Why You Should Thoroughly Review High-End Xiaomi Smartphones Before Purchase
Xiaomi made a tremendous buzz around its 11T Pro model, emphasizing its cinematic capabilities. But is this "almost flagship" as dazzling as claimed? Spoiler alert—it isn't quite there.
Design Overview
The design realm of smartphones is notorious for its monotony, with manufacturers striving for unique aesthetics amidst similarities. Some brands, like Samsung, manage to carve out distinct visual styles. However, the Xiaomi 11T Pro, despite being devoid of the "Mi" branding, remains visually entrenched in the quintessential Xiaomi design ethos.
The fingerprint scanner is strategically embedded in the power button on the side, a placement choice that might divide opinions between enthusiasts who favor screen-integrated sensors and others who appreciate this conventional approach. USB-C has become a standard feature across devices, whereas the absence of a 3.5mm jack remains a disappointment for audiophiles. Nonetheless, the inclusion of NFC facilitates contactless payments seamlessly.
Display Evaluation
Having evaluated numerous Xiaomi models, I'm relatively satisfied with their displays, especially those beyond the budget range. However, the 11T Pro fell short of expectations. It’s possible my review unit was an anomaly, as other reviews portray it in a better light.
| Xiaomi Mi 11T Pro Specs | |
|---|---|
| Max Brightness (Max/Min) | 417/1.78 cd/m2 |
| Contrast Ratio | Infinite |
| Color Coverage (sRGB) | 80% |
| DeltaE | 5.24 |
| Gamma | 2.1-2.2 |
| Color Temperature | 5000-5500K |
The Xiaomi 11T Pro does not impress with its color accuracy or brightness reserve, regardless of the "Color Scheme" settings. While not terrible, it lags behind older models like the Mi 10 or Mi 10 Ultra.
Performance and Battery Life
This device is equipped with the Snapdragon 888 processor, notorious for overheating and throttling. Xiaomi attempts to mitigate this by limiting performance for reduced heat output, resulting in a device that remains warm but delivers comparable results to a Snapdragon 865—albeit unintentionally curtailing its full potential.
Unfortunately, battery performance is less encouraging. Even though the Xiaomi 11T Pro is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, its efficiency does not stand out in comparison to devices like the Realme GT, which uses similar hardware.
The standout feature remains its 120W fast charging capability, rejuvenating the battery to 100% in less than 20 minutes. Connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, alongside advanced audio codecs, add to its allure.
Camera Performance
Marketed as a flagship camera phone, the 11T Pro underwhelms. In daylight, the images appear oversaturated, and noise plagues night shots. Video features like 8K in 30 FPS sound impressive on paper but underdeliver without optical stabilization, yielding shaky outputs.
Despite its ambition to cater to content creators, the execution isn't as refined. The absence of an optical zoom is a drawback, as is the underperforming ultra-wide module. While it records in 4K 60 FPS, the persistent blue tone detracts from footage quality.
Comparison with Competitors
| Xiaomi 11T Pro | Realme GT | Xiaomi Poco F3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 + MIUI 12.5 | Android 11 + Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11 + MIUI 12.5 POCO |
| Display | 6.67”, AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.43”, AMOLED, 120Hz | Similar to 11T Pro |
| Processor | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 870 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | 6GB |
| Camera | 108MP Main | 64MP Main | 48MP Main |
| Battery | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | 4520mAh |
| Price | $600 | $740 | $445 |
The Poco F3, priced at just $445, provides an exceptional alternative with comparable screen specifications, superior color accuracy in its photographs, and enhanced battery longevity.
Conclusion
Originally intended to fill a niche for affordable Xiaomi flagships, the 11T Pro's price doesn't justify its shortcomings, appearing less appealing when juxtaposed with rivals like the affordable Poco F3 and Realme GT, which now retail for $540.
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