Choosing between the Xiaomi Mi 10 and Xiaomi Mi 11 is a classic dilemma for a rational buyer looking for a balance between price and performance. At first glance, it may seem that the newer model is always better, but in the 2020-2021 generation, the situation is not so clear.
Both smartphones represent a premium segment, offering a high-end AMOLED-But it's the stuffing and the quality of the execution that are the deciding factors when buying a used device or choosing in the current market. maximum graphics power or stable operation of the system without overheating.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the specifications, real-life experience and hidden nuances that are often silent in advertising brochures, which will help you make an informed decision and not overpay for features that you will not use, or, conversely, not save on critical components.
Body design and ergonomics
Visually, the Xiaomi Mi 10 and Xiaomi Mi 11 share similar DNA, but the tactile sensations are completely different: The tenth model is clad in a matte aluminum frame, making the grip confident and not slippery. The Gorilla Glass 5 back panel provides protection, but collects a little less fingerprints than its predecessors.
The eleventh model has a bolder design with curved edges on all four sides, called a waterfall, which creates a floating image effect, but makes it much more difficult to use protective glasses. The weight of the device is distributed differently, and the center of gravity is shifted due to the huge camera module.
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi 10: Classic thickness, comfortable frame, weight 208 grams.
- 💎 Xiaomi Mi 11: Ultra-thin body, aggressive screen bending, weight 196 grams.
- 🎨 Materials: Both models use glass and metal, but the Mi 11 build quality feels more fragile.
⚠️ Attention: Due to the strong curves of the screen on the Xiaomi Mi 11, it is extremely difficult to find a quality protective glass that will not peel off at the edges.
If you prefer to use a smartphone without a case, the Xiaomi Mi 10 will be nicer in the hand thanks to the more predictable geometry of the faces. The eleventh model is trying to slip out, requiring the mandatory use of a protective accessory.
Screen and multimedia capabilities
The display is one of the main reasons why users are considering the Xiaomi Mi 11.It features Samsung’s advanced WQHD+ matrix with a resolution of 3200x1440 pixels. The pixel density reaches 515 ppi, which provides incredible font and image clarity, noticeable even when you look closely.
Xiaomi Mi 10 is equipped with Full HD+ AMOLED screen with a frequency of 90 Hz. For most users, this frequency update is enough for smooth scrolling of the tape of social networks and the interface. MIUI. Color reproduction in both cases is calibrated magnificently, supporting a wide range of colors. DCI-P3.
The brightness of both displays allows you to read information comfortably in direct sunlight, but the brightness margin of the eleventh model is higher, making the content more readable in extreme lighting conditions.
- 🌈 Color Rendering: Support for 10 bits of color (1.07 billion shades) in both models.
- 👁️ Eye Protection: Eye Protection and Certification TÜV Rheinland is present in both devices.
- 🔊 Sound: Stereo speakers on the Mi 11 are configured by Harman Kardon and sound larger.
It’s worth noting that the high-resolution screen on the Xiaomi Mi 11 requires more GPU resources, which directly affects battery life, which we’ll talk about in the corresponding section.
Performance and gaming tests
The heart of the Xiaomi Mi 10 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor, a chipset that has earned a reputation as one of the most stable and “cold” flagships in the history of the mobile industry. It easily copes with any modern task, from processing photos in 108 MP to heavyweight. 3D-game.
Xiaomi Mi 11 got Snapdragon 888 chip. performance gains in synthetic tests are about 20-25%.Graphics accelerator Adreno 660 shows impressive results in benchmarks AnTuTu, gaining more than 800,000 points.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi Mi 10 | Xiaomi Mi 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 865 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) |
| AnTuTu (v9) | ~600,000 points | ~830,000 points |
| RAM | LPDDR5 (8/12 GB) | LPDDR5 (8/12 GB) |
| Storage | UFS 3.0 | UFS 3.1 |
⚠️ Note: Snapdragon 888 processor in Xiaomi Mi 11 is known for its problems with overheating. 8K video) the device may reduce the brightness of the screen or the frame rate for cooling.
Why is the Snapdragon 888 hot?
For the average user, the difference in the speed of opening applications between these models will be almost invisible. Both smartphones work lightning fast. However, for mobile gamers playing Genshin Impact or PUBG at maximum settings, the Xiaomi Mi 11 will offer higher detail, but will require an external cooler.
