vivo X70 Pro vs Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra: Which Flagship Reigns Supreme?

Launched within months of each other in 2021, the vivo X70 Pro and Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra represented the pinnacle of Android smartphone technology. While both aimed for the high-end, they took different approaches – vivo prioritizing camera innovation and a refined experience, while Xiaomi focused on raw power and a bold design. Now, with price drops making both more accessible, it's time to revisit and determine which remains the better buy.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the vivo X70 Pro emerges as the more compelling choice. Its excellent camera system, coupled with a respectable battery life and the efficiency of the Dimensity 1200 (or Exynos 1080), provides a smoother, more balanced experience than the power-hungry Mi 11 Ultra.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo X70 Pro Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra
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, 9, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 40, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA - International1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 3, 5, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China
Launch
Announced2021, September 092021, March 29
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, September 17Available. Released 2021, April 02
Body
BuildGlass front (Schott Xensation Up), glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), ceramic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions158.3 x 73.2 x 8 mm (6.23 x 2.88 x 0.31 in)164.3 x 74.6 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight183/184/185/186 g (6.46 oz)234 g (8.25 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionSchott Xensation UpCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~515 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~90.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.81 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~91.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 900 nits (HBM), 1700 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - InternationalOcta-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - ChinaOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) - InternationalExynos 1080 (5 nm) - ChinaQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9 - InternationalMali-G78 MP10 - ChinaAdreno 660
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch OS 14 (International), OriginOS (China)Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, Pixel Shift, dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama, 1.1” AMOLED selfie display
Quad50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS 8 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), 1/4.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.0, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF-
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm20 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm
Triple-50 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/1.12", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/4.1, 120mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 48 MP, f/2.2, 12mm, 128˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960/1920fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+ rec.
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm20 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), 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/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging44W wired 5W reverse wired67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 36 min 67W wireless, 100% in 39 min 10W reverse wireless
Type4450 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsCosmic Black, Aurora Dawn, WhiteCeramic White (Cosmic White), Ceramic Black (Cosmic Black)
ModelsV2134A, V2105M2102K1G, M2102K1C
PriceAbout 1040 EURAbout 1500 EUR
SAR-1.08 W/kg (head)     0.81 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.55 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 123h Endurance rating 95h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -27.5 LUFS (Good) -24.3 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 694499 (v9) GeekBench: 2956 (v5.1) GFXBench: 40fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 688720 (v8) GeekBench: 3191 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo X70 Pro

  • Superior battery life (123h endurance)
  • More efficient chipset (Dimensity 1200/Exynos 1080)
  • Excellent camera with Zeiss optics and gimbal stabilization

  • Slower charging speeds compared to Mi 11 Ultra
  • Chipset may not match Snapdragon 888 in peak performance

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra

  • Blazing-fast 67W wired and wireless charging
  • Powerful Snapdragon 888 processor
  • Large, vibrant display

  • Significantly shorter battery life (95h endurance)
  • Prone to thermal throttling under heavy load
  • Aggressive image processing may not appeal to all

Display Comparison

Both the vivo X70 Pro and Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra feature excellent displays with 'Infinite' contrast ratios, typical of OLED panels. However, the X70 Pro edges out the Mi 11 Ultra with a measured peak brightness of 993 nits compared to 943 nits. While the difference isn't massive, it translates to slightly better visibility in direct sunlight. Neither manufacturer specifies refresh rate or PWM dimming rates, but both are expected to offer smooth scrolling and adequate low-light viewing. The Mi 11 Ultra’s larger display size is a factor for media consumption, but the X70 Pro’s brightness gives it a slight advantage in usability.

Camera Comparison

Both phones excel in photography, but approach it differently. While detailed sensor specs are not provided, both are clearly equipped for both photo and video. The Mi 11 Ultra’s larger sensor size (likely) and aggressive image processing aim for striking, often saturated, results. The X70 Pro, leveraging vivo’s partnership with Zeiss, focuses on color accuracy and natural-looking images. The Mi 11 Ultra’s secondary cameras, including a periscope zoom, offer versatility, but the X70 Pro’s gimbal stabilization system provides a significant advantage in video recording, reducing shake and improving overall stability. The lack of detail on the 2MP macro cameras on both devices suggests limited utility.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra boasts the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm), while the vivo X70 Pro utilizes either the Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6nm - International) or the Exynos 1080 (5nm - China). The Snapdragon 888, with its Cortex-X1 prime core, offers peak performance advantages, particularly in GPU-intensive tasks. However, the 6nm Dimensity 1200 and 5nm Exynos 1080 are more efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. The Mi 11 Ultra is known to throttle under prolonged load, while the X70 Pro maintains more consistent performance. The CPU architecture differences – Snapdragon’s Cortex-X1 vs Dimensity/Exynos’ Cortex-A78 – contribute to this, with the X1 prioritizing burst performance over sustained efficiency.

Battery Life

Battery life is a clear win for the vivo X70 Pro. Its endurance rating of 123 hours significantly surpasses the Mi 11 Ultra’s 95 hours. This difference is attributable to the more efficient chipset and optimized software. While the Mi 11 Ultra compensates with incredibly fast 67W wired charging (36 minutes to 100%) and 67W wireless charging (39 minutes to 100%), the X70 Pro’s 44W wired charging is still respectable. The Mi 11 Ultra’s faster charging is beneficial for power users, but the X70 Pro’s longer battery life reduces the need for frequent top-ups.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo X70 Pro if you prioritize camera versatility, consistent performance, and a more manageable battery drain. It’s ideal for photography enthusiasts and users who value a refined software experience. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra if you demand the absolute fastest performance for demanding tasks like gaming, and if you value incredibly fast wired *and* wireless charging, even at the expense of battery life and potential thermal throttling.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 1080 chip in the Chinese variant of the X70 Pro overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 1080 is a capable chip, it's generally considered slightly less efficient than the Dimensity 1200. However, vivo's thermal management system is effective, and reports of significant overheating are rare. Expect some throttling during prolonged, demanding gaming, but it shouldn't be a dealbreaker for most users.
❓ Is the 67W wireless charging on the Mi 11 Ultra truly faster than traditional wired charging on other phones?
Yes, the Mi 11 Ultra's 67W wireless charging is exceptionally fast and often quicker than the wired charging speeds offered by many competing devices. It can fully charge the phone in approximately 39 minutes, making it a convenient option for users who prefer wireless charging.
❓ How does the image processing differ between the vivo X70 Pro and the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra?
The Mi 11 Ultra tends to produce images with boosted saturation and contrast, aiming for a visually striking look. The X70 Pro, thanks to its Zeiss partnership, prioritizes color accuracy and a more natural representation of the scene. This difference is particularly noticeable in landscape and portrait photography.
❓ Is the gimbal stabilization on the vivo X70 Pro noticeable in everyday video recording?
Absolutely. The gimbal stabilization system significantly reduces camera shake, resulting in smoother, more professional-looking videos, even when shooting handheld. It's a major advantage for vloggers or anyone who frequently records videos on the go.