The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has a slimmed-down ultra-wide-angle and zoom camera and does not have an additional display. In return, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has the same 50-megapixel main camera as the Mi 11 Ultra and, unlike the normal Mi 11, has a periscope camera with 5x zoom.
For all those who are looking for an inexpensive alternative to the Mi 11 Ultra without wanting to do without the phenomenal main camera, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro could be the right smartphone.
The Poco F3 is equipped with a lightning-fast Snapdragon 870 processor, including a 5G reception, an AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a triple camera with a Sony IMX582 the main sensor. After 10 days of practical use, one thing is certain: if you are looking for as much performance as possible for your money, you cannot avoid the 351 USD Poco smartphone. You can find all the strengths and weaknesses of the Poco F3 in this detailed review.
Pros and Cons
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F3 |
| Fantastic AMOLED panel | AMOLED screen with 120 Hz |
| Huge 5000 mAh battery | Good battery life |
| Excellent performance | Gorilla Glass 5 protection |
| Stereo speakers | 33W fast charging |
| Slightly heavy | Lacks IP certification |
Key Specification
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F3 | |
| Released | 2021, April 02 | 2021, March 27 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G |
| Display | 6.81 inches | 6.67 inches |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint (under display, optical) | Fingerprint (side-mounted) |
Design
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | 163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 208 g | 196 g |
| Display Type | AMOLED 120Hz | AMOLED 120Hz |
| Screen Size | 6.81 inches | 6.67 inches |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 395 PPI |
| Screen Resolution | 1440 x 3200 pixels | 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Colors | Black, Green, Purple | Arctic White, Night Black, Deep Ocean Blue |
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro- At 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.9 millimeters, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has almost the same dimensions as the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra. The weight of 208 grams is a bit lighter, probably due to the smaller camera module. So the Mi 11 Pro is also a large and heavy smartphone.
The back design is much more subtle than that of the Mi 11 Ultra due to the smaller camera module. However, one can in no way speak of a small camera unit. The camera module protrudes 2 millimeters from the back, and the 50-megapixel sensor protrudes an additional millimeter. This also causes the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro to wobble when it is placed flat on a shelf. This is the case even if you use the silicone protective cover from the scope of delivery. Otherwise, the delivery scope includes nothing except a glued-on screen protector, the SIM needle, and a Chinese quick start guide. Xiaomi saves the power adapter and the USB-C cable in Apple-style.
Poco F3- The Poco F3 consists of a scratch-resistant glass back and has an aluminum frame. However, the frame is coated with plastic on the outside and therefore does not feel like metal. The F3 measures 163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 millimeters and weighs 196 grams on the scales. This makes it noticeably thinner and also lighter than its predecessor.
Nevertheless, the Poco F3, with its 6.67-inch display, is one of the large smartphones on the market. The rear camera only protrudes 1.5mm from the back, and the smartphone lies completely flat on the table with the protective cover supplied. Otherwise, a 33-watt charging adapter, a USB-C cable, and a SIM needle are included in the scope of delivery. A screen protector is already applied. Black, white and blue is available for the Poco F3. Our black trial version shimmers silver in the light and is a magnet for fingerprints and grease streaks. So Corning Gorilla Glass 5does not mean here that it has a special coating against fingerprints. The back is rounded, and the Poco F3 fits perfectly in hand.
Display
The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has the same display as the Mi 11 Ultra. Specifically, this means a huge 6.81 inch AMOLED panel with an extremely high WQHD resolution of 3200 x 1400 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz.
The screen resolution and the Hertz number can be reduced to Full HD and 60Hz in the settings to save a little battery. In addition, a mode is available that adjusts the resolution according to the content. On the other hand, it looks different with the 120Hz refresh rate: Moving content looks wonderfully fluid, and the fun of operation is even greater than with 90Hz panels. The high sampling rate of 480Hz could also be relevant for gamers.
The brightness can be set manually between 3 and 870 lux. With automatic brightness control, the Mi 11 Pro can increase up to 1300 lux in direct sunlight, which means that the display can also be read easily in sunlight. The boost in sunlight should be made possible with the new sunlight mode, even with a manual brightness setting. As with the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, this does not yet work. In any case, HDR + support is provided, and even Widevine L1 for watching pay-to-watch streaming such as Netflix in full resolution is available. The colors can be displayed in three modes: Original, Saturated, and Automatic can be set. The original model is based on the sRGB color space. With Automatic, you get a cooler display, and with Saturated, you get solid AMOLED colors.
