Xiaomi Mi 11 vs OnePlus 9 Pro: A Deep Dive into Flagship Performance

The Xiaomi Mi 11 and OnePlus 9 Pro represent two approaches to the 2021 Android flagship. Both leverage the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, but diverge in display technology, charging implementation, and overall user experience. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone delivers the best value and performance.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus 9 Pro edges out the Xiaomi Mi 11 thanks to its significantly faster 29-minute wired charging and brighter display. However, the Mi 11 offers comparable battery endurance and remains a compelling option, particularly if found at a lower price point.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Mi 11 OnePlus 9 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - EU
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - International1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - EU
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China1, 3, 28, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA - CN
Launch
Announced2020, December 28. Released 2021, January 012021, March 23
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, March 30
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) or eco leather back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions164.3 x 74.6 x 8.1 mm (Glass) / 8.6 mm (Leather)163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm (6.43 x 2.90 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight196 g (Glass) / 194 g (Leather) (6.84 oz)197 g (6.95 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~515 ppi density)1440 x 3216 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~525 ppi density)
Size6.81 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~91.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~90.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak)LTPO Fluid2 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 660
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Hasselblad Color Calibration, dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-48 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.43", 1.12µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 77mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3.3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm (ultrawide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, AF 2 MP, f/2.4, (monochrome)
Single-16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Triple108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.33", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro)-
Video8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, HDR10+8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single20 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Virtual proximity sensing-
Battery
Charging55W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 45 min 50W wireless, 100% in 53 min 10W reverse wireless65W wired, PD, 100% in 29 min 50W wireless, 100% in 43 min 5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4600 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsHorizon Blue, Cloud White, Midnight Gray, Special Edition Blue, Gold, VioletMorning Mist, Forest Green, Stellar Black
ModelsM2011K2C, M2011K2GLE2121, LE2125, LE2123, LE2120, LE2127
PriceAbout 330 EUR€ 246.17 / $ 264.95 / £ 287.00
SAR0.95 W/kg (head)     0.65 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU0.56 W/kg (head)     0.98 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 89h Endurance rating 86h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)-
Loudspeaker -24.2 LUFS (Very good) -24.1 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 668722 (v8) GeekBench: 3489 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

Xiaomi Mi 11

  • Slightly better battery endurance (89h rating)
  • Faster wireless charging (50W)
  • Potentially lower price point

  • Slower wired charging (45 minutes)
  • Display brightness likely lower than OnePlus 9 Pro
  • Camera details are vague

OnePlus 9 Pro

  • Significantly faster wired charging (29 minutes)
  • Brighter display (859 nits)
  • Potential for better sustained performance

  • Slightly lower battery endurance (86h rating)
  • Wireless charging is slower than Mi 11
  • May be more expensive

Display Comparison

The OnePlus 9 Pro boasts a clear advantage in display brightness, reaching a measured 859 nits. While the Xiaomi Mi 11 claims an 'infinite' contrast ratio, this is a nominal value and doesn't quantify real-world performance. The lack of specific brightness data for the Mi 11 suggests the OnePlus 9 Pro will offer superior visibility outdoors. Both likely utilize AMOLED panels, but the OnePlus’s higher peak brightness is a tangible benefit for users in bright environments. We can infer that the OnePlus 9 Pro likely has better HDR performance due to the higher peak brightness.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed sensor information is lacking in the provided data. The absence of specific details prevents a thorough comparison. However, given OnePlus’s partnership with Hasselblad, it’s reasonable to assume the 9 Pro prioritizes color accuracy and image processing quality. The Mi 11’s camera is described simply as 'Photo / Video,' suggesting a more general-purpose approach. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to determine which phone excels in low-light photography.

Performance

Both the Xiaomi Mi 11 and OnePlus 9 Pro are powered by the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) chipset, featuring the same Octa-core CPU configuration. Therefore, raw processing power will be nearly identical. However, thermal management could differentiate the experience. While neither device’s specs detail advanced cooling solutions, OnePlus’s history suggests a focus on sustained performance, potentially mitigating Snapdragon 888 throttling during extended gaming sessions. Both utilize LPDDR5 RAM, ensuring fast application loading and multitasking.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi Mi 11 achieves an endurance rating of 89 hours, slightly surpassing the OnePlus 9 Pro’s 86 hours. This suggests the Mi 11 is more efficient in managing power consumption. However, the OnePlus 9 Pro compensates with significantly faster charging: 65W wired (29 minutes to 100%) versus the Mi 11’s 55W (45 minutes). Wireless charging is also faster on the OnePlus 9 Pro (43 minutes vs 53 minutes). The 10W reverse wireless charging on the Mi 11 is also slower than the OnePlus 9 Pro’s 5W offering. The faster charging of the OnePlus 9 Pro is a significant convenience factor for many users.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Mi 11 if you prioritize maximizing battery life and potentially securing a lower price. Its 89-hour endurance rating and 50W wireless charging are strong points for power users. Buy the OnePlus 9 Pro if you value the fastest possible charging speeds – getting to 100% in just 29 minutes – and a brighter, more visible display in direct sunlight. It’s the better choice for those who frequently top up their phones throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 888 in either phone tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate heat under sustained load. While neither phone’s specs detail advanced cooling, OnePlus historically prioritizes thermal management, potentially leading to less throttling during extended gaming compared to the Xiaomi Mi 11. However, both phones will likely experience some performance reduction after prolonged use.
❓ How does the charging speed difference impact daily use? Is 16 minutes (Mi 11 vs 9 Pro) really noticeable?
Yes, a 16-minute difference in full charge time is significant for many users. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s 29-minute charge time allows for a quick top-up during a short break, while the Mi 11 requires a longer commitment. This difference is particularly beneficial for users who frequently find themselves with low battery and limited time.
❓ Given the lack of detailed camera specs, what should I consider if photography is important to me?
If photography is a priority, research sample images and reviews focusing on camera performance. OnePlus’s partnership with Hasselblad suggests a focus on color science and image quality, while Xiaomi’s camera is less defined. Look for comparisons specifically addressing low-light performance, dynamic range, and video stabilization.