The vivo S9 and Xiaomi Mi 11i represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag, they take distinctly different approaches. The S9 prioritizes a sleek design and strong selfie camera, powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 1100. The Mi 11i, on the other hand, leverages the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, offering raw processing power and a focus on gaming.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-around performance and sustained gaming, the Xiaomi Mi 11i emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 888 chipset, despite being a generation older, provides a significant performance advantage over the Dimensity 1100, and the 96-hour endurance rating suggests superior battery optimization.
| 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, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 03 | 2021, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 12 | Available. Released 2021, May 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 158.4 x 73.9 x 7.4 mm (6.24 x 2.91 x 0.29 in) | 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 | 173 g (6.10 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 900 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Adreno 660 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 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@30fps, gyro-EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+ |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | - | 20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 66% in 30 min | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 52 min |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4520 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Gradient Blue | Celestial Silver, Frosty White, Cosmic Black |
| Models | V2072A | M2012K11G |
| Price | About 390 EUR | 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) |
vivo S9
- Sleek and stylish design
- Potentially excellent selfie camera
- Smooth performance for everyday tasks
- Less powerful chipset compared to Snapdragon 888
- Limited battery information
- Display brightness likely lower than Mi 11i
Xiaomi Mi 11i
- Powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset
- Excellent battery life (96h endurance)
- Bright and vibrant display (939 nits)
- Design may be less visually striking than S9
- Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load
- Camera may not prioritize selfie quality as much as S9
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Mi 11i boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 939 nits, compared to the unspecified brightness of the vivo S9. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays feature an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, the Mi 11i’s higher peak brightness is a clear advantage. Details regarding the panel technology (AMOLED vs LCD) and refresh rate are missing for the S9, but the Mi 11i’s brightness suggests a high-quality panel. The lack of information on PWM dimming frequency for the S9 makes it difficult to assess its suitability for users sensitive to flicker.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but specifics are limited. Without sensor size or aperture details for either phone, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the market positioning of the Mi 11i suggests a more robust camera system geared towards versatility. The S9 is often marketed for its selfie camera, implying a focus on front-facing image quality. The absence of details regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device makes it difficult to assess low-light performance and video stabilization capabilities. We can assume both phones will offer a range of shooting modes, but the Mi 11i’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 888 likely provides an edge in image processing.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Mi 11i’s Snapdragon 888 (5nm) utilizes a 1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 prime core, offering a substantial performance leap over the vivo S9’s Dimensity 1100 (6nm) and its 2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 cores. The Snapdragon 888’s Adreno 660 GPU also provides a more powerful graphics experience. While the Dimensity 1100 is no slouch, the Snapdragon 888’s 5nm process node generally translates to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions. Both phones feature octa-core CPUs, but the architectural differences favor the Mi 11i in demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Mi 11i’s 96-hour endurance rating is a significant advantage, indicating superior battery optimization despite potentially similar battery capacities (data missing for S9). Both phones support 33W wired charging, but the Mi 11i achieves a full charge in 52 minutes, while the S9 reaches 66% in 30 minutes. This suggests the Mi 11i’s charging curve is more consistent and efficient, delivering a full charge faster overall. The Mi 11i also supports PD3.0 and QC3 fast charging standards, offering broader compatibility with chargers.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo S9 if you prioritize a stylish design, excellent selfie capabilities, and a smooth user experience for everyday tasks. It’s ideal for social media enthusiasts and those who value aesthetics. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 11i if you’re a gamer, power user, or someone who demands the fastest possible performance for demanding applications. Its Snapdragon 888 and robust battery life make it a better fit for intensive workloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 888 in the Mi 11i suffer from significant thermal throttling during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 888 is a powerful chip, it is known to generate heat under sustained load. However, the Mi 11i’s thermal management system, combined with the 5nm process node, generally mitigates throttling to a manageable level. Expect some performance reduction after extended gaming, but it shouldn't be severe enough to ruin the experience.
❓ How does the Dimensity 1100 in the vivo S9 handle graphically demanding games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
The Dimensity 1100 can handle PUBG and Genshin Impact, but you may need to lower graphics settings to achieve consistently smooth frame rates. It's capable of running these games, but won't deliver the same level of performance or graphical fidelity as the Snapdragon 888 in the Mi 11i.
❓ Is the 33W charging on both phones equally fast in real-world usage?
No, the Mi 11i charges faster overall. While both support 33W charging, the Mi 11i reaches 100% in 52 minutes, while the S9 only reaches 66% in 30 minutes. This indicates a more efficient charging curve and faster overall charging speed for the Mi 11i.
