Xiaomi Mi 11 Review
We bring the review of one of the best smartphones manufactured to date by Xiaomi. A complete smartphone improves specific points over its predecessors, including high-speed charging, a fantastic screen and fantastic performance.
Before starting the review, I would like to thank Kibotek for lending us this Xiaomi Mi 11 during this past week. I always want to analyze the most powerful smartphones of each manufacturer, so we can get an idea of how technology is evolving and see what their next moves will be.
The review that I leave you below is about the Chinese version. There are no significant differences, but there are small details that change concerning the global understanding and that, of course, I will comment on so that you take it into account.
This version comes in a white box with the Xiaomi logo and an 11 on the front. This box is smaller than average, and this Xiaomi Mi 11 (Chinese version) does not come with a charger or USB type C charging cable as the iPhone 12 family and the Samsung Galaxy S21 have already done. The first difference in versions is that the global version does include a 55W charger and the USB to USB type C charging cable. Regarding the unpacking, inside, we will find a small box containing the instructions manuals, the case of Transparent TPU and the pin to access the nano-SIM tray. Below is the Xiaomi Mi 11, covered with the typical translucent paper.
In China, and despite not including the charging accessories, they give you the possibility of purchasing the charger for free. However, if you want to buy this imported version, you have to remember that you will most likely have to buy it separately. I do not understand why they have withdrawn it, there are very few of us who have this type of fast charging chargers at home, and also, not all chargers are compatible, as I will comment in the battery section itself.
software
As for the software, there is not much to comment on since it is a pervasive and well-known customization layer, which allows a lot of customization and adjustments. On this occasion and to the disappointment of many, it comes with MIUI in its version 12.0.22. Some of us thought it might arrive with the latest system version. However, it is not expected to update to MIUI 12.5 for a couple of months. The Android version already comes with the latest available on the market, Android 11.
Settings
As it is the Chinese version, it does not come with a multilanguage system but with the default languages of English and Chinese. Furthermore, as of today, the official multilanguage ROM for this device is not available, so those of you who want to purchase this version will have to wait sometime to be able to “flash” it.
As many of you know, the Chinese versions of MIUI do not incorporate the Google Play application store or Google services either. However, unlike brands like Huawei, they are straightforward to install and do not require any other device.
The steps that I have followed to install it have been the following:
1) In the Xiaomi App Store, I have searched for the word “Google.”
2) Once the search is done, I have given it to install and in 30 seconds, I already had the “Google Play” application store available.
On other occasions, it has been more complicated for me since I had to provide more permissions and make a more extended configuration. I was surprised by the ease of installation. Once this process is done, and with entering the Google account, I have already downloaded from the store applications that I use daily such as Gmail, Youtube, Drive, board, etc.
If you opt for this terminal’s Global version, you will save these steps that I have mentioned.
Vending
All Xiaomi and MIUI smartphones come with an absurd amount of pre-installed applications, which I consider an absolute joke. In the case of the Chinese versions, it is more exaggerated. I will leave you some screenshots so that you can see the applications. Despite not detecting any malicious application when passing the Malwarebytes antivirus, I recommend deleting practically all the applications.
As I mentioned, MIUI offers a lot of customization and different configuration modes, which many of us like. You can put the “dark mode” and take advantage of the pure blacks of the AMOLED screens. In addition, it allows you to change the Hz of the screen from 60 to 120Hz to achieve a better experience in the system. I say this because most games are not yet optimized to get this performance, and we will only notice it in the transitions of the operating system. On this occasion, Xiaomi also allows us to select the screen resolution, choosing the FullHD + or WQHD + solution.
As expected, it continues to maintain the “double space” to configure different profiles or users. It also incorporates screen gestures and new features such as floating windows, a simple system mode, and sharing the screen through a WiFi connection. It has no video output through the USB Type-C port.
One of the differences between Chinese and global versions is the Widevine L1 encryption codec. Chinese versions usually come with Widevine L3. However, this is not the case. We can enjoy Netflix with 4K resolutions if we download the APK from another website other than Google Play. I downloaded it from APKMirror, and it worked perfectly.
Malwarebytes Antimalware
As for facial recognition, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. If Xiaomi has always been one of the fastest in facial unlocking, this time, it also does it even with a mask. As for reliability and security, but I have not managed to get my phone unlocked while wearing sunglasses.
Fingerprint sensor and face unlock
Design and Materials
This Xiaomi Mi 11 has a fantastic metallic design, and in terms of aesthetics, it bears many similarities to its predecessor, the Xiaomi Mi 10. However, as expected, they have continued to evolve and have achieved a more modern and moderate smartphone, reducing the device’s margins, thus giving a valuable surface of 91%.
The dimensions of this Xiaomi Mi 11 are 74.6 mm long x 164.3 mm high x 8.1 mm thick and 196 grams. It is a large smartphone with considerable weight. The good thing is that it does not exceed 200 grams. However, I think they should try to reduce the weight or at least get somewhat more compact versions.
It has a 6.81-inch AMOLED screen with a WQHD + resolution (1440x 3200 lines) that provides 515 pixels per inch. It is fantastic, and I think there is a lot of difference with any other screen. At this point, Xiaomi has surpassed itself and has achieved a spectacular result. On some occasions, I have said that with FullHD + resolutions, it was enough because I have to rectify. I have been taking all this time with the leading solution it allows, and I have loved it.
It has rich, bright colours with good viewing angles and a maximum brightness of 1500 nits. In addition, it has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 7 protection that provides toughness in case of drops and resistance to scratches. I am one of those who prefer not to try it and less with a finish.
