Xiaomi Mi 11 Review: A Loaded, Value-Priced Android Flagship
Xiaomi Mi 11 Software And User Experience
When it comes to software, the Mi 11 runs Xiaomi’s MIUI 12
skin on top of Android 11, and despite being much improved,
it’s still a mixed bag. Like Oppo’s Color OS, MIUI is now
better suited to global markets than it was even just two
years ago. Xiaomi has done a lot to bring the user experience
closer to stock Android (like adding the Google Discover feed
to the launcher), and to streamline overall performance.
That being said, the notification shade, settings menu, home screen, app drawer, and recent apps are still heavily customized. Most of it can be tweaked to behave as expected, but not everything. Notifications have to be swiped right (but not left) to be dismissed, and recent apps have to be swiped left or right (instead of up) to be closed. Also, the settings menu is a complete hodgepodge of familiar items and bespoke options.
That being said, the notification shade, settings menu, home screen, app drawer, and recent apps are still heavily customized. Most of it can be tweaked to behave as expected, but not everything. Notifications have to be swiped right (but not left) to be dismissed, and recent apps have to be swiped left or right (instead of up) to be closed. Also, the settings menu is a complete hodgepodge of familiar items and bespoke options.
For example, settings for Xiaomi’s system apps (like the camera, notes, voice recorder, etc.) are located in a section of the settings menu, just like app settings in iOS. Yet these settings can also be accessed directly from within each app. Ultimately, we’re not fans of MIUI 12 -- Xiaomi’s skin is still too heavy-handed for our tastes. It’s just not the best user experience, in our opinion. Then again, some folks really like it, so your mileage may vary.
Besides Xiaomi and Google’s usual collection of apps, the Mi 11 comes with minimal bloatware pre-installed -- all of which can be removed. This includes Amazon Shopping, LinkedIn, Netflix, WPS Office, plus a handful of casual games.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pricing And Competition
The Mi 11 is available for about $750 / €750 and up
(depending on configuration) from various online retailers
like Gearbest, AliExpress, and Bludiode. As such, you should
be able to import it into the US -- as long as you can live
without 5G. Its main competitors are Samsung’s Galaxy S21 ($700) and Galaxy S21+ ($800), both of which lack a Quad HD+ display and 55W
fast charging, but offer a 3x telephoto (albeit using a 1.1x
zoom lens and cropped 64MP sensor).
Additionally, we’ll have to see what the OnePlus 9 series brings to the table when it’s unveiled next week. But for now, Snapdragon 888 alternatives are few -- the Galaxy 21 Ultra, Oppo Find X3 Pro, and ASUS ROG Phone 5 are significantly more expensive than the Mi 11.
Additionally, we’ll have to see what the OnePlus 9 series brings to the table when it’s unveiled next week. But for now, Snapdragon 888 alternatives are few -- the Galaxy 21 Ultra, Oppo Find X3 Pro, and ASUS ROG Phone 5 are significantly more expensive than the Mi 11.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Final Verdict
Don’t let the $750 / €750 price tag fool you. The Mi 11 is
a bonafide Android flagship that’s packed with both features
and value. We like the inspired design, outstanding screen,
excellent cameras, superb audio, and top-notch performance.
Still, there’s room for improvement. The Mi 11 lacks an
official IP rating, a telephoto lens, and 5G support here in
the US. Battery life is decent, but nothing special, and
Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 skin isn’t for everyone.
With specs like a Quad HD+ 120Hz AMOLED display, 108MP main sensor, plus 55W wired and 50W wireless fast charging, the Mi 11 matches (and even surpasses, in some areas) Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra. Yet it costs about the same as the base Galaxy S21 -- and still manages to have a glass back and include a 55W fast charger in the box. So yeah, the Mi 11 is definitely worth checking out on value and features alone, especially if you live abroad.
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