Xiaomi Mi 11

Xiaomi Mi 11 Revisited: Still a Contender, or Showing its Age?

I've spent the past few weeks putting the Xiaomi Mi 11 through its paces, and having lived with it as my primary device, I've developed a pretty solid understanding of its strengths and weaknesses in today's smartphone landscape. Launched back in early 2021, this phone isn't the newest kid on the block, but at its current price point, it's definitely a device worth considering for certain users. My testing involved typical daily usage – browsing, social media, media consumption, some moderate gaming, and of course, capturing photos and videos in various conditions.

The Mi 11 arrived at a time when Xiaomi was really pushing to establish itself as a serious player in the flagship market. It felt like a statement piece, and even now, holding it, you get that sense. Priced competitively at launch (and even more so now), it targeted users looking for premium features without the absolute top-tier price tag. After my time with it, I have a clearer picture of where it still shines and where the passage of time has taken its toll.

Market Context: A Flagship from a Different Era

Looking back, the Xiaomi Mi 11 was a significant device. It packed cutting-edge specs for its time, and its release signaled Xiaomi's ambition to compete directly with the likes of Samsung and Apple. From my perspective, Xiaomi's strategy with the Mi 11 was about offering a "flagship killer" experience – delivering high-end performance and features at a more accessible price.

In today's market, the Mi 11 occupies an interesting space. While no longer the bleeding edge, it still offers a compelling set of features that can rival some mid-range offerings. The price has naturally come down, making it an attractive option for those who don't necessarily need the absolute latest technology but still desire a premium feel and performance. My personal take is that the current price point makes it a strong contender in the upper mid-range category, even if it initially debuted as a flagship.

Design & Hardware: Still Turning Heads

My first impression of the Mi 11 was definitely focused on its sleek design. The curved 6.81-inch AMOLED display dominates the front, giving it a truly immersive feel. Picking it up, the weight is noticeable at 196 grams, but it lends a sense of solidity and quality rather than feeling cumbersome. The materials feel premium, with a smooth glass back (my unit was the Horizon Blue) that catches the light beautifully.

How it feels in the hand is subjective, but I found the curved edges comfortable to hold, although the slipperiness of the glass back did make me a little nervous without a case. The button placement is standard and easily reachable. While I appreciate the premium feel, I have to point out the lack of an official IP rating beyond splash resistance is a bit of a drawback compared to some of its contemporaries. Durability-wise, the inclusion of Gorilla Glass Victus on the display offers a decent level of scratch resistance, which I can attest to after a couple of minor accidental encounters with keys and other objects. For practical daily use, the design is largely a win, blending aesthetics with a comfortable in-hand feel.

Display: A Visual Treat Even Now

The display on the Mi 11 remains one of its standout features. In my experience, the brightness is excellent, making it easily viewable even under direct sunlight. Media consumption on this screen is a joy. The colors are vibrant and punchy thanks to the billion-color capability, and the sharpness of the WQHD+ resolution makes everything look crisp and detailed. Watching movies and videos is genuinely enjoyable, and the 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and animations.

Gaming on this display is also a positive experience. The high refresh rate makes gameplay feel fluid and responsive. From my practical daily use, the display has held up remarkably well. The touch responsiveness is excellent, and I haven't encountered any issues with ghost touches or lag. It's a testament to the quality of the panel that it still competes so well against more recent devices.

Performance: Flagship Power That Endures

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 888 chipset is what truly defined the Mi 11's performance in its time, and even now, it holds its own for most tasks. In my real testing experiences, the phone handled everything I threw at it with ease. Gaming sessions, even with demanding titles, were smooth with consistently high frame rates. Multitasking between numerous apps felt seamless, and I didn't encounter any noticeable slowdowns or stutters.

Temperature management is worth mentioning. During extended gaming sessions or heavy multitasking, the phone can get warm, especially around the camera module, but it never reached uncomfortable levels or impacted performance significantly in my observation. One notable quirk, more of an observation really, is that the phone occasionally exhibited slightly more aggressive background app management compared to some other devices I've used, but it wasn't a major hindrance to my workflow. Overall, the performance remains a significant strength of the Mi 11.

Camera System: Still Capable of Stunning Shots

My actual photo-taking experience with the Mi 11 has been largely positive. The 108MP main sensor captures images with impressive detail and vibrant colors, especially in good lighting conditions. I tested it in various shooting scenarios, from bright daylight landscapes to indoor portraits, and the results were consistently good. The dynamic range is also commendable, preserving detail in both the highlights and shadows.

The ultrawide lens is handy for capturing expansive scenes, although there's a slight drop in detail compared to the main sensor, which is typical. The macro lens, while present, felt more like a nice addition rather than a primary selling point. Video recording on the Mi 11 is also solid, with the ability to shoot up to 8K resolution, though I mostly stuck to 4K for practicality. Compared to market alternatives in its current price range, the Mi 11's camera system holds up remarkably well, particularly the main sensor. In real-world usage scenarios, I found it to be a reliable and versatile camera for everyday photography.

Battery & Charging: A Tale of Two Extremes

Observed battery performance is perhaps where the Mi 11 shows its age the most. The 4600mAh battery is sufficient for a moderate day of usage, but on heavier days involving lots of media consumption or gaming, I often found myself needing to top up before the end of the day. My charging speed testing confirmed the effectiveness of the 55W fast wired charging. It can juice up the phone from near empty to a significant percentage in a relatively short amount of time, which is a definite plus.

Power management effectiveness seems decent, but the battery life is undeniably a step behind more recent devices with larger capacities and more efficient chipsets. Real-world endurance is average, meaning it will get you through most of the day, but heavy users should be prepared to utilize the fast charging feature. The inclusion of 50W wireless charging is a welcome addition, offering convenient top-ups.

Software: MIUI - A Matter of Preference

My daily usage experience with MIUI on the Mi 11 is generally smooth and feature-rich. The interface is highly customizable, with plenty of themes and options to personalize the experience. Feature usefulness is subjective, but MIUI packs in a lot of extras, some of which are genuinely helpful.

However, it's also worth noting that MIUI can be a polarizing aspect for some users. It deviates significantly from stock Android, and while it offers many features, it can also feel a bit cluttered at times. My thoughts on the update policy are cautiously optimistic. While the Mi 11 has received its major Android updates, the frequency of future updates may decrease as it gets older. Ultimately, software experience comes down to personal preference, but MIUI on the Mi 11 offers a comprehensive, albeit sometimes opinionated, user experience.

Value Analysis: Still a Smart Buy for the Right Person

My personal take on the Mi 11's price-to-feature ratio is that it offers excellent value, especially at its current, reduced price. I think this phone is ideal for someone who prioritizes a stunning display, strong performance, and a capable camera system, and is willing to compromise slightly on battery life.

Who should look elsewhere? Users who demand exceptional battery life that can comfortably last through even the heaviest of usage days, or those who prefer a more stock Android experience, might find better options elsewhere. In the competitive context of today's market, the Mi 11 goes head-to-head with newer mid-range devices, and its strengths in display and performance make it a compelling alternative for those features.

Conclusion: A Solid Performer That Won't Break the Bank

My clear personal recommendation is that the Xiaomi Mi 11 remains a worthwhile option for budget-conscious users seeking a taste of the flagship experience. It offers a beautiful display, smooth performance, and a very capable camera, all wrapped in a premium design.

My final thoughts on its value are that it punches above its weight, particularly at its current price. If you're looking for a phone that excels in multimedia consumption and delivers a smooth user experience without breaking the bank, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is definitely a phone you should consider. Just be mindful of the battery life if you're a particularly heavy user.