Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro

Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Review: A Deep Dive into a Former Flagship Contender

I've spent the better part of the last few weeks putting the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro through its paces, and it’s clear this phone, while not the latest in Xiaomi’s impressive lineup, still holds its own in certain aspects. At its release, the Mi 11 Pro aimed squarely at the premium smartphone segment, and while time has moved on, revisiting it now offers a valuable perspective on its strengths and weaknesses. My testing involved a mix of daily usage, including browsing, social media, photography, gaming, and media consumption, allowing me to form a comprehensive opinion. Initial impressions were strong, particularly regarding the display and camera capabilities. While the price point has likely shifted since its launch, understanding its initial positioning is key to appreciating its value proposition today.

Market Context: A Look Back at a Premium Play

The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro arrived at a time when the competition in the Android flagship space was fierce. Xiaomi was making a strong push into the premium market, and the Mi 11 Pro was a clear statement of intent. It showcased the brand’s ability to pack cutting-edge hardware into a sleek design. From my perspective, this phone represented a confident stride for Xiaomi, aiming to challenge established players with a feature-rich offering. The initial price point positioned it competitively against other flagship devices, appealing to users seeking top-tier specifications without necessarily breaking the bank to the extent of some of its more expensive rivals. Understanding this context is crucial when evaluating its current relevance and value.

Design & Hardware: Premium Feel, Substantial Presence

Picking up the Mi 11 Pro, the immediate impression is one of quality. The sleek design, while subjective, feels decidedly premium in hand. The use of Gorilla Glass Victus on the front provides a reassuring sense of durability, something I appreciate after a couple of near-miss drops during my testing period. However, it's important to acknowledge the substantial 208g weight. You definitely feel its presence in your pocket, and one-handed use, while possible, can feel a little precarious at times. The build feels solid and well-constructed, with no noticeable flex or creaking. The materials used exude a high-end feel, contributing to the overall premium aesthetic. While it might not be the most pocketable phone on the market, the trade-off is a sense of robustness and quality that’s immediately apparent.

Display: A Visual Feast

The 6.81-inch AMOLED display on the Mi 11 Pro is undoubtedly one of its standout features. The technical specifications – 1440 x 3200 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ with Dolby Vision support – translate into a truly exceptional viewing experience. In my testing, the brightness and visibility were excellent, even under direct sunlight. Media consumption on this display is an absolute joy; colors are incredibly vibrant and punchy, making videos and photos come to life. Gaming is equally impressive, with the 120Hz refresh rate delivering remarkably smooth visuals. Scrolling through social media and navigating the interface feels fluid and responsive. I spent a considerable amount of time simply admiring the clarity and color accuracy of this panel. For daily use, the display is sharp, clear, and a genuine pleasure to interact with.

Performance: Powerhouse Performance

Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 lives up to its reputation as a flagship-caliber processor. My real-world testing involved extended gaming sessions with graphically demanding titles, and the Mi 11 Pro handled everything with aplomb. Frame rates remained consistently high, and I experienced no noticeable lag or stuttering. Multitasking was equally smooth, with seamless switching between multiple apps. While the phone can get warm under sustained heavy load, it was within acceptable limits and didn't impact performance significantly. During my observations, the Mi 11 Pro consistently delivered a fluid and responsive user experience, showcasing its impressive processing power. It's a testament to the hardware that even now, it can handle demanding tasks with ease.

Camera System: Capturing Stunning Detail

The camera system on the Mi 11 Pro is a strong contender, featuring a versatile triple-lens setup. The 50MP main sensor, in my experience, captures images with exceptional detail and vibrant colors, particularly in good lighting conditions. I was genuinely impressed with the image quality produced in various shooting scenarios. The 13MP ultrawide lens offers a useful perspective for capturing expansive scenes, although there's a slight drop in detail compared to the main sensor. The 8MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom provides good versatility for capturing distant subjects. Video recording capabilities are also impressive, with support for up to 8K resolution and effective stabilization ensuring smooth footage. Compared to market alternatives at its release, the Mi 11 Pro held its own, delivering impressive image quality and versatility. In real-world usage, the camera system proved to be reliable and capable of producing stunning results across a range of subjects and lighting conditions.

Battery & Charging: Fast Refills Mitigate Endurance Concerns

The 5000mAh battery in the Mi 11 Pro is substantial, but in my observed battery performance, it leans towards requiring a top-up by the end of a heavy usage day. While it’s not the absolute best in terms of endurance, it’s certainly adequate for most users. However, the standout feature here is the incredibly fast 67W wired charging. In my testing, it lived up to the claims, rapidly replenishing the battery from near-empty to a significant charge in a remarkably short time. This fast charging capability significantly mitigates any concerns about battery life. Power management seemed reasonably effective, although tweaking settings might be necessary for users prioritizing maximum endurance. Ultimately, while the battery life might not be class-leading, the blazing-fast charging provides a convenient and practical solution.

Software: MIUI Experience

The Mi 11 Pro launched with Android 11, overlaid with Xiaomi's MIUI. My daily usage experience with MIUI has been generally positive, with a wealth of customization options and features. The interface is visually distinct and offers a different aesthetic compared to stock Android. While some users might find the pre-installed apps and occasional software quirks less desirable, the overall feature set is comprehensive. Thoughts on Xiaomi’s update policy are always relevant, and it’s worth noting the phone's age when considering future software updates. The usefulness of specific MIUI features will vary depending on individual preferences, but there's no denying the breadth of functionality offered.

Value Analysis: A Compelling Option in Retrospect

Assessing the value of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro now requires considering its likely reduced price compared to its initial launch. The price-to-feature ratio remains compelling, especially for users who prioritize display quality, performance, and camera capabilities. I believe this phone is well-suited for individuals who enjoy mobile gaming, media consumption, and photography, and who appreciate a premium design. Those who prioritize absolute battery life might find themselves reaching for the charger more frequently. In the competitive landscape, even now, the Mi 11 Pro offers a significant amount of technology for the price, making it a worthy contender for certain users.

Conclusion: Still Worth Considering

The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro, even a few years after its release, remains a capable and compelling smartphone. While its battery life might not be class-leading, the exceptional display, powerful performance, and impressive camera system still shine. The incredibly fast charging is a significant advantage, offsetting any endurance concerns. Ultimately, if you can find the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro at an attractive price point, and your priorities align with its strengths in display, performance, and camera, it’s definitely a phone worth considering. It offers a taste of the premium smartphone experience without the top-tier price tag of the latest flagships.