ZTE Axon 11 5G vs Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite 5G: Which 5G Mid-Ranger Reigns Supreme?

Both the ZTE Axon 11 5G and the Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly crowded mid-range 5G smartphone market. The Axon 11 5G, leveraging the Snapdragon 765G, aimed for a balance of performance and features, while the Mi 10T Lite 5G, with the Snapdragon 750G, prioritized efficiency and fast charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing rapid charging and a slightly brighter display, the Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite 5G is the better choice. However, those seeking a potentially more robust CPU performance for demanding tasks will find the ZTE Axon 11 5G a more suitable option.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE Axon 11 5G Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite 5G
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, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE (3CA), 5G (2+ Gbps DL)HSPA, LTE, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 -
Launch
Announced2020, March 23. Released 2020, March 302020, September 30. Released 2020, October 13
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions159.2 x 73.4 x 7.9 mm (6.27 x 2.89 x 0.31 in)165.4 x 76.8 x 9 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight168 g (5.93 oz)214.5 g (7.58 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.47 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLEDIPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm)
GPUAdreno 620Adreno 619
OSAndroid 10, MiFavor 10Android 10, MIUI 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 -64GB 6GB RAM - UFS 2.1 128GB 6GB RAM - UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Quad64 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LEYes
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoFM radio
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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging18W wired, QC433W wired
TypeLi-Ion 4000 mAhLi-Po 4820 mAh
Misc
ColorsWhite, BlackAtlantic Blue, Pearl Gray, Rose Gold Beach
ModelsA2021, A2021G, A2021L, A2021EM2007J17G
PriceAbout 490 EURAbout 190 EUR
SAR-1.06 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.59 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life-Endurance rating 116h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1368:1
Loudspeaker- -25.3 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 318882 (v8) GeekBench: 2009 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

ZTE Axon 11 5G

  • Potentially stronger CPU performance due to higher clocked prime core.
  • Snapdragon 765G offers a proven track record.
  • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.

  • Slower 18W charging.
  • Display brightness data unavailable, potentially inferior outdoor visibility.
  • Limited information on camera sensor specifications.

Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite 5G

  • Faster 33W wired charging for quicker top-ups.
  • Brighter display (596 nits) for better outdoor visibility.
  • More efficient Snapdragon 750G chipset.

  • Slightly lower CPU clock speed compared to Axon 11 5G.
  • Camera details are limited.
  • May not match the Axon 11 5G in sustained peak performance.

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 596 nits, offering superior visibility in direct sunlight compared to the Axon 11 5G (brightness data unavailable). Both displays share a 1368:1 contrast ratio, indicating similar levels of black depth and color pop. However, without PWM dimming rate data for the Axon 11 5G, it's difficult to assess potential eye strain for sensitive users, a factor where the Mi 10T Lite 5G may have an advantage if it employs a higher frequency.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics on sensor size, aperture, or OIS, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the market positioning of both phones suggests a focus on versatility rather than flagship-level image quality. The absence of details regarding image processing algorithms further complicates the assessment; Xiaomi’s typically leans towards vibrant, saturated images, while ZTE’s approach is less defined.

Performance

The ZTE Axon 11 5G utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, built on a 7nm process, featuring a Kryo 475 Prime core clocked at 2.4GHz. This contrasts with the Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite 5G’s Snapdragon 750G (8nm), which has two Kryo 570 cores at 2.2GHz. While the 750G benefits from a newer, more efficient 8nm node, the 765G’s higher clocked prime core suggests a potential edge in single-core performance, impacting app launch speeds and responsiveness. The 750G’s architecture is optimized for 5G efficiency, potentially leading to better battery life during 5G usage.

Battery Life

Both the ZTE Axon 11 5G and the Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite 5G achieve an endurance rating of 116 hours, suggesting comparable overall battery life. However, the Mi 10T Lite 5G’s 33W wired charging significantly outperforms the Axon 11 5G’s 18W QC4 charging. This translates to a much faster 0-100% charge time for the Mi 10T Lite 5G, a crucial advantage for users who prioritize convenience and minimal downtime.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE Axon 11 5G if you frequently engage in multitasking, light gaming, or applications that benefit from a slightly more powerful CPU core configuration. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite 5G if you value fast charging, a brighter screen for outdoor visibility, and a longer-lasting battery experience with less concern for sustained peak performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 750G in the Mi 10T Lite 5G throttle under sustained gaming loads?
The Snapdragon 750G is designed for efficiency, and while it can handle gaming, it may exhibit some throttling during extended, graphically intensive sessions. The 8nm process helps mitigate this, but it won't match the sustained performance of higher-end chipsets. Expect playable frame rates, but potentially with some dips over longer periods.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the ZTE Axon 11 5G noticeably slow compared to the 33W on the Mi 10T Lite 5G?
Yes, the difference is significant. 18W charging will take considerably longer to fully charge the Axon 11 5G, potentially adding several hours to your charging time compared to the Mi 10T Lite 5G. This is a key advantage for the Mi 10T Lite 5G, especially for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
❓ How does the 5G performance differ between the Snapdragon 765G and 750G?
The Snapdragon 750G is specifically optimized for 5G connectivity, offering improved power efficiency when utilizing 5G networks. While both chips support 5G, the 750G is likely to provide slightly better battery life during 5G usage, making it a more efficient choice for heavy 5G users.