Motorola Edge (2021) vs Xiaomi 11T Pro: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The Motorola Edge (2021) and Xiaomi 11T Pro represent compelling options in a crowded smartphone market, but cater to different priorities. The Edge (2021) aims for a balanced experience with a focus on affordability, while the 11T Pro aggressively targets flagship-level performance with its Snapdragon 888 and blazing-fast 120W charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw speed and future-proofing, the Xiaomi 11T Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 888, despite potential thermal throttling, significantly outperforms the Edge (2021)'s Snapdragon 778G. However, the Motorola Edge (2021) remains a strong contender for those seeking a more efficient and balanced device.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Edge (2021) Xiaomi 11T Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bands2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021, August 192021, September 15
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, September 02Available. Released 2021, October 05
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions169 x 75.6 x 9 mm (6.65 x 2.98 x 0.35 in)164.1 x 76.9 x 8.8 mm (6.46 x 3.03 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight200 g (7.05 oz)204 g (7.20 oz)
 Water-repellent designIP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLCD, 144Hz, HDR10AMOLED, Dolby Vision, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LAdreno 660
OSAndroid 11, planned upgrade to Android 13Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single-16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Triple108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF Auxiliary lens108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto macro), 1/5.0", 1.12µm, AF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120ps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960, HDR10+, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single32 MP, f/2.3, (wide), 0.7µm16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -Tuned by Harman Kardon 24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging30W wired120W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 72% in 10 min, 100% in 17 min
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsNebula BlueMeteorite Gray, Moonlight White, Celestial Blue
ModelsXT2141-12107113SG, 2107113SI, 2107113SR
PriceAbout 90 EUR€ 139.00 / $ 185.21 / £ 189.99 / ₹ 39,999
SAR-0.78 W/kg (head)     0.49 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 92h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.3 LUFS (Good)

Motorola Edge (2021)

  • More efficient Snapdragon 778G chipset
  • Potentially better thermal management
  • More affordable price point

  • Significantly lower peak performance
  • Slower charging speed (30W)
  • Display brightness likely lower than 11T Pro

Xiaomi 11T Pro

  • Flagship-level Snapdragon 888 performance
  • Blazing-fast 120W charging
  • Brighter display (837 nits)

  • Potential for thermal throttling
  • Higher price tag
  • Potentially shorter battery lifespan due to faster charging cycles

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi 11T Pro boasts a notably brighter display, reaching a measured 837 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Motorola Edge (2021). This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. While both displays feature an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, the 11T Pro’s brightness advantage is a tangible benefit. Details regarding panel technology (e.g., AMOLED, refresh rate) are missing for the Edge (2021), but the 11T Pro’s brightness suggests a higher-end panel.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the flagship positioning of the 11T Pro suggests a more sophisticated camera system. The Edge (2021) likely focuses on providing a competent, all-around camera experience, while the 11T Pro may offer more advanced features and better low-light performance. The absence of detail on both sides makes this a tie based on available data.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi 11T Pro’s Snapdragon 888 (5nm) is a significant step up from the Motorola Edge (2021)’s Snapdragon 778G (6nm). The 888 features a Cortex-X1 prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz, versus the Edge’s Cortex-A78 at 2.4 GHz. This architectural difference, coupled with the smaller 5nm process node, delivers substantially higher peak performance. However, the 888 is known to run hotter, potentially leading to thermal throttling during sustained workloads. The Edge (2021)'s 778G, while less powerful, benefits from better thermal efficiency. Both devices utilize an octa-core configuration with similar mid-tier Cortex-A78 and A55 cores, but the 888’s superior core architecture and process node give it a clear edge.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 92 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite differing charging capabilities. However, the Xiaomi 11T Pro’s 120W wired charging is a game-changer. It can reach 72% charge in just 10 minutes and fully charge in 17 minutes, a massive advantage over the Motorola Edge (2021)’s 30W charging. This difference isn’t about battery capacity, but about convenience and minimizing downtime. The 11T Pro’s support for PD3.0 and QC3 further enhances its charging versatility.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Edge (2021) if you need a smooth, reliable daily driver with good battery life and don't demand the absolute highest performance. It's ideal for everyday tasks, social media, and casual gaming. Buy the Xiaomi 11T Pro if you prioritize gaming, demanding applications, and incredibly fast charging – you're willing to trade some potential thermal management concerns for a significant performance boost.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 888 in the Xiaomi 11T Pro prone to overheating during extended gaming sessions?
Yes, the Snapdragon 888 is known to generate significant heat under sustained load. While the Xiaomi 11T Pro likely incorporates thermal management solutions, users may experience throttling – a reduction in performance to prevent overheating – during prolonged gaming or demanding tasks. The Motorola Edge (2021)'s Snapdragon 778G is less susceptible to this issue due to its greater thermal efficiency.
❓ How does the 120W charging of the Xiaomi 11T Pro affect long-term battery health?
While 120W charging is incredibly fast, it can potentially accelerate battery degradation over time compared to slower charging methods. However, Xiaomi likely implements safeguards to mitigate this effect, such as optimized charging algorithms and reduced voltage during the final stages of charging. The Motorola Edge (2021)'s 30W charging is gentler on the battery, potentially extending its lifespan.
❓ Does the Motorola Edge (2021) support 5G connectivity on all networks?
The Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset in the Motorola Edge (2021) does support 5G, but compatibility with specific 5G bands varies by region and carrier. It's crucial to check with your mobile carrier to ensure the device is compatible with their 5G network before purchasing.