The OnePlus 9E and Xiaomi Mi 11i represent distinct approaches to the mid-range and upper-mid-range smartphone market. The 9E, powered by the Snapdragon 690, aims for efficient 5G connectivity at a competitive price. Conversely, the Mi 11i packs the flagship Snapdragon 888, offering a substantial performance leap but at a potentially higher cost. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Mi 11i is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 888 chipset provides a significantly faster experience, especially in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. However, the OnePlus 9E remains a compelling option for those on a tighter budget who value efficient 5G and a streamlined experience.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1024/150 Mbps, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2021, March 29 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2021, May 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 900 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619L | Adreno 660 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto macro), 1/5.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+ |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP | 20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 52 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4520 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue; other colours | Celestial Silver, Frosty White, Cosmic Black |
| Models | - | M2012K11G |
| Price | - | About 230 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.95 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 96h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.0 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 690021 (v8)
GeekBench: 3641 (v5.1) |
OnePlus 9E
- More affordable price point
- Efficient 5G connectivity with Snapdragon 690
- Likely lighter and more compact design
- Significantly lower processing power
- Potentially inferior camera performance
- Slower charging speeds (likely)
Xiaomi Mi 11i
- Flagship-level performance with Snapdragon 888
- Brighter and potentially higher-quality display
- Faster 33W charging
- Higher price tag
- Potential for thermal throttling under heavy load
- Larger and heavier design (likely)
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Mi 11i boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 939 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the OnePlus 9E. This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays likely feature similar infinite (nominal) contrast ratios, the Mi 11i’s superior brightness is a tangible advantage. Details regarding panel technology (AMOLED vs LCD) and refresh rate are missing for the 9E, but the Mi 11i’s display is likely to offer a more vibrant and responsive visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but the specifics are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Mi 11i, being a higher-tier device, likely incorporates a more sophisticated camera system with a larger main sensor and potentially optical image stabilization (OIS). The image processing algorithms on the Mi 11i, powered by the Snapdragon 888’s ISP, are also expected to deliver superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The OnePlus 9E likely relies on software processing to compensate for a potentially less capable sensor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Mi 11i’s Snapdragon 888 (5nm) is a generational leap ahead of the OnePlus 9E’s Snapdragon 690 (8nm). The 888 features a Cortex-X1 prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz, alongside three Cortex-A78 performance cores and four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, offering substantially higher CPU and GPU performance. The 690’s Kryo 560 cores, while capable, are designed for efficiency rather than outright speed. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a significantly better gaming experience on the Mi 11i. The 5nm fabrication process of the 888 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, though throttling under sustained load remains a potential concern.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 96 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under typical usage. However, the Mi 11i’s 33W wired charging with PD3.0 and QC3 support allows for a full charge in 52 minutes, offering a faster replenishment rate. While the OnePlus 9E’s charging speed is not specified, it’s likely slower. The Snapdragon 888’s higher power consumption could offset the battery life advantage, especially during intensive tasks, but the Mi 11i’s faster charging mitigates this concern.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus 9E if you need a reliable, 5G-connected smartphone for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming, and prioritize affordability. You'll benefit from a smooth experience without breaking the bank. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 11i if you prefer a flagship-level processor for demanding applications, high-refresh-rate gaming, and are willing to pay a premium for the added performance and potential for longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 888 in the Mi 11i overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate heat under sustained load. While the Mi 11i likely incorporates thermal management solutions, some throttling is possible during extended gaming. However, the overall performance will still be significantly higher than the OnePlus 9E, even with some throttling.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the OnePlus 9E sufficient for real-world use cases?
The Snapdragon 690 in the OnePlus 9E provides capable 5G connectivity, supporting both sub-6GHz and mmWave frequencies (depending on the region). It's perfectly adequate for streaming, browsing, and downloading content over 5G networks, offering a noticeable improvement over 4G LTE.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Mi 11i support high refresh rate gaming?
While the context data doesn't explicitly state the display refresh rate, the Mi 11i is widely known to have a 120Hz display. Combined with the Snapdragon 888's powerful GPU, it can comfortably handle games at high frame rates, providing a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.
❓ How does the image processing differ between the OnePlus 9E and the Xiaomi Mi 11i?
The Mi 11i benefits from the Snapdragon 888's advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP), enabling features like faster autofocus, improved noise reduction, and more accurate color reproduction. The OnePlus 9E relies on software processing, which may not achieve the same level of detail and dynamic range, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
