Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra

The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra is a part of Xiaomi’s Mi 11 series and represents the pinnacle of Xiaomi’s smartphone offerings for 2021. Positioned as a premium flagship, the Mi 11 Ultra was designed to compete with the best in the industry, boasting top-tier specifications, a unique camera setup, and innovative features. Here’s an in-depth review of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra:

Overview:

The Mi 11 Ultra was Xiaomi’s statement piece, showcasing the best of what the company could offer in terms of technology, design, and camera capabilities. It was targeted at users who demand the absolute best and are willing to pay a premium for it.

Features:

1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, with Xiaomi’s MIUI 12.5.
2. Display: 6.81-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. Additionally, there’s a 1.1-inch secondary AMOLED display on the back.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888.
4. Memory: 8 GB/12 GB RAM options with 128 GB/256 GB/512 GB internal storage.
5. Camera: Triple-camera setup with a 50 MP primary sensor, 48 MP periscope telephoto lens (with 5x optical zoom), and a 48 MP ultrawide lens. The front camera is a 20 MP shooter.
6. Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 67W fast charging, 67W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging.
7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, IP68 dust/water resistance, and 5G connectivity.

Pros:

1. Camera Capabilities: The Mi 11 Ultra’s camera setup was among the best in 2021, offering versatile shooting options, impressive low-light capabilities, and top-notch video recording.
2. Display Quality: The primary AMOLED display was vibrant, sharp, and smooth, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate.
3. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 888, the device offered blazing-fast performance for all tasks.
4. Charging Speeds: Both wired and wireless charging speeds were impressive, ensuring rapid battery top-ups.
5. Secondary Display: The rear display was unique and could be used for notifications, always-on display features, and as a viewfinder for rear camera selfies.

Cons:

1. Size and Weight: The device was quite hefty and might be cumbersome for some users.
2. MIUI Experience: While MIUI is feature-rich, some users found it to be cluttered compared to stock Android or other custom UIs.
3. Price: Being a flagship, the Mi 11 Ultra came with a premium price tag.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Mi 11 Ultra faced competition from:

• Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Offering a dynamic AMOLED display, Exynos 2100/Snapdragon 888, and a versatile camera setup.
• iPhone 12 Pro Max: Featuring a Super Retina XDR OLED display, Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, and a triple-camera system with LiDAR.
• OnePlus 9 Pro: With its Fluid AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888, and a camera system co-developed with Hasselblad.

Launch Date:

The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra was announced in March 2021 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional bugs and glitches with MIUI, although subsequent updates aimed to address these.
2. Battery Life: While the device had a sizable battery, the high-resolution display and 120Hz refresh rate could drain the battery faster under heavy usage.
3. Availability: In some regions, the Mi 11 Ultra was hard to come by due to high demand and limited stock.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra was a technological marvel, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a smartphone, especially in terms of camera capabilities. It offered a premium experience in almost every aspect. However, its size, weight, and price made it a device that’s not for everyone. For tech enthusiasts and users who want the absolute best that Xiaomi has to offer, the Mi 11 Ultra was an excellent choice. However, those looking for a more compact device or a more stock-like software experience might have considered other options available in the market.