Among all the high-end models that are available, Xiaomi and Apple have a dispute that is based on the inspirations they take from each other, this makes the rivalry and doubts when buying one or the other model are constant. The latest models that have more things in common and in turn many differences are the Xiaomi Mi 10 and the iPhone 11 , which we compare section by section to find out what to buy.
We are talking about two mobiles that, although they are high-end, have great changes in their equipment and give very different results. This is followed by important differences in the software, however much it may seem to us that Xiaomi is inspired by Apple, each one has its own system and we will have to take it into account if we want to make the right choice.
Design and displays
The first thing we have to assess is the design of both models, both share glass as the main material with very similar finishes but in the position of the cameras we see the first big change. Apple opts for a square-format camera module with its two lenses for the iPhone 11 and Xiaomi places it in a vertical position, including the four lenses and the flash itself. The weight of both models is similar but slightly higher in the Xiaomi Mi 10, which reaches 208 grams and exceeds the 198 grams of the iPhone.
Changes also appear in the front design, Apple maintains for now the notch with a Face ID sensor and Xiaomi opts for a hole in the screen with an on-screen fingerprint reader. The screens not only change here, because Xiaomi’s is larger with 6.67 inches compared to the 6.1 inches of the iPhone 11. The same also happens in technologies, Xiaomi has a better screen due to AMOLED technology and Apple is satisfied with the LCD and its optimization of colors that many like so much, the resolution is Full HD in both and they share the 19.5: 9 aspect ratio.
Apple’s processor vs. Qualcomm
The processor is a very important section in mobile phones, although when comparing it against devices with iOS this is complicated. Apple introduces in its iPhone 11 the Apple A13 Bionic with a clock frequency of 2.65 GHz, being a Hexa-core but that together with iOS 13 offers superb performance. In turn, the high-end of Xiaomi has the great and powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 with a frequency of 2.84 GHz and it is an Octa-core. Its performance will be very good in both models, but if we have to opt for one, Xiaomi’s waiting times will be shorter in most apps and games.
To accompany the processor, the configuration is very important and both offer various options . Xiaomi has 8 GB of RAM along with 128 or 256 GB of storage, while Apple with its 4 GB of RAM offers 64, 128 or 256 GB of memory. They both have forgotten about the Micro SD memory card.
Four cameras against two
Behind the photographic equipment of both is very disparate, Xiaomi integrates a 108 Mpx main lens along with the wide angle, portrait mode and macro. Apple however only offers 12 Mpx and ultra wide angle main lens. However in the results the numbers do not say everything, Apple has shown that its processing and results have nothing to envy those of the Android landscape.
Apple’s front selfie camera is again 12 Mpx and in the Mi 10 20 Mpx with greater detail. The artificial intelligence of both plays a very important section for us to stay with one camera or the other, as they help us improve results without complications. In the videos they both enjoy one of the best optical stabilizers on the market, in video recording Xiaomi is better with 8K resolution and staying in 4K for the iPhone.
Battery and connectivity
Xiaomi already has 5G technology in its high-end while the iPhone 11 does not integrate it. This makes the first point for Xiaomi in that section but it also comes out the winner in the battery for its 4780 mAh with 30 W fast charge with which Apple does not compete. The iPhone integrates a fairly fair battery despite being optimized by iOS, it is 3110 mAh with a fast charge of 18 W if you compare the charger separately.
The two integrate Bluetooth 5 technology, NFC, wireless charging and only Xiaomi reverse charging. None integrates an audio jack and as usual, Xiomi opts for USB Type C, while Apple maintains the Lightning cable itself.
MIUI 12 vs iOS 13
At the beginning we mentioned that the differences in software would be important and here we know them, the Xiaomi layer takes inspirations from the entire Apple system, this is something undeniable. Even so, when we test both we can see that Xiaomi has its inspiration in Android despite adding many settings, customization options and some nuances that are reminiscent of iOS 13.
Those who have Apple products will have a great relationship with iOS 13, while those who will not be able to use it the same but it will not be so friendly. This decision is something personal and difficult to answer, but what is certain is that in these two high-end models from Xiaomi and Apple we will enjoy the best performance thanks to these latest versions, as well as all the news. The Apple update system is better and more effective but Xiaomi in this Mi 10 assures us 2 years of updates that should not take too long from its launch as it is a noteworthy smartphone.
Prices and purchase recommendation
Before making the final decision we must know the prices and there is no debate that the Xiaomi Mi 10 is cheaper and a better option in terms of value for money. We can get the Xiaomi Mi 10 of 128 GB along with a whole pack of accessories that includes a Mi Band 3 and the Mi True Wireless Earphone 2 headphones for 639 euros, while the iPhone 11 in its 64 GB version stays at 790 euros.
This price difference seems high, although we like the iOS software better, the Xiaomi Mi 10 would be a better option, saving us a lot of money and taking a smartphone with more storage for our photos. If you are a user who prefers iPhones, we only recommend opting or trying other alternatives and this Xiaomi Mi 10 is a good option.