Xiaomi 11 lineup: flagships of 2021, which are still relevant
Xiaomi 11, launched in 2021, has become one of the brandโs most talked-about series. Despite the release of newer models, these devices remain in demand thanks to powerful hardware, high-quality screens and an affordable price in the secondary market. But how to figure out all the modifications? Because under the Mi 11 brand, as many as five devices came out: from the compact Mi 11 Lite to the monstrous Mi 11 Ultra with a secondary display.
In this article, we will go through each model in detail, compare their key features and help you determine which Xiaomi 11 is right for you, and also tell you what to look for when buying a used device, so as not to run into a โcat in a bag.โ Spoiler: if you want a smartphone with the best camera in the lineup, itโs definitely not the Mi 11 Lite 5G.
Before we jump to the comparison, all the devices in the series are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (except the Mi 11 Lite and Mi 11 Lite 5G), which guarantees high performance even in 2026. However, there are nuances with 5G support, autonomy and MIUI updates - read more about all of this below.
1. Xiaomi Mi 11: Basic flagship with 120Hz AMOLED
Xiaomi Mi 11 (codenamed venus) was the brandโs first smartphone with a Snapdragon 888 processor and a 2K+ screen (3200ร1440) that set the tone for the entire lineup, offering premium specs at a price lower than rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S21.
The main features of the model:
- ๐ฑ Screen: 6.81" AMOLED, 120 Hz, HDR10+, It's up to 1,500 nits bright, one of the best displays in its class, even after 3 years.
- ๐ธ Camera: main module on 108 MP (Samsung) HMX) + superb 13 MPP + telephoto 5 MP (macro). Video to 8K@30fps.
- ๐ Battery: 4600 mAh with fast charging support 55W (wired 50W (wireless).
- ๐ฎ Performance: Snapdragon 888 + Up to 12GB of RAM. In 2026 pulls all games on medium settings.
The Mi 11โs main drawback is the lack of official water and dust protection (no IP68 certification), and users complain of mediocre autonomy due to its gluttonous processor and high-resolution screen, while the Gorilla Glass Victus and aluminum frames look premium.
โ ๏ธ Warning: In the secondary market, there are often Mi 11 with a broken screen. Replacing the display costs 30-50% of the cost of the smartphone, so check the operability of the touchscreen and the absence of โbrokenโ pixels before buying.
2. Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra: a monster with secondary screen and Leica optics
If the Mi 11 is the flagship for most, the Mi 11 Ultra (codenamed star) is a device for enthusiasts.It is one of the few smartphones with a secondary display on the back that displays notifications, time and can even serve as a viewfinder for selfies by the main camera.
Key features:
- ๐ท Camera: 50 MP main module (Sony) IMX766) with Leica optics, ultra-wide 48 MP, telephoto 48 MP (5)ร Optical zoom! Best camera in Xiaomi 11 lineup.
- ๐ Battery: 5000 mAh with support 67W Wireless and wired charging, full charge in 36 minutes!
- ๐ก๏ธ Protection: certification IP68 โ can be submerged briefly.
- ๐ฐ Price: at the start of sales was more expensive than the iPhone 12 Pro Max, but now on the secondary you can find cheaper than 50 000 โฝ.
The drawbacks are the huge dimensions (164.3 ร 74.6 ร 8.38 mm) and weight (234 g).The secondary screen is also often turned off in settings, as it quickly drains the battery, but the Mi 11 Ultra is the only model in the lineup with full-fledged Leica optics, making it a photographers dream.
| Model | Processor | RAM/ROM | Screen. | Main camera. | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi 11 Ultra | Snapdragon 888 | 8/12 GB + 256/512 GB | 6.81" AMOLED, 120 Hz | 50 MP (Leica) | 5000 mAh, 67W |
| Mi 11 Pro | Snapdragon 888 | 8/12 GB + 128/256 GB | 6.81" AMOLED, 120 Hz | 50 MP | 5000 mAh, 67W |
| Mi 11 | Snapdragon 888 | 8/12 GB + 128/256 GB | 6.81" AMOLED, 120 Hz | 108 MP | 4600 mAh, 55W |
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: Gold Standard Between Ultra and Basic Mi 11
The Mi 11 Pro (codenamed mars) is a simplified version of the Ultra without a secondary screen and branded Leica optics, while retaining the same processor, screen and battery as the top model, but has become smaller and cheaper.
