentation work
Another option

2. Screen: 90 Hz vs 120 Hz and 2K resolution

Here's Xiaomi Mi. 11 He's definitely winning. AMOLED-resolution-screen 3200Γ—1440 (2K+), support 120 Hz and peak brightness 1500 For comparison, Mi. 10 Fully HD+ (2340Γ—1080) s 90 Hz and maximum. 1100 thread.

The difference is noticeable to the naked eye:

- The text on the Mi 11 is sharper (especially in the VR-helmets or when reading small print).

120 Hz makes the scroll smoother, but puts the battery stronger.

- The colors on both screens are calibrated well, but the Mi 11 supports Dolby Vision for the first time. HDR-content.

ParameterXiaomi Mi 10Xiaomi Mi 11
Permission2340Γ—1080 (FHD+)3200Γ—1440 (2K+)
Frequency of update90 Hz120 Hz
Brightness (max)1100 nits1,500 nits
Support for HDRHDR10+Dolby Vision, HDR10+

The critical difference is that if you watch a lot of high-resolution videos on YouTube or Netflix, the Mi 11 will provide a more detailed picture, but for social media and instant messengers, the Mi 10 is good enough.

3.Camera: 108 MP vs. improved processing

Both models have a 108 MP core module (Samsung HMX), but the Mi 11 has updated firmware and processing algorithms.

  • πŸ“Έ Daytime pictures: There is almost no difference - both smartphones give detailed photos with good color reproduction.
  • πŸŒ™ Mi 11 better handles noise with improved Night Mode 2.0.
  • πŸŽ₯ Video: Mi 11 record 8K@30fps (Mi 10 only 8K@24fps), But both of them warm up when they're shooting long shots.
  • πŸ” Ultrashirk: Mi 11 has a wider viewing angle (123)Β° vs 117Β° Mi 10).

⚠️ Attention: In 2026, both smartphones’ cameras are losing to today’s flagships (e.g. Xiaomi 13) in dynamic range and stabilization.

Examples of photos from Mi 10 and Mi 11
In practice, the difference in cameras is minimal except for night mode. The Mi 11 is slightly better at working shadows, but both smartphones suffer from overlight when shooting against the sun. The videos on the Mi 11 are more stable thanks to an improved gyroscope, but without an external microphone, sound remains a weak point.

4. Battery and autonomy: 4780 mAh vs 4600 mAh

On paper, the Xiaomi Mi 10 has a 4,780mAh battery, and the Mi 11 has a 4,600mAh battery. It would seem that the former should hold longer?

Mi 11, although smaller, lasts longer thanks to:

More energy efficient processor (with the same tasks).

Optimize MIUI for the Snapdragon 888.

Quick Charge 5.0 support (charge up to 100% in 45 minutes vs 55 minutes for the Mi 10 with QC 4.0+)

The real tests show:

Mi 10: 5-6 hours of screen with mixed load.

Mi 11: 6-7 hours (thanks to 120 Hz with adaptive frequency).

Disable 120 Hz (if not needed)|Limit background application activity |Use dark theme |Charge up to 80% for durability |Disable 5G if not used-->

5. Software support: MIUI and updates

This is one of the most important points in 2026.

Xiaomi Mi 10 received the last major update to MIUI 14 (based on Android 13).

Xiaomi Mi 11 stopped at MIUI 14 (Android 13) and will not get Android 14.

What does that mean in practice?

Both smartphones will receive security patches for another 1-2 years, but new MIUI features will not shine for them.

Compatibility: Some apps (such as banking) may require the latest versions of Android.

Both models are well supported by the community (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

⚠️ Note: If you use your smartphone to work with sensitive data (such as a mobile bank or corporate email), the lack of updates can become a problem through the use of a mobile phone. 1-2 year-end.

πŸ’‘

Before buying, check the MIUI version in the settings along the Settings path β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version. If the seller claims that the smartphone is on the β€œlast firmware”, but there MIUI 12 is a reason to doubt the honesty.

6. Design and ergonomics: glass vs glass

Both smartphones are made of glass (Gorilla Glass 5) and aluminum frames, but there are nuances:

Mi 10 is thicker (9 mm vs 8.1 mm in Mi 11) and heavier (208 g vs 196 g).

The Mi 11 has more rounded edges, which is more convenient for a single hold.

The camera on the Mi 11 is smaller, so it dances less on the table.

Colors:

Mi 10: Grey Space, Blue Ice, Gold.

Mi 11: Black, White, Blue, Purple (limited series)

According to subjective feelings, the Mi 11 lies in the hand more comfortable, but the slipperiness of both is high - the case is mandatory.

7.Extra chips: what you lost over the years

Some features that seemed innovative in 2020-2021 look different today:

  • 🎧 3.5mm connector: Only Mi 10 has it (Mi 11 has it removed).
  • πŸ“Ά 5G: Both support, but in 2026 it is no longer an advantage - even budget smartphones are equipped with a new model. 5G.
  • πŸ”Š Stereo speakers: Mi 11 have louder and better quality (Dolby Atmos support).
  • πŸ”’ The Mi 11 has a subscreen (optical) fingerprint scanner, the Mi 10 has an ultrasonic (more precisely, but slower) one).

Key point: if you are interested in a wired headphone jack, the Mi 10 is the only option in this pair.

8.Price and relevance of purchase in 2026

In the secondary market (2026) prices are about the following:

- Xiaomi Mi 10: 15 000 β€” 20 000 β‚½ (conditionally).

- Xiaomi Mi 11: 20 000 β€” 28 000 β‚½.

Should I overpay?

- Yes, if you need to. 2K-screen, better camera and a little more performance margin.

- Not if:

You won’t notice the difference between 90 Hz and 120 Hz.

- You need a 3.5 mm connector.

You are ready to accept the moral obsolescence in 1-2 years.

πŸ’‘

In 2026, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is only for enthusiasts who want the most specs for a reasonable price.For most Mi 10 users or newer budget models (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) will be more practical.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi 10 mi 11

Can I put custom firmware on Mi 10/Mi 11 in 2026?
Yes, both smartphones are well supported by the community. Popular options are: - LineageOS 20 (Android 13). - Pixel Experience (pure Android). - MIUI Europa (optimized version of MIUI without bloatware).
Which smartphone is better for games: Mi 10 or Mi 11?
Xiaomi Mi 11 is preferred thanks to the Snapdragon 888 and 120 Hz. However, both devices warm up during long sessions. Gaming recommendations: Use Game Turbo (in MIUI settings). Limit FPS in games to 60 fps to reduce heat. For Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, it is better to reduce the graphics to Medium.
Do the Mi 10 and Mi 11 support wireless charging?
Yes, but with reservations: 10: 30 Wireless charging (needs a branded station from Xiaomi). 11: 50 Wireless, but only with the original charger (stands separately) ~5 000 β‚½). Normal Qi charges will work on the 10-15 Watt.
How long will the Mi 10 and Mi 11 last in 2026?
When used with care: - Hardware: Another 3-4 years (unless the battery fails). - Software support: Maximum until 2026 (security patches). - Repairability: Parts (screens, batteries) are still available, but prices are rising. If you need a smartphone for many years, consider models 2022-2023 (for example, Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K60).
Which smartphone is better for shooting videos: Mi 10 or Mi 11?
Xiaomi Mi 11 wins thanks to: - 8K@30fps support (Mi 10 only has 8K@24fps). - Better stabilization (gyroscope + algorithms). - Less heating during recording. However, both smartphones lose to modern flagships in: - Autofocus when shooting video. - Microphone quality (noise in the wind). - Dynamic range (per-lights in the sun).