Cameras: photo and video
The main camera module in the Xiaomi Mi 10 is based on the Samsung HMX sensor with a resolution of 108 MP. This was the first mass smartphone with such detail. Daytime pictures are great, with good dynamic range, but at night the algorithms sometimes "noise".
The Xiaomi Mi 11 also uses a 108MP sensor, but the new generation of Samsung HMX (or ISOCELL Bright HM2 in some revisions), the main difference was optical stabilization (OIS), which works more efficiently, and improved night shooting. Telemacros, which allows you to take detailed pictures of objects from very close range.
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To shoot 8K video on Xiaomi Mi 11, use a tripod. Digital stabilization at this resolution works mediocrely, and the slightest shaking of the hands will spoil the shot.
The front camera in both models has a resolution of 20 MP and is built into the screen notch.The quality of selfies and video calls is comparable, although the software skin treatment on the Xiaomi Mi 11 seems a little more natural thanks to the new ISP processor.
- 🌌 Night mode: Mi 11 less noise and better designed shadows.
- 📹 Video: Mi 11 can shoot in the video 8K At 30 fps, the Mi 10 is limited. 4K.
- 🔍 No model has optical zoom, only a digital crop from the main sensor.
If you're not a professional mobile photographer, the difference in quality will only be noticeable when viewed on a large screen or zoomed in. For social media, both cameras are more than enough.
Autonomy and charging speed
The battery is the Achilles heel of the Xiaomi Mi 11. The battery capacity is 4600 mAh, which is technically less than the Xiaomi Mi 10 (4780 mAh), but the main problem is not the capacity, but the voracious processor and energy-consuming screen WQHD+.
In the real-world use case, the Xiaomi Mi 10 lives a day and a half to two of moderate use.The Xiaomi Mi 11 often requires recharging by the evening of an active day, especially if you use 5G networks or play frequently.
☑️ How to extend the life of Xiaomi battery
The charger kit also varies.The Xiaomi Mi 11 comes with a 55W power supply that charges the smartphone in about 45-50 minutes.The Xiaomi Mi 10 comes with 30W charging (full charge in an hour and 10 minutes), although the smartphone itself supports fast charging of up to 30W.
⚠️ Attention: Fast charging of 55W on Xiaomi Mi 11 heats the case very much.Do not cover the phone with a blanket or put on soft surfaces while charging to avoid overheating the battery.
Both models support wireless charging, which is rare even for modern flagships. Xiaomi Mi 11 supports wireless charging up to 50 watts (with a proprietary station), and Xiaomi Mi 10 – up to 30 watts. There is also a reverse charging feature that allows you to charge headphones or watches from a smartphone.
Software and support
Both smartphones originally came out on Android 10 and Android 11, respectively, but both have received updates to current versions of Android and the HyperOS shell (or MIUI 14) so far.The system optimization on the Xiaomi Mi 10 is considered more stable, as the device has gone through many security updates.
The Xiaomi Mi 11 suffered from bugs associated with sudden reboots (the problem of “bricks” due to the chip failure when overheating), the company later released a special program to replace motherboards and extended the warranty, but the sludge remained.
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The Xiaomi Mi 10 is considered a more reliable choice in terms of durability of iron, while the Mi 11 offers more features, but with the risk of unstable performance.
There's almost no interface difference. You'll get the same MIUI/HyperOS feature set, including second spaces, app cloning, and advanced gesture settings. The interface speeds on both devices are fast, but on the Mi 11, the animations can be a little smoother because of 120Hz.
Conclusions and Comparisons
To sum up, the Xiaomi Mi 10 and Xiaomi Mi 11 are two different approaches to building a flagship: The tenth model is a workhorse that combines high performance and reliability. The eleventh model is an attempt to keep up with competitors in a performance race, sometimes at the expense of stability.
If you’re looking for a gaming phone and don’t mind carrying a power bank or external fan, the Xiaomi Mi 11 will offer a brighter screen and powerful graphics. However, for most users who appreciate the peace of mind and longevity of the device, the Xiaomi Mi 10 looks like a smarter purchase, especially given current prices in the aftermarket.
- 💰 Price: On the used market, the Mi 10 is often cheaper, making it the king (price-to-quality ratio).
Ultimately, both smartphones remain capable even in 2026-2026, easily performing everyday tasks, making decent videos and looking relevant, and the key is to understand the trade-off you're willing to accept.