The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite and Infinix Zero X Neo represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. While both aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag, they take different approaches to achieving this goal. This comparison dives deep into their specifications, performance, and features to determine which device offers the best overall package.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 732G chipset, coupled with a brighter and more refined display, provides a smoother and more enjoyable user experience. While the Infinix Zero X Neo offers a slightly more aggressive price point, the Mi 11 Lite’s superior processing power and display quality justify the small premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 13 | 2021, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 02 | Available. Released 2021, April 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168.4 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.63 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 160.5 x 75.7 x 6.8 mm (6.32 x 2.98 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 157 g (5.54 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 1B colors, HDR10, 90Hz, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 7.6 | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro), AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4250 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Nebula Black, Starry Silver, Bahamas Blue | Boba Black (Vinyl Black), Peach Pink (Tuscany Coral), Bubblegum Blue (Jazz Blue) |
| Models | - | M2101K9AG, M2101K9AI |
| Price | About 210 EUR | £ 221.40 / € 106.34 |
| SAR | - | 1.07 W/kg (head) 0.82 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.95 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 100h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-24.2 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 290172 (v8), 294251 (v9)
GeekBench: 1796 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Infinix Zero X Neo
- Faster charging (33W vs 18W)
- More efficient and powerful Snapdragon 732G chipset
- Brighter and potentially more color-accurate display
- Potentially higher price point
- Battery capacity not specified
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite
- More affordable price
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Comparable battery endurance rating
- Slower charging speed
- Less powerful and less efficient Helio G95 chipset
- Display brightness and quality likely inferior
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 826 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Zero X Neo. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays feature an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, the Mi 11 Lite’s superior brightness and likely better color calibration contribute to a more immersive viewing experience. The absence of refresh rate information for the Zero X Neo suggests it likely operates at a standard 60Hz, while the Mi 11 Lite’s panel is known for its smooth visuals.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking for the Zero X Neo. The Mi 11 Lite’s camera system, while not explicitly detailed here, benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), known for its excellent image processing. Without specific details on the Zero X Neo’s sensor size and aperture, it’s difficult to assess its low-light performance. The Mi 11 Lite’s established reputation for image quality gives it an advantage. The inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) in the Mi 11 Lite, if present, would further enhance its photographic capabilities.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8nm), while the Infinix Zero X Neo features the MediaTek Helio G95 (12nm). The Snapdragon 732G, built on a smaller 8nm process, offers superior power efficiency and thermal management. Its CPU configuration – 2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver – provides a performance edge over the Zero X Neo’s 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better sustained performance during gaming. The 12nm process of the Helio G95 will likely result in more heat generation under load.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 100 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite’s 33W wired charging significantly outperforms the Infinix Zero X Neo’s 18W charging. This translates to faster top-ups – the Mi 11 Lite can likely charge from 0-100% in considerably less time than the Zero X Neo. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the Mi 11 Lite provides a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Zero X Neo if you prioritize maximizing value and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like social media, calls, and light web browsing. Its Helio G95 chipset is adequate for these scenarios. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite if you demand smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and a more vibrant viewing experience. The Snapdragon 732G and brighter display make it ideal for media consumption and more demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G95 in the Infinix Zero X Neo struggle with graphically demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio G95 is capable of running these games, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. The Snapdragon 732G in the Mi 11 Lite offers a more comfortable gaming experience with higher settings and less thermal throttling.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging speed between 18W and 33W? Will I notice a real-world impact?
The difference is substantial. 33W charging on the Mi 11 Lite will significantly reduce the time it takes to fully charge the device, offering a much more convenient experience, especially for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. 18W charging on the Zero X Neo will take considerably longer.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specifications for the Infinix Zero X Neo a cause for concern?
Yes, it is. Without knowing the sensor size, aperture, and other key specifications, it's difficult to assess the camera's performance, particularly in low-light conditions. The Mi 11 Lite benefits from Qualcomm's established image processing capabilities.