The Mi 11 Pro is better than the Mi 11.
- ๐ Battery at 5000 mAh (vs. 4600 mAh in the Mi 11).
- ๐ท Main camera at 50 MP (vs 108 MP in the Mi 11, but with better photo processing).
- ๐ก๏ธ Certification IP53 (spray-proof).
- ๐ฐ The price in the secondary market is lower than that of the Ultra, but higher than that of the base model.
If you donโt need a secondary screen or branded optics, but want better autonomy and water protection, the Mi 11 Pro is the best choice. However, keep in mind that in 2026 the price difference between the Pro and the base Mi 11 may be minimal, so itโs worth comparing specific offers.
๐ก
Before buying the Mi 11 Pro, check the battery status through the engineering menu (#4636##).If the capacity is below 85%, the battery will soon have to be changed.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite and Mi 11 Lite 5G: budget options with AMOLED
For those who do not need top-end performance, Xiaomi has released lightweight versions - Mi 11 Lite (codename courbet) and Mi 11 Lite 5G (These models were given a thin body (6.8 mm), light weight (157 g) and AMOLED-screen, but with reduced characteristics.
Comparison of Lite versions:
- ๐ถ Mi 11 Lite: Snapdragon processor 732G, only 4G, screen.
- ๐ถ Mi 11 Lite 5G: Snapdragon processor 780G, support 5G, screen.
- ๐ธ Both models have a 64MP main camera, but no optical zoom.
- ๐ Battery at 4250 mAh with charging 33W.
The main advantage of Lite models is the price, and you can find them on the secondary market for 15,000-20,000. โฝ, Which makes them a great option for those who want to. AMOLED-screen and stylish design without overpaying for flagship chips, but do not count on high performance in games or long support for updates.
โ ๏ธ The Mi 11 Lite and Mi 11 Lite 5G There's no stereo speakers, there's only one down speaker, and if you want quality sound, look at the other models in the line.
5. Xiaomi Mi 11i: Global version with improved camera
Xiaomi Mi 11i (The codename haydn is a redesigned version of the Mi. 11X Pro, released specifically for the global market, unlike the Chinese models, it has improved the camera and added support for more 5G-range.
Features of the Mi 11i:
- ๐ท Main camera at 108 MP (Samsung) HM2) optically stabilized.
- ๐ถ Support for 13 bands 5G (11 against Mi 11).
- ๐ Battery at 4520 mAh with charging 33W.
- ๐ก๏ธ Certification IP53 (spray-proof).
This model is less well known in Russia, as it was not officially supplied, but it can be found in resellers, the main advantage over the base Mi 11 is a better camera and a more modern sensor, but due to the rarity of the model, it is more difficult to find spare parts and prices in the secondary market can be overpriced.
How to distinguish the original Mi 11i from a fake?
6. Which Xiaomi 11 model to choose in 2026?
The choice depends on your priorities. Here are some brief recommendations:
- ๐ธ For photo: Mi 11 Ultra (best camera) or Mi 11i (Best Price/Quality Balance).
- ๐ฎ For games: Mi 11 or Mi 11 Pro (Snapdragon 888) + cooling-off).
- ๐ฐ Budget option: Mi 11 Lite 5G (AMOLED + 5G minimum price).
- ๐ Maximum autonomy: Mi 11 Ultra or Mi 11 Pro (battery 5000 mAh).
If you are buying a smartphone with your hands, be sure to check:
โ๏ธ What to check before buying a used Xiaomi 11
Also note that all Xiaomi 11 models no longer receive major MIUI updates. The latest Android version for them is Android 13 (MIUI 14).If you want long-term support, consider newer models like Xiaomi 13 or Xiaomi 14.
๐ก
In 2026, Xiaomi 11 Ultra is the best choice for photographers, and Mi 11 Lite 5G โ the most budgetary way to get AMOLED-screen 5G.