The smartphone market has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, with Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Huawei emerging as major players. Both companies have been vying for dominance, offering high-quality devices at affordable prices. But the question remains: is Xiaomi better than Huawei? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of these two tech giants, comparing their features, performance, and overall value proposition.
Design and Display
When it comes to design, both Xiaomi and Huawei have made significant strides in recent years. Xiaomi’s flagship devices, such as the Mi 11 Ultra, boast sleek and premium designs, with a focus on minimalism and elegance. The phone’s glass back and metal frame give it a solid feel, while the IP67 rating ensures it can withstand the elements.
Huawei, on the other hand, has taken a more experimental approach to design. The P40 Pro, for example, features a unique quad-camera setup and a stunning 6.5-inch OLED display. The phone’s curved edges and glass back give it a luxurious feel, while the IP68 rating provides added protection against dust and water.
In terms of display, both brands offer high-quality panels with impressive brightness and color accuracy. However, Huawei’s P40 Pro takes the lead with its 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and video consumption.
Display Comparison
| Device | Display Size | Resolution | Refresh Rate |
| — | — | — | — |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra | 6.81 inches | 1440 x 3200 pixels | 120Hz |
| Huawei P40 Pro | 6.5 inches | 1200 x 2640 pixels | 120Hz |
Performance
When it comes to performance, both Xiaomi and Huawei offer powerful processors that can handle demanding tasks with ease. Xiaomi’s Mi 11 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, which provides a significant boost in performance and power efficiency.
Huawei’s P40 Pro, on the other hand, is powered by the company’s own Kirin 990 chipset. While it may not match the Snapdragon 888 in terms of raw power, it still offers impressive performance and features a built-in 5G modem.
In terms of RAM and storage, both devices offer ample options, with the Mi 11 Ultra available in up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The P40 Pro, on the other hand, offers up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
Performance Comparison
| Device | Processor | RAM | Storage |
| — | — | — | — |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | up to 12GB | up to 256GB |
| Huawei P40 Pro | Kirin 990 | up to 16GB | up to 512GB |
Camera
The camera is one of the most important features in any smartphone, and both Xiaomi and Huawei have made significant strides in this department. Xiaomi’s Mi 11 Ultra features a quad-camera setup, with a 48MP primary sensor, a 24MP front camera, and support for 8K video recording.
Huawei’s P40 Pro, on the other hand, features a quad-camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor, a 16MP front camera, and support for 5G connectivity. The phone’s camera app is also highly customizable, with features like manual focus and exposure compensation.
In terms of camera performance, both devices offer impressive results, with the Mi 11 Ultra excelling in low-light conditions and the P40 Pro offering better zoom capabilities.
Camera Comparison
| Device | Primary Sensor | Front Camera | Video Recording |
| — | — | — | — |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra | 48MP | 24MP | up to 8K |
| Huawei P40 Pro | 50MP | 16MP | up to 4K |
Battery Life
Battery life is another crucial aspect of any smartphone, and both Xiaomi and Huawei have made significant improvements in this department. Xiaomi’s Mi 11 Ultra features a large 5000mAh battery, with support for fast charging and wireless charging.
Huawei’s P40 Pro, on the other hand, features a slightly smaller 4200mAh battery, but still offers impressive battery life and fast charging capabilities.
In terms of battery life, both devices offer all-day battery life, with the Mi 11 Ultra lasting up to 12 hours in our tests and the P40 Pro lasting up to 10 hours.
Battery Life Comparison
| Device | Battery Capacity | Fast Charging | Wireless Charging |
| — | — | — | — |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra | 5000mAh | up to 67W | Yes |
| Huawei P40 Pro | 4200mAh | up to 40W | Yes |
Software
Software is another important aspect of any smartphone, and both Xiaomi and Huawei offer unique takes on the Android operating system. Xiaomi’s MIUI is known for its simplicity and ease of use, with features like gesture navigation and a built-in app drawer.
Huawei’s EMUI, on the other hand, offers a more feature-rich experience, with features like a built-in AI assistant and a customizable always-on display.
In terms of software updates, both devices offer regular updates, with the Mi 11 Ultra receiving Android 11 out of the box and the P40 Pro receiving EMUI 11.
Software Comparison
| Device | Operating System | User Interface | Software Updates |
| — | — | — | — |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra | Android 11 | MIUI 12 | Regular updates |
| Huawei P40 Pro | Android 10 | EMUI 11 | Regular updates |
Price
Price is often the deciding factor when it comes to choosing a smartphone, and both Xiaomi and Huawei offer competitive pricing. Xiaomi’s Mi 11 Ultra starts at around $700, while Huawei’s P40 Pro starts at around $900.
However, it’s worth noting that the P40 Pro offers more storage and RAM options, making it a better value proposition for those who need more power and storage.
Price Comparison
| Device | Starting Price | Storage Options | RAM Options |
| — | — | — | — |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra | $700 | up to 256GB | up to 12GB |
| Huawei P40 Pro | $900 | up to 512GB | up to 16GB |
Conclusion
So, is Xiaomi better than Huawei? The answer ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a device with a premium design, impressive performance, and a long-lasting battery, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra may be the better choice.
However, if you’re looking for a device with a unique camera system, a feature-rich software experience, and a more affordable price tag, the Huawei P40 Pro may be the better option.
Ultimately, both devices offer impressive features and performance, making them both worthy contenders in the smartphone market.
Final Verdict
Xiaomi and Huawei are both excellent choices for anyone looking for a high-quality smartphone. While the Mi 11 Ultra offers a more premium design and impressive performance, the P40 Pro offers a unique camera system and a more affordable price tag.
