Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra The Ultimate Smartphone Review

Overview of Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra

The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, announced on March 29, 2021, and released on April 2, 2021, stands as one of the most formidable offerings from Xiaomi's smartphone lineup. This flagship device showcases the brand's commitment to delivering top-tier technology and innovation in mobile computing and photography. With an impressive array of features, the Mi 11 Ultra caters to tech enthusiasts and casual users alike, promising a rich and immersive smartphone experience.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Mi 11 Ultra is nothing short of premium, featuring a glass front with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, a ceramic back, and an aluminum frame. This combination not only provides exceptional durability but also adds a luxurious feel to the device. Measuring 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.4 mm and weighing 234 grams, it feels substantial yet comfortable in hand. The dual SIM capability ensures flexibility for users who require separate settings for work and personal lines.

Display Characteristics

The Mi 11 Ultra boasts a stunning 6.81-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, offering an impressive screen-to-body ratio of approximately 91.4%. With support for 1B colors, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, the display is vibrant and fluid, making it suitable for various content consumption scenarios. The brightness levels range up to 1700 nits peak, ensuring visibility in bright outdoor conditions.

Performance and Software

Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, the Mi 11 Ultra delivers blistering fast performance for both daily tasks and demanding applications. It features an octa-core CPU configuration paired with an Adreno 660 GPU, providing excellent gaming and multitasking capabilities. The device runs on Android 11, with the option to upgrade to Android 13, alongside MIUI 14 for a customizable and smooth user experience.

Camera System

The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra is lauded for its extraordinary camera setup, which includes a triple camera system on the back. This consists of a 50 MP wide lens, a 48 MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 48 MP ultrawide lens. Enhancements like dual pixel PDAF, Laser AF, OIS, and 8K video recording at 24fps further enrich the photography experience. Notably, a small 1.1-inch AMOLED display on the back assists in taking selfies with the rear cameras. The 20 MP front camera captures sharp selfies and is also capable of recording video at full HD.

Battery and Charging

Powering the Mi 11 Ultra is a substantial 5000 mAh battery, ensuring longevity throughout the day. Additionally, the device supports 67W wired and wireless fast charging. With the advertised ability to charge to 100% in just 36 minutes (wired) and 39 minutes (wireless), users can minimize downtime. The inclusion of 10W reverse wireless charging is an added convenience for charging accessories or other phones.

Connectivity and Sensors

The Mi 11 Ultra supports a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and an Infrared port, accommodating modern and legacy peripherals. GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, and other satellite systems ensure accurate and rapid location tracking. For security and interaction, it includes an under-display fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, compass, and a color spectrum sensor.

Audio and Multimedia

Audio quality is another highlight, with stereo speakers delivering rich sound quality, although it lacks a 3.5mm audio jack. The device's loudspeaker performance is rated very good, ensuring an immersive audio experience whether you are enjoying music, gaming, or streaming videos.

Storage and Variants

The Mi 11 Ultra comes in several storage configurations: 256GB with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, and 512GB with 12GB RAM. However, there is no card slot for expandable storage, suggesting a need for users to carefully select the initial storage capacity based on their future needs. The phone is available in exquisite Ceramic White and Ceramic Black color options.

Market Position and Pricing

Positioned as a premium device, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra comes with a price tag of around 1500 EUR, reflecting its high-end specifications and features. It competes directly with other flagship models from leading smartphone manufacturers, offering consumers an attractive alternative with competitive performance and distinctive features.

Conclusion

In summary, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra solidifies Xiaomi's status as a key player in the premium smartphone market. Its superior camera system, immersive display, and high-performing internals make it a top choice for those seeking a cutting-edge mobile device. While the absence of expandable storage might be a drawback for some, the overall package delivers outstanding value and exceptional technological prowess, making it a worthy consideration for any tech enthusiast.