With a starting price of 649 euros, you still get a high-end smartphone for a mid-range amount. In terms of performance, you have little to complain about, but the Xiaomi 11T Pro disappoints in a number of areas. As a result, the company does not succeed in completely undermining the competition.
Xiaomi 11T Pro
Recommended retail price € 649,-
Colors Grey, white and blue
OS Android 11 (MIUI)
Screen 6.7-inch OLED (2,400 x 1,080, 120 Hz)
Processor 2.8GHz octa-core (Snapdragon 888)
RAM 8 to 12 GB
Storage 128 to 256 GB (non-expandable)
Battery 5,000 mAh
Camera 108.8 and 5 megapixels (rear), 18 megapixels (front)
Connectivity 5G, 4G (LTE), Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6, GPS, NFC
Format 164.1 x 76.9 x 8.8mm
Weight 204 grams
Other IP53 Certification
Website www.mi.com 7 Score 70 
- Pros
- Display
- Processor and memory
- 5g
- Fast Charging
- Negatives
- Camera system
- design
- Battery life
- bugs
High-end smartphones are rarely found at an affordable price and for good reason. Such smartphones have the computing power of the more expensive models, but also take over just too many aspects of midrange devices to keep the price down. The result: a smartphone that falls between two stools, which creates the illusion that you are getting a real high-end phone for a relatively low amount. While the overall experience is not on the same level.
Specifications and design
The Xiaomi 11T Pro is a phone that falls into that category. That phone has a super fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor (which unfortunately heats up the device considerably and noticeably), 8 to 12 GB of RAM and 128 to 256 GB of storage space. On paper at the same level as many other flagships. In addition, you can charge the phone from zero to one hundred percent within twenty minutes thanks to a charging speed of 120 watts and there is support for 5G. The battery can easily last a day. That’s quite short, but because the charging takes little time, it’s not that bad. So in general things to get excited about.
But then you quickly arrive at elements that have clearly been used in the context of cost savings. This device has a dated and boring design with fairly thick edges around the screen. The Xiaomi 11T Pro is also quite large and thick and does not feel very premium. Such a polycarbonate back is slightly different from a glass finish. The ip53 certificate also asks for little enthusiasm, because the phone is less well protected against water. Now it can only have sprinkling, while older Xiaomi devices survive immersion. High-end smartphones often have an in-display fingerprint scanner and that is not the case now.
In terms of audio and video, the Xiaomi 11T Pro disappoints less. The screen shows vibrant and warm colors, has a wide viewing angle and supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ content. Due to the resolution of 2,400 by 1,080 pixels, you arrive at a pixel density of 395 pixels per inch (ppi), which is fine. Around 400 ppi produces sharp images for the eye. That refresh rate also takes the experience to the next level. Harman Kardon helped set up the audio experience for the stereo speakers on the unit, delivering clear, loud, and crisp sound. In addition, it is good to see that the phone supports Dolby Atmos.
Android 11 and MIUI 12.5
The Xiaomi 11T Pro runs on Android 11, with the software shell MIUI 12.5 on top. That software shell was developed by Xiaomi, which takes over quite a few elements from iOS. For example, you get access to a kind of Control Panel, containing some functions that you want to use quickly. But fortunately, if you want to switch to a more traditional Android experience, you can. The software has evolved well over time and now runs quite smoothly, to which the 120Hz screen also contributes. Nevertheless, we encounter quite a few bugs. For example, the notification badges do not always appear on the screen, while an app does indeed issue a notification.
Xiaomi is an interesting party for people who want to do with their smartphone for a long time, since you can count on three major Android upgrades. This means that you will receive guaranteed updates from Android 11 to Android 14, so you can use your smartphone for more than four years before the software is outdated. Unfortunately, it is true that the manufacturer pre-installs a lot of apps, which does not contribute to the idea of a high-end smartphone. In order to reduce costs, deals are concluded with app makers who then have their app installed on a smartphone as standard. You can remove many apps, but we prefer not to see them at all.
Camera system
On the back is a camera system consisting of a 108-megapixel lens, an eight-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens and a five-megapixel macro lens. In general, this system takes nice photos, but don’t expect too much from it. You should at least provide a well-lit environment, otherwise noise will quickly appear in the picture. Nevertheless, there is a good balance between dark and light parts in photos, but certain details – in the distance – can sometimes be missing.
Unfortunately, the macro lens is not convincing, mainly because the device has difficulty capturing details. When you just enjoy visiting the city or going into nature, you can shoot excellent pictures of buildings and a natural environment, but you don’t need this device for macro photography. You shoot videos in resolutions up to 8k and that is quite unique at this price point. The videos look nice and come out neatly, but due to the lack of an optical image stabilizer they can also be too movable. And that’s a bit of a shame if you shot a cool video.
Xiaomi 11T Pro – conclusion
At first glance, Xiaomi delivers an affordable flagship, but during daily use you already run into limitations. The device is bulky and unattractive, has a somewhat disappointing camera system and the software has a number of bugs. In addition, quite a few apps are pre-installed and the battery runs out quickly (but that also depends on use and settings). Charging is lightning fast and the screen shows few problems. And the specifications and software support ensure that you can use this device for a long time when you buy it.
You can also get a OnePlus 9 for about the same amount. That device also does not have the best cameras and does not even have an IP certificate at all, but the build quality, design and software (support) are very nice. In addition, you can also just consider the Xiaomi Mi 11 if you absolutely want a Xiaomi. That camera system works better and the screen refresh rate is fortunately just as high. The design doesn’t disappoint either, but in terms of charging speed, you’re stuck at 55 watts. And then of course there is the cheaper Xiaomi 11T.
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