An always-on mode is, of course, also on board. Xiaomi offers the user numerous layouts, each of which can be adapted. In addition, the display can light up at the edges when a message arrives. Otherwise, there is a double-tap-to-wake function, a dark mode, an anti-flicker mode, and a reading mode on the software side.
The display of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro leaves nothing to be desired. In addition to an extremely high resolution, you also get a very smooth display thanks to the 120Hz. In addition, the display impresses with its strong brightness, many setting options, and even Widevine L1 certification.
The Poco F3 has an E4 6.67 inch AMOLED display. This has an r400 x 1080 pixels resolution and brings a 20: 9 ratio to sharp 395 pixels per inch. You have to look for the difference to the 2K display of the Mi 11 with a magnifying glass. But not only the resolution and display technology are high-end, but the frame rate is also 120Hz. In practice, this ensures a super smooth system and, in some games, a smoother display. The 120Hz remains permanently available in the system, only with some apps such as YouTube or Netflix, the display automatically switches to 60Hz mode. There would be no advantages here either, only the disadvantage of higher battery consumption. With Widevine L1, streaming in HD resolution is, of course, possible without any problems. HDR content can also be used. As is typical for AMOLED, the display has perfect contrast, and there are no shadows even on the edges and around the notch. In manual mode, the brightness can be regulated between 3 and 780 lux. The Poco F3 boosts to 1250 lux in direct sunlight, and readability is excellent. It is noticeable that, as with the Mi11, the brightness is not reached directly but is gradually increased. This is probably related to the 360 ° brightness sensor, which is also used here. In any case, the legibility outdoors and even in direct sunlight is excellent, and the viewing angle stability is also good.
Sensitive users will miss the DC dimming option. Otherwise, all the settings that one could wish for are included. The AOD is fully available and not cropped like the Redmi Note 10 range. The colors adapt to the ambient light in the “Automatic” mode, otherwise “Saturated” (very strong, oversaturated colors) and “Original color” (accurate color reproduction) are available. The colors can be meticulously adapted to your individual preferences via advanced settings. In addition, there is also a stepless regulation of the color temperature and an extra “Adaptive Color” mode. The well-known dark mode (black/white reversal) and reading mode are also available and can be time-controlled if desired.
The Poco F3 has a fully functional AOD. This means that the display of the Poco F3 is in no way inferior to the most expensive smartphones on the market. Many of you will happily do without the high resolution, as the difference is barely noticeable in practice. The display is also the perfect upgrade to last year’s Poco F2 Pro.
Performance
| Processor | Octa-core (1×2.84 GHz Kryo 680 & 3×2.42 GHz Kryo 680 & 4×1.80 GHz Kryo 680) | Octa-core (1×3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3×2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4×1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 650 |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Storage expansion | No | No |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has installed the currently fastest Android processor with the Snapdragon 888. In addition to the high speed, the processor is manufactured using the latest 5-nanometer process. 8 cores take care of the computing power. These are divided into a Cortex X1 Prime Core with 2.84 GHz, three further Cortex A78 cores in the performance cluster with 2.42 GHz, and four Cortex A55 cores in the energy-saving cluster with 1.8 GHz. An Adreno 660 GPU is responsible for the graphics and can play any current 3D game without any problems. In the benchmarks, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro takes the lead alongside the other SD888 smartphones:
There are three memory versions to choose from: 8 / 128GB, 8 / 256GB and 12 / 256GB. The DDR5 RAM achieves a speed of 57.5GB, and the internal UFS 3.1 memory is lightning fast with a read / write speed of 1735/725 MB / s.
As expected, the system performance is fantastic. Apps open without noticeable delay, and scrolling through social media feeds as smooth as butter. The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is also unimpressed by titles such as PUBG Mobil or Call of Duty Mobile when it comes to gaming. However, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro shares a problem with all other Android chips manufactured using the 5-nanometer process: the smartphone overheats under heavy load. The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro, for example, aborts the Antutu stress test due to overheating, and when benchmarks are repeated, the performance decreases over time. In practice, however, this is not a relevant problem since even current games do not place such great demands on the chip.
