Huawei nova 11 Ultra vs Xiaomi 13 Pro: A Detailed Comparison of Flagship Features

The Huawei nova 11 Ultra and Xiaomi 13 Pro represent distinct approaches to the flagship smartphone market. The nova 11 Ultra aims to deliver a premium experience at a more accessible price point, while the Xiaomi 13 Pro throws everything including the kitchen sink at the high-end segment. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and a top-tier camera experience, the Xiaomi 13 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and superior battery endurance justify the higher price. However, the Huawei nova 11 Ultra offers compelling value with its fast 100W charging and stylish design.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei nova 11 Ultra Xiaomi 13 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66 - International
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China
Launch
Announced2023, April 172022, December 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, April 27Available. Released 2022, December 14
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), ceramic back or silicone polymer back, aluminum frame
Dimensions164.3 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm (6.47 x 2.93 x 0.31 in)162.9 x 74.6 x 8.4 mm or 8.7 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)210 g or 229 g (7.41 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionKunlun GlassCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1200 x 2652 pixels (~429 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~522 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~91.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.73 inches, 108.9 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, HDR10, 120HzLTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1200 nits (HBM), 1900 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LAdreno 740
OSHarmonyOS 3.0Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1 - 128GB UFS 4.0 - 256/512GB
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.4-f/4.0, 25mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide), AF-
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Leica lens, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-50.3 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1.0"-type, 1.6µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.0, 75mm (telephoto), PDAF (10cm - ∞), 3.2x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 115˚ (ultrawide), AF
Video4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS8K@24fps (HDR), 4K@24/30/60fps (HDR10+, 10-bit Dolby Vision HDR, 10-bit LOG), 1080p@30/120/240/960fps, 1080p@1920fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Dual8 MP, f/2.2, 52mm (telephoto), AF, 2x optical zoom 60 MP, f/2.4, 17mm, 100˚ (ultrawide), AF-
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single-32 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/3.14", 0.7µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass, barometer
 Virtual proximity sensing BDS Satellite Message (Emergency SOS service)-
Battery
Charging100W wired, 20-80% in 10 min Reverse wired120W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 19 min 50W wireless, 100% in 36 min 10W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4820 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, GreenCeramic White, Ceramic Black, Ceramic Flora Green, Mountain Blue
ModelsGOA-AL80U2210132G, 2210132C
PriceAbout 590 EURAbout 750 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 115h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.6 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 1281666 (v9) GeekBench: 5087 (v5.1), 5323 (v6) GFXBench: 64fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Huawei nova 11 Ultra

  • 100W fast charging provides quick top-ups.
  • Potentially more affordable price point.
  • Stylish design and build quality.

  • Limited to 4G connectivity.
  • Significantly less powerful Snapdragon 778G chipset.
  • Camera performance likely inferior to the Xiaomi 13 Pro.

Xiaomi 13 Pro

  • Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 delivers exceptional performance.
  • Excellent battery life and fast charging (wired and wireless).
  • Superior camera system with advanced image processing.

  • Higher price tag.
  • May be larger and heavier than the nova 11 Ultra.
  • Software experience may vary based on MIUI version.

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi 13 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1253 nits, compared to an unspecified peak brightness for the nova 11 Ultra. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels for vibrant colors, the Xiaomi’s higher peak brightness translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio on the Xiaomi 13 Pro is typical for AMOLED displays, offering deep blacks. The absence of refresh rate data for the nova 11 Ultra suggests it may not match the smoothness of a high-refresh-rate panel found in many flagship competitors.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are advertised as having strong camera capabilities, but the Xiaomi 13 Pro likely holds a considerable advantage. While both feature 'Photo/Video' capabilities, the Xiaomi 13 Pro benefits from a more powerful image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This allows for more advanced image processing, better low-light performance, and potentially more sophisticated video recording features. Without specific sensor details for the nova 11 Ultra, it’s difficult to assess its capabilities beyond marketing claims. The Xiaomi 13 Pro’s larger sensor (likely) and advanced processing will result in superior image quality and detail.

Performance

The performance gap is substantial. The Xiaomi 13 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) is a generational leap ahead of the Huawei nova 11 Ultra’s Snapdragon 778G 4G (6nm). The 8 Gen 2’s Cortex-X3 prime core, coupled with its more efficient 4nm process, delivers significantly faster CPU and GPU performance. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a superior gaming experience. The 778G is capable, but will struggle with the most demanding titles at maximum settings. Crucially, the nova 11 Ultra is limited to 4G connectivity, a significant drawback for users in areas with 5G coverage.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi 13 Pro demonstrates a clear advantage in battery endurance, achieving an impressive 10:55h of active use and an endurance rating of 115 hours. While the nova 11 Ultra’s battery capacity is unknown, the Xiaomi’s larger battery and more efficient chipset contribute to its longer runtime. Charging speeds are competitive, with the Xiaomi 13 Pro’s 120W wired charging (0-100% in 19 minutes) outpacing the nova 11 Ultra’s 100W (20-80% in 10 minutes). The Xiaomi also offers 50W wireless charging, a feature absent on the nova 11 Ultra.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei nova 11 Ultra if you need a stylish, fast-charging phone with a good camera for social media and everyday use, and are comfortable with the limitations of a 4G-only chipset. Buy the Xiaomi 13 Pro if you demand the absolute best performance for gaming and demanding applications, require 5G connectivity, and prioritize a class-leading camera system with extended battery life.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 778G in the Huawei nova 11 Ultra handle demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 778G is a capable mid-range chipset, it will likely struggle with Genshin Impact at maximum settings. Expect to lower graphics settings and potentially experience frame drops during intense gameplay. The Xiaomi 13 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers a significantly smoother and more consistent gaming experience.
❓ How does the 120W charging on the Xiaomi 13 Pro compare to the 100W charging on the Huawei nova 11 Ultra in real-world use?
The Xiaomi 13 Pro’s 120W charging is noticeably faster, fully charging the device in 19 minutes. The Huawei nova 11 Ultra’s 100W charging takes longer, only reaching 80% in 10 minutes. This means the Xiaomi 13 Pro offers a more convenient and quicker charging experience, especially for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
❓ Is the lack of 5G on the Huawei nova 11 Ultra a dealbreaker for most users?
It depends on your location and data usage. If you live in an area with widespread 5G coverage and frequently stream high-resolution video or download large files, the lack of 5G on the nova 11 Ultra will be a significant limitation. However, if you primarily use Wi-Fi or live in an area with limited 5G availability, it may not be a major concern.