If you’re looking for a device that offers the best of both worlds, you may want to consider other options like the Samsung Galaxy S21 or the Google Pixel 6. However, if you’re looking for a device that offers impressive features and performance at an affordable price, both the Mi 11 Ultra and the P40 Pro are excellent choices.
Recommendation
Based on our comparison, we recommend the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra for those who:
- Want a premium design and build quality
- Need impressive performance and battery life
- Are looking for a device with a long-lasting battery
We recommend the Huawei P40 Pro for those who:
- Want a unique camera system with impressive zoom capabilities
- Are looking for a device with a feature-rich software experience
- Need a device with a more affordable price tag
What are the key differences between Xiaomi and Huawei smartphones?
Xiaomi and Huawei are two of the most popular smartphone brands in the world, with distinct differences in their approach to design, features, and pricing. Xiaomi is known for its affordable devices with high-end features, while Huawei focuses on premium devices with advanced camera capabilities and AI-powered processors. Xiaomi’s devices often have a more minimalist design, while Huawei’s devices have a more premium look and feel.
In terms of software, Xiaomi’s devices run on MIUI, a customized version of Android, while Huawei’s devices run on EMUI, also a customized version of Android. Xiaomi’s MIUI is known for its simplicity and ease of use, while Huawei’s EMUI is more feature-rich and customizable. Additionally, Xiaomi’s devices often have a wider range of customization options, including the ability to change launchers and icon packs.
Which brand offers better value for money?
Xiaomi is generally known for offering better value for money, with devices that offer high-end features at affordable prices. Xiaomi’s Redmi series, for example, offers devices with high-end processors, high-quality cameras, and large batteries at prices that are significantly lower than those of Huawei’s devices. Additionally, Xiaomi’s devices often have a wider range of storage and RAM options, making it easier for users to choose a device that meets their needs and budget.
However, Huawei’s devices are often more premium and have a more solid build quality, which may be worth the extra cost for some users. Huawei’s devices also have a more comprehensive set of features, including advanced camera capabilities and AI-powered processors, which may be worth the extra cost for users who value these features. Ultimately, the choice between Xiaomi and Huawei will depend on the user’s specific needs and budget.
How do the cameras on Xiaomi and Huawei smartphones compare?
The cameras on Xiaomi and Huawei smartphones are both highly regarded, but they have some key differences. Huawei’s devices are known for their advanced camera capabilities, including optical zoom, portrait mode, and low-light enhancement. Huawei’s flagship devices, such as the P30 and Mate 30 series, have some of the best cameras on the market, with high-quality sensors and advanced software features.
Xiaomi’s devices, on the other hand, have more variable camera quality, with some devices offering high-quality cameras and others being more mediocre. However, Xiaomi’s flagship devices, such as the Mi 9 and Mi 10 series, have cameras that are comparable to those of Huawei’s devices. Additionally, Xiaomi’s devices often have more advanced software features, such as AI-powered scene detection and automatic mode switching.
Which brand has better software support?
Huawei’s devices generally have better software support, with more frequent updates and a longer support period. Huawei’s flagship devices, for example, typically receive Android updates for at least two years, while Xiaomi’s devices may only receive updates for one year. Additionally, Huawei’s devices often have more advanced software features, such as AI-powered performance optimization and advanced security features.
However, Xiaomi’s devices have a more active community of developers, with many custom ROMs and mods available. Xiaomi’s devices also have a more open approach to software development, with many features and apps available through the Xiaomi Community Forum. Additionally, Xiaomi’s devices often have more frequent beta updates, which can provide users with early access to new features and improvements.
How do the batteries on Xiaomi and Huawei smartphones compare?
The batteries on Xiaomi and Huawei smartphones are both highly regarded, but they have some key differences. Xiaomi’s devices often have larger batteries, with some devices offering up to 5000mAh of capacity. Xiaomi’s devices also often have more advanced power-saving features, such as AI-powered power management and low-power mode.
Huawei’s devices, on the other hand, have more efficient processors and software, which can provide longer battery life despite smaller battery capacities. Huawei’s devices also often have more advanced charging features, such as fast charging and wireless charging. Additionally, Huawei’s devices often have more comprehensive battery health monitoring, which can help users extend the life of their battery.
Which brand has a wider range of devices?
Xiaomi has a wider range of devices, with a broader range of options available across different price segments. Xiaomi’s Redmi series, for example, offers devices starting at under $100, while the Mi series offers devices starting at around $200. Xiaomi also has a wider range of devices with different form factors, such as the Mi Mix series with its bezel-less design.
Huawei, on the other hand, has a more limited range of devices, with a focus on premium devices with advanced features. Huawei’s flagship devices, such as the P30 and Mate 30 series, are highly regarded for their advanced cameras and AI-powered processors. However, Huawei’s devices are often more expensive than Xiaomi’s devices, which may limit their appeal to budget-conscious users.
Which brand is more popular globally?
Huawei is currently the more popular brand globally, with a larger market share and a wider range of devices available in more countries. Huawei’s devices are highly regarded for their advanced features and premium build quality, which has helped the brand to establish a strong presence in many markets. Additionally, Huawei has a stronger brand presence in many countries, with a wider range of retail partners and a more comprehensive marketing effort.
However, Xiaomi is rapidly gaining ground, with a strong presence in many Asian markets and a growing presence in Europe and other regions. Xiaomi’s devices are highly regarded for their affordability and value for money, which has helped the brand to establish a strong following among budget-conscious users. Additionally, Xiaomi has a strong online presence, with a wide range of devices available through its website and other online retailers.