With the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870, the Poco F3 uses a drilled flagship processor from last year. Because of the problems with the new 5nm production, the 7-nanometer production can be seen as a clear advantage. The Poco F3 also warms up after an hour of gaming, but there are no performance drops. At the warmest point, it is almost 41 ° (noticeable but not uncomfortable). The Prime-Core of the Snapdragon 870 clocks with a maximum of 3.2GHz is the only difference. Our test device has 8GB DDR5 RAM and 256GB internal UFS 3.1 memory. This brings the device to a read/write rate of 1430 / 540MB / s. The F3 is also available in a version with 6 / 128GB memory.
The Poco F3 is officially advertised as “The Real Beast,” and the performance is simply unbeatable at this price point. The Snapdragon 870 offers an excellent mix of performance and energy consumption without overheating. Paired with the 120Hz display, you get a perfectly smooth system; the memory ensures that apps are installed with a wink, and the speed is clearly assigned to the high-end segment. The F3 is an excellent choice even for demanding gamers. Ordinary users can expect a few years of use, so if you still have an F1 in your hand, you can finally upgrade without thinking twice.
Camera
The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro represents the compromise between the standard and the ultra edition in terms of the camera. In contrast to the regular Mi 11, the Pro version comes with a periscope camera and the new Samsung GN2 sensor. Compared to the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, however, the ultra-wide-angle and periscope cameras are not pixel-binning sensors. Instead, there is a “normal” 8-megapixel camera with 5x zoom and a 13-megapixel camera for UWW recordings. The camera setup looks like this:
- 50MP main camera : Samsung S5K GN2 , 1 / 1.12 ″ sensor, 1.4μm pixel size, 2.8μm 4-in-1 Super Pixel f / 1.95, 8P lens, 85˚ FOV, OIS.
- 8MP periscope camera: Omnivision OV08a10, 120mm, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom
- 13MP ultra wide angle: Omnivision OVb13b10, f / 2.4, 16mm, 123˚
- 20MP Selfie : Samsung s5k3t2, f / 2.2, 0.8μm pixel size, 1.6μm 4-in-1 Super Pixel 78˚ FOV, FF
Of course, the biggest specialty of the setup is the primary camera with the enormous 1 / 1.12-inch sensor from Samsung. But the rest of the design looks anything but wrong on the datasheet. So let’s take a closer look at the pictures of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
Poco doesn’t dare to experiment with the camera and even takes a step back on paper with the Sony IMX582 primary sensor. In addition to the main camera, the 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera of the Redmi Note 10 series and the macro sensor of the Poco F2 Pro are also on board.
The main camera is the well-known 20-megapixel sensor, which we at Xiaomi also know to be sufficient from the Mi 10 series. You have to do without optical image stabilization (OIS) for night shots here, too; good electronic image stabilization (EIS) is available for videos.
- Main camera: 48 MP Sony IMX582, f / 1.8, 1/2 ″, 0.8 µm, PDAF
- Ultra wide angle: 8 MP Sony IMX355, f / 2.2, 118˚
- Macro zoom camera: 5 MP Samsung s5k5e9, f / 2.4, 2X
- Selfie: 20 MP Samsung s5k3t2, f / 2.45
The focus reacts very quickly and precisely. The trigger time of the 48-megapixel sensor is minimal. Xiaomi’s camera app has a pro mode and many additional players such as long exposure, dual video, or clone. Now let’s take a very close look at the image quality of the Xiaomi Poco F3 in the individual categories.
Multimedia
| Headphone jack 3.5 mm | No | No |
| Speakers | Yes | Yes |
Battery Life
| Capacity | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4520 mAh |
| User-Replaceable | No | No |
| Charging | Fast charging 67W | Fast charging 33W |
| Wireless Charging | Fast wireless charging 67W | No |
With 5000mAh, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro has the same capacity as the Mi 11 Ultra. Compared to the normal Mi 11, the capacity is 400mAh higher. In practice, the runtime is as good as that of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra. The smartphone lasts for a day, even with hefty use. Two days are also possible, but only if you don’t keep your smartphone close at hand.
The consumption values are otherwise also typical for a current high-end smartphone. When gaming graphically intensive titles like PUBG, around 16% of the battery is lost per hour. The smartphone needs around 10% per hour when browsing the web or watching a YouTube video.
To save battery capacity, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra adapts the Hertz number to the content. If desired, it can also intelligently switch the resolution between FHD and WQHD. If you use the WQHD resolution, you should definitely try the automatic regulation. The 120Hz is always intelligent, and a “pure” 120Hz mode is not available.
