The Xiaomi 11i and vivo iQOO Neo 6 represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. Both aim to deliver flagship-level performance without the flagship price tag, but they achieve this through different approaches – the Xiaomi 11i with MediaTek’s Dimensity 920 and the iQOO Neo 6 leveraging Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 870. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo iQOO Neo 6 emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset consistently outperforms the Dimensity 920 in sustained workloads, coupled with faster 80W charging that replenishes the battery in just 32 minutes. While both offer excellent endurance, the iQOO Neo 6 provides a more robust overall experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 06 | 2022, May 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 12 | Available. Released 2022, May 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm (6.44 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 163 x 76.2 x 8.5 mm (6.42 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10, 700 nits, 1200 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm
2 MP (macro) | 64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| 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/6, 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, 50% in 13 min | 80W wired, 50% in 12 min, 100% in 32 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5160 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Camo Green, Stealth Black, Purple Mist, Pacific Pearl | Dark Nova, Cyber Rage |
| Models | MZB0A5EIN | I2126 |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 360 EUR |
| SAR | 0.82 W/kg (head) 0.61 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 97h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.0 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 627246 (v8), 730223 (v9)
GeekBench: 3076 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 50fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi 11i
- Potentially more affordable price point.
- Efficient 6nm Dimensity 920 chipset.
- Solid battery endurance (97h).
- Slower charging speed (67W).
- Less powerful chipset compared to Snapdragon 870.
- Display brightness data unavailable.
vivo iQOO Neo 6
- Faster Snapdragon 870 5G chipset.
- Significantly faster 80W charging.
- Brighter display (772 nits).
- Potentially higher price.
- 7nm process may run slightly warmer under sustained load.
- Camera details are limited.
Display Comparison
The vivo iQOO Neo 6 boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 772 nits, which translates to better visibility under direct sunlight compared to the Xiaomi 11i (brightness data unavailable). While both likely utilize AMOLED panels for vibrant colors, the iQOO Neo 6’s infinite contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and a more immersive viewing experience. The absence of refresh rate data for the Xiaomi 11i puts the iQOO Neo 6 at an advantage if it supports a higher refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and animations.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the iQOO Neo 6’s positioning as a gaming-focused device, it’s reasonable to assume a greater emphasis on image processing for capturing fast-action shots. The Xiaomi 11i may prioritize a more balanced camera experience, but without concrete data, it’s difficult to assess which device offers superior image quality. We can safely assume both will include standard features like HDR and night mode.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The iQOO Neo 6’s Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) features a Kryo 585 architecture with a prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, offering a significant performance advantage over the Xiaomi 11i’s Dimensity 920 (6nm). The Snapdragon 870’s more mature 7nm process generally translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended gaming sessions. While the Dimensity 920’s Cortex-A78 cores are capable, the Snapdragon 870’s superior architecture and clock speeds provide a noticeable edge in demanding applications. The iQOO Neo 6 is likely to maintain higher frame rates in graphically intensive games.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 97 hours, indicating comparable battery life under typical usage. However, the iQOO Neo 6’s 80W wired charging significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 11i’s 67W charging. The iQOO Neo 6 can reach 50% charge in 12 minutes and 100% in 32 minutes, while the Xiaomi 11i takes 13 minutes for 50%. This faster charging speed is a crucial advantage for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. While both offer all-day battery life, the iQOO Neo 6 minimizes downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi 11i if you prioritize a slightly more affordable price point and are primarily focused on everyday tasks and casual gaming. Buy the vivo iQOO Neo 6 if you demand consistently higher performance for demanding games, benefit from significantly faster charging speeds, and appreciate a brighter display for outdoor visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 870 in the iQOO Neo 6 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 870 is well-equipped to handle Genshin Impact and other graphically intensive games at high settings. Its Adreno 660 GPU provides ample power, and the 7nm process helps mitigate thermal throttling, allowing for sustained performance during long gaming sessions. Expect consistently higher frame rates compared to the Xiaomi 11i.
❓ How much faster is the 80W charging on the iQOO Neo 6 compared to the 67W charging on the Xiaomi 11i in real-world use?
The iQOO Neo 6’s 80W charging is noticeably faster. While both reach 50% in a similar timeframe (12 vs 13 minutes), the iQOO Neo 6 completes a full charge in 32 minutes, compared to an unspecified time for the Xiaomi 11i, but it will be significantly longer. This difference is crucial for users who need a quick top-up before heading out.
❓ Does the Dimensity 920 in the Xiaomi 11i struggle with heat during prolonged gaming?
The Dimensity 920 is a capable chipset, but it's more prone to thermal throttling under sustained heavy loads compared to the Snapdragon 870. While it won't overheat immediately, you may experience frame rate drops after extended gaming sessions. The iQOO Neo 6’s superior thermal management provides a more consistent gaming experience.
