The Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G and ZTE Axon 11 4G represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Mi 10 Lite 5G pushes for future-proofing with 5G connectivity and a more modern chipset, while the Axon 11 4G focuses on delivering a solid experience at a potentially lower price point. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset offers significantly better performance and 5G capabilities, justifying the price difference. However, the ZTE Axon 11 4G remains a viable option for those prioritizing budget and don't require 5G.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 28, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 04. Released 2020, June 17 | 2020, March 27. Released 2020, May 25 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 73.4 x 7.9 mm (6.27 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) | 163.7 x 74.8 x 7.9 mm (6.44 x 2.94 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 168 g (5.93 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.47 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.57 inches, 104.2 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED, HDR10+, 430 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P70 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, MiFavor 10 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Unspecified | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | - | FM radio, recording |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired | 20W wired, PD3.0, QC4 |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4160 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black | Aurora Blue, Cosmic Gray, Dream White |
| Models | - | M2002J9G, M2002J9S, XIG01 |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 6GB RAM | - | £ 312.99 |
| 64GB 6GB RAM | - | £ 399.99 |
| RENEWED | - | £ 272.00 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 103h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.6 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 318117 (v8)
GeekBench: 1927 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
ZTE Axon 11 4G
- Potentially lower price point
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks
- Decent battery endurance
- Outdated Helio P70 chipset
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Slower charging speeds
Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G
- Faster Snapdragon 765G chipset
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- 20W fast charging with PD3.0/QC4
- Higher price compared to Axon 11 4G
- Battery life is similar to Axon 11 4G despite more efficient chipset
- May be slightly larger and heavier
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 610 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Axon 11 4G. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels (based on market segment), the higher peak brightness of the Mi 10 Lite 5G translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio on the Mi 10 Lite 5G is typical for AMOLED displays, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors. Without specific display specs for the Axon 11 4G, it's difficult to assess its color accuracy or viewing angles, but it's likely to be a more basic implementation.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but details are sparse. Without sensor size or aperture information for either device, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the Mi 10 Lite 5G, being a more recent and slightly higher-priced device, likely benefits from more advanced image processing algorithms and potentially a larger main sensor. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the Mi 10 Lite 5G (a common feature in this price range) would further enhance image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The Axon 11 4G’s camera system is likely more basic, focusing on providing acceptable results in good lighting.
Performance
The performance gap is substantial. The Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm) is a significant upgrade over the ZTE Axon 11 4G’s MediaTek Helio P70 (12nm). The 7nm process node of the Snapdragon 765G provides superior power efficiency and thermal management, allowing for sustained performance during demanding tasks. The Snapdragon 765G’s CPU configuration – a Kryo 475 Prime, Gold, and Silver cluster – is architecturally more advanced than the Axon 11 4G’s Cortex-A73 and A53 cores, resulting in faster application loading and smoother multitasking. The 5G modem integrated into the Snapdragon 765G is a key advantage for future network compatibility.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 103 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the differing chipsets. However, the Mi 10 Lite 5G’s 20W wired charging with PD3.0 and QC4 support is a significant advantage. This allows for much faster charging times – a full charge is likely achievable in under an hour – compared to the Axon 11 4G’s unspecified wired charging, which is likely slower. The efficiency gains of the Snapdragon 765G also contribute to mitigating the battery drain associated with 5G connectivity.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Axon 11 4G if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks, prioritize affordability above all else, and don't anticipate needing 5G connectivity in the near future. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G if you want a smoother, more responsive experience, future-proof 5G support, faster charging, and are willing to spend a bit more for these benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 765G in the Mi 10 Lite 5G get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 765G is generally well-managed in terms of thermals. While it will warm up during prolonged gaming, the 7nm process node and Qualcomm's thermal management features prevent significant throttling, providing a consistently smooth experience. The Axon 11 4G's Helio P70, being a less efficient chip, is more likely to throttle under similar loads.
❓ Is the lack of 5G on the ZTE Axon 11 4G a major drawback in 2024?
The impact of lacking 5G depends on your location and carrier coverage. If 5G is widely available in your area and you anticipate using it frequently, the Axon 11 4G will feel limited. However, if 5G coverage is spotty or you primarily use Wi-Fi, the lack of 5G is less of a concern. The Axon 11 4G remains a viable option for users who don't prioritize future-proofing.
❓ How does the charging speed difference impact daily use between the two phones?
The Mi 10 Lite 5G's 20W charging significantly reduces downtime. A quick top-up during lunch can add a substantial amount of battery life, whereas the Axon 11 4G will require a longer charging period to achieve the same result. This is particularly beneficial for users who frequently use their phones throughout the day.