The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is charged with up to 67 watts. The charging time is 38 minutes. In addition to wired charging, wireless charging with up to 67 watts is also supported, a record value.
The 4520 mAh battery of the Poco F3, in combination with the economical processor and the AMOLED display, ensures excellent runtimes. The F3 only loses 20% battery after an hour of intensive gaming. In the case of a YouTube video in the WLAN, it is 6%. In a direct comparison to the Redmi Note 10 Pro with a 5000 mAh battery.
With the supplied 33 watts charging adapter, you can charge the Poco F3 from 0 to 100% in 73 minutes. That is a decent value, even if it is not a leader in this price range. You also have to do without Qi wireless charging here.
Connectivity
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Wifi | Wifi 6 | Wifi 6 |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro was even able to receive mobile data in some places where other smartphones were only on the move in Edge. There is also nothing negative to report with regard to the quality of the call. The voice is transmitted clearly and distinctly, and WLAN telephony and VoLTE are also available.
Bluetooth 5.2 and Wifi 6 with 2 x 2 MIMO and 8 x 8 Sounding for MU-MIMO are also available for wireless connection. The reception strength is also above average here, and the 100 Mbit line in my apartment is almost completely exhausted in two rooms. Otherwise, the Xiaomi Mi 11 offers an NFC chip.
The Xiaomi Mi 11 uses Dual-Galileo, Dual QZSS, NavIC, and GLONASS satellites to determine its location. In practice, an exact location determination often works even indoors. In the open air, the position is determined within a few seconds. In addition to the brightness, proximity, and acceleration standards, Xiaomi also packs a gyroscope, an infrared transmitter, a barometer, a Hall sensor for smart covers, and a compass as sensors.
The Poco F3 also has the most modern reception standards that one could wish for. In the 2G, 3G, 4G (LTE), and 5G networks, the device transmit without difficulty with always good reception:
The call quality is good, and two nano SIMs are also supported simultaneously (dual SIM). With features such as VoLTE telephony and VoWIFI, the call quality can be increased even further. In contrast to its predecessor, all 5G DSS frequencies are also on board.
With WiFi 6, the F3 is well equipped for the future, and in my WiFi 5 network, the smartphone shone with good reception and a long range. Right next to the router, 250/40 MBit arrived fully, 10 meters, and 2 walls later, almost 100/40MBt. The dual GPS connects to up to 20 satellites within a few seconds and determines the position with an accuracy of 3 meters.
Dual Galileo, Glonass, and Dual Beidou are also used here. Neither as a pedestrian nor in the car were there any problems with the navigation. The F3 has Bluetooth 5.1, and the high-resolution codecs aptX and LHDC are supported here. Of course, Xiaomi has also thought of NFC. You have to do without FM radio reception. In terms of sensors, the Poco F3 offers a gyroscope in addition to the standard (acceleration, proximity, and brightness sensor),
Conclusion!
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro- If you buy a flagship, you do so, especially because of the better camera. After all, smartphones like the Poco F3 already have high-end processors and displays in the upper-middle class. After all, the camera is the only decisive point that justifies the surcharge for a flagship. The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro delivers right here with the Samsung GN2 sensor and takes pictures with really phenomenal quality. You don’t get all the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra gadgets with the rest of the sensors, but at least a good zoom camera is also included. If you are primarily interested in the photos from the main camera, you will get what you are looking for with the Mi 11 Pro. If you also need a first-class ultra-wide and zoom camera, you must resort to the ultra version.
And otherwise, the smartphone can also convince in our test. Excellent design, a clean WQHD 120Hz AMOLED display, and the currently fastest Android processor ensure a lot of fun to use. There are also comfort features such as the IP68 protection class and wireless charging at record speed. In terms of battery life, none of the Xiaomi Mi 11 smartphones can knock us off our feet.
The Poco F3 is a real no-brainer for mobile phone gamers or those who want to become one. More display, performance, and sound are currently not possible for this price. But also all those who want to use their smartphone for 3-4 years get a complete package with the Poco F3 due to the excellent performance. The battery life is great, the reception is solid, and the overall design is simply more consistent than its predecessor. If the camera is the number 1 priority when buying a mobile phone, then you should take a closer look at the Redmi Note 10 Pro.
