Xiaomi 11Tvsvivo iQOO 9 Pro

Xiaomi 11T

vivo iQOO 9 Pro

Xiaomi 11T

The Xiaomi 11T is a mid-ranger that packs high-level specs at an affordable price point. While sharing the same design as its Pro sibling, the vanilla model has some notable differences, including a lower-end chipset and slower charging speed. However, this may actually make it the better value proposition. One of the standout features of the 11T is its 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth performance and excellent color accuracy. The phone's design is sleek and well-crafted, featuring a two-step camera bump and a curved glass back panel that reflects light. The 108MP main camera delivers excellent results, with rich detail and natural colors. The ultra-wide camera also performs well, producing sharp and detailed shots. However, the lack of HDR means that more challenging scenes may become blown out. Battery life is decent, with an endurance score of 98 hours in our tests. Charging speed is somewhat slower than its Pro sibling, reaching 86% charge in half an hour using the included 67W adapter. Overall, the Xiaomi 11T offers great value for a mid-ranger, competing with more expensive devices. Its powerful chipset, competitive cameras, and fast charging make it a compelling option, despite some minor compromises on features compared to its Pro sibling.

vivo iQOO 9 Pro

The vivo iQOO 9 Pro is a powerhouse smartphone that impressed with its performance, gaming capabilities, camera tech, and battery life. Despite being massive, the device was easy to use and felt comfortable in my hand. Media performance was excellent, handling demanding tasks like video editing and streaming with ease. The phone's 120Hz display made scrolling through content a seamless experience. Gaming chops were equally impressive, with smooth performance even in graphically intensive games. The camera system is one of the standout features, boasting a 50-megapixel primary sensor with gimbal OIS. Photos taken with the iQOO 9 Pro showed excellent color reproduction and sharp detail. While it struggled in lower light conditions, it still delivered respectable results. The ultra-wide-angle shooter produced darker tones compared to the primary sensor, but was useful for capturing more of a scene. Battery life was equally impressive, with hours of screen-on time even during intense usage. Charging speeds were also noteworthy, with 120W wired charging that can fully charge the phone in no time. Wireless charging at 50W was similarly fast and convenient. The vivo iQOO 9 Pro's camera system also allows for 4K video recording at up to 60fps, as well as 8K at 30fps. Sample footage showed crisp detail and strong audio capture, although it struggled in ambient conditions. Overall, the vivo iQOO 9 Pro is a formidable device that checks all the right boxes. While its massive size may be a turn-off for some, its performance, camera capabilities, and battery life make it an excellent choice for those seeking a top-of-the-line smartphone experience.