Xiaomi Mi 11: what you should know about Xiaomi's latest smartphone
May 7th, 2021 - 6pm
One thing is for sure, since its presentation in February, the Mi 11 has been the talk of the town. If you want to know more about this smartphone, here is our review of the Xiaomi Mi 11.
If you're more a video person than a reader, check out our Minute Tech made for the Xiaomi Mi 11.
Xiaomi Mi 11 256GB: its specifications
Before we talk about its performance, let's get into the technical specifications of the Xiaomi Mi 11 256GB.
A stunning screen
The Mi 11 is a big phone, as it features a 6.81-inch screen. This is similar in size to the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 or the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Its screen is AMOLED and offers a QHD+ resolution of 1440 by 3200 pixels, with a ratio of 20:9, which gives it an extended shape and makes it easy to handle despite its size.
The Mi 11 offers a 120Hz refresh rate, which gamers will love. We noticed that the most demanding games run with exceptional smoothness.
It should be noted that this smartphone is made of Corning Glass Victus, which should be much more resistant than previous versions.
Hands-on experience
The first thing we notice when we unpack the Xiaomi Mi 11 is that it has a curved screen, which makes it immersive not only with the Android system, but also with the applications used. The screen is so good that it has been awarded an A+ rating, the highest distinction given by the DisplayMate association.
Despite its larger than average size, the phone feels good in the hand.
Weighing in at 196 grams, the Mi 11 has a decent weight both in the hand and in the pocket where it doesn't feel too heavy.
What storage does the Mi 11 offer?
The Xiaomi Mi 11 offers 256GB of internal memory. Note that it is not possible to add an additional memory card.
The power of the Xiaomi Mi 11
There's no denying it, the Xiaomi Mi 11 offers us more than enough power. From the start, the smartphone features 8GB of RAM, but it also comes with a new processor from Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 888. In addition to 5G, this latest chip provides a significant boost in power and performance.
Gamers can be excited about this new chip, as gaming performance will live up to their expectations. It's safe to say that the Mi 11 will be a powerhouse for some time to come.
How much battery life does the Mi 11 get?
According to the latest tests, the Mi 11's battery will last for 1.5 days of normal use. If you use it intensively, it should still last a good day.
Mi 11: its battery
The Xiaomi Mi 11 has a very good 4600 mAh battery, which is remarkable considering its slimness of 8.06 mm.
The 55W charging is very fast, less than an hour is enough to fully charge it with the charger supplied.
Also new is the appearance of the wireless charging (IQ) which can also go up to 55W and allows you to charge your Mi 11 just as quickly with or without a cable. However, a wireless charger compatible with this standard is required.
Mi 11: Wi-Fi and 4G calls?
The Xiaomi Mi 11 supports Wi-Fi calls (VoWIFI) as well as 4G calls (VoLTE). This means you can make quality calls anywhere, even indoors if the mobile network is not ideal.
Which SIM card is compatible with the Mi 11?
The Xiaomi Mi 11 256GB is compatible with the nano-SIM cards you can find at Orange.
Is the Mi 11 a 5G phone?
Yes. The Mi 11 offers many possibilities by being equipped with EDGE, 3G+, 4G+, and 5G compatibility. The Xiaomi Mi 11 is the assurance of access to high speed, and the future.
Photo, video and sound equipment
In addition to its high-performance processor, Xiaomi has boosted the Mi 11's multimedia capabilities.
The Mi 11: a good student of photography?
The Mi 11 is a superb photophone thanks to its advanced hardware.
On the back, there are 3 photo sensors that complement each other perfectly:
The main 108-megapixel wide-angle sensor with f/1.85 aperture and optical image stabilisation
A 13-megapixel ultra-wide angle sensor at 123 degrees, with an f/2.4 aperture
A 5 megapixel macro lens, for photos from 3 to 10cm
After testing on several types of photos, the results are impressive: whether it's for an indoor portrait, night shots, or a motion shot in the city, the renderings are superb. We can confirm that the Mi 11 has a really good camera. Compared to the Mi 10, night and low light photos are much clearer and grain-free.
What about video capabilities?
Here again, the Mi 11 allows you to shoot videos of a breathtaking quality, in 4K, but also in 8K. The optical stabilisation is a plus and allows to improve the renders. It's clear that the Xiaomi Mi 11 is a no-fail video device.
Harman Kardon speakers, how do they sound?
This is a new feature, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is equipped with a sound technology developed by the company Harman Kardon. This experience is definitely a success. When the phone is placed on a piece of furniture with the speakers working, the sound is worthy of small speakers.
When watching video, the experience is definitely more immersive than before, thanks to the large curved screen and the excellent sound quality.
Which version of Android on the Mi 11?
The Xiaomi Mi 11 comes with the new MIUI 12 interface and Android 11.
The Mi 11 is the first Xiaomi smartphone to feature a Snapdragon 888 processor and to receive MIUI 12.5, an update that optimises the system, and makes performance and graphics even smoother. MIUI 12.5 offers the ability to uninstall system applications, thus freeing up RAM.
Which colours for the Xiaomi Mi 11?
You can choose between two colours for the Mi 11 256GB at Orange Luxembourg:
Horizon Blue
Midnight Grey
Is the Mi 11 right for me?
The Mi 11 is perfect for photo and video enthusiasts, sports enthusiasts, travellers, music lovers and cooking enthusiasts. Its state-of-the-art features allow it to offer benefits for each of these passions. This smartphone is suitable for a wide range of people, and its large screen makes the Mi 11 very comfortable to use.
Xiaomi Mi 11: how much does it cost?
The Xiaomi Mi 11 is €849 without a subscription in Luxembourg, but you can take advantage of a more attractive package as well as a deal.
Offer: The Mi 11 with the Xiaomi Mi Smart Compact Projector
From 17 May, enjoy the Xiaomi Mi 11 with an unlimited mobile package and leave with a free Xiaomi Mi Smart Compact Projector (worth €499).
You can find this offer in your nearest Orange shop.
Buy the Xiaomi Mi 11 and trade in your old smartphone!
It's settled, you're going to buy the Mi 11? Good to know, your old smartphone may still have value. Thanks to Orange Reprise, you can trade in your old smartphone for a voucher and save money on your new phone. You can save up to €400 for your wallet, but also do something good for the environment.