Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra Review

TThe Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra is a 2021 flagship smartphone built around extreme camera performance and high-end specsen.wikipedia.org. It launched in April 2021 as Xiaomi’s top-end model, notable for the largest main camera sensor ever used in a phone (a 50MP 1/1.12” Samsung GN2)en.wikipedia.org. Alongside the main camera, the Mi 11 Ultra packs a 48MP ultra-wide lens and a 48MP periscope telephoto (5x optical zoom)mi.com, and even a small 1.1-inch OLED screen on the back for clock and selfie previewanandtech.com, theverge.com. Under the hood is a Snapdragon 888 chipset with 12GB RAM, a massive 6.81-inch WQHD+ AMOLED display at 120Hz, a 5000mAh battery with 67W fast charge, and full 5G connectivitymi.commi.com. This combination of hardware makes the Mi 11 Ultra a powerhouse on paper – in this review we’ll cover its design, display, cameras, performance, and battery to see how it stacks up in real life.

The Mi 11 Ultra’s key specifications include a high-res 6.81″ AMOLED display (3200×1440) with a 120Hz refresh ratemi.com, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor (up to 2.84GHz Kryo 680 cores), 12 GB RAM (LPDDR5) and 256 GB UFS3.1 storagemi.com. Its triple rear cameras are a 50MP (f/1.95, 1/1.12″) main sensor, a 48MP (f/2.2, 128°) ultra-wide, and a 48MP (f/4.1, 5× optical, 120× digital) telephotomi.com. The front camera is a 20MP under-display sensor. A 5000 mAh battery powers the device, with 67 W wired and wireless fast charging (plus 10 W reverse wireless)mi.com, en.wikipedia.org. The phone is IP68-rated for dust/wateranandtech.com, uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the screenmi.com, and features stereo speakers tuned by Harman/Kardonen.wikipedia.org. Overall, the Mi 11 Ultra packs virtually every top-end feature of 2021 smartphones – at the cost of being quite heavy and expensive.

Design and Build

The Mi 11 Ultra is built as a premium, hefty device. It measures 164.3×74.6×8.38 mm and weighs about 234 gmi.com, making it one of the heaviest phones around. The frame is aluminum, the front is Gorilla Glass Victus, and the back is either polished ceramic (in black or white) or glass, depending on the model. The massive camera module on the rear is the design’s defining feature. It protrudes a full half-inch from the back, forming an enormous “bump” that holds the triple cameras and a small 1.1″ OLED paneltheverge.com, mi.com. As The Verge notes, this bump is “absolutely massive” – part of the phone’s 8.38 mm thickness – and looks like “the Death Star of camera bumps”theverge.com.

On the positive side, the rear display and big sensors actually balance out the bump, and the phone sits relatively flat on a table. That back screen can show the time or notifications and even serve as a viewfinder for selfies with the main camerasanandtech.com. Key durability and design points include:

• Materials: Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus on frontmi.com; ceramic back options for extra premium feel.

• Ingress Protection: Rated IP68 for dust/water resistanceanandtech.com (submersible up to 1.5m for 30 minutes).

• Weight: ~234 g – very heavy, partly due to the big bumpmi.com.

• Colors: Typically Ceramic Black or White finishes.

Despite the size, the Mi 11 Ultra feels solid. The build is high-quality and rigid. However, the huge rear module means it doesn’t fit flush in pockets and requires a thick case. Users who often hold the phone in hand may notice the weight. Overall, the design screams flagship – the glass and metal feel luxurious – but the camera island is a controversial addition that has earned criticism for making the phone bulkytheverge.com, techradar.com.

Display and Screen

The Mi 11 Ultra’s screen is a highlight. It uses a 6.81-inch AMOLED panel with a sharp WQHD+ (3200×1440) resolutionmi.com. The display is quad-curved on the edges for a sleek look and is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. It supports an ultra-fast 120 Hz refresh rate and can dynamically drop to 30/60/90/120 Hz to save power. Maximum brightness is extremely high (around 1700 nits peak), and it covers DCI-P3 color space with HDR10+ certification.

In real-world use, the screen is excellent: colors are vibrant, blacks are inky, and text is razor-sharp. TechRadar noted that with its 2K resolution and 120Hz, “content looks great” whether streaming video or scrollingtechradar.com. The high refresh rate makes animations smooth and gaming fluid. Reading or outdoor viewing is also very good thanks to the brightness and adaptive syncing. If anything, the curves are fairly subtle (the corners are slightly flatter under the metal frame), a design choice likely to protect the display from dropsanandtech.com.

Overall the Mi 11 Ultra’s display is a true flagship panel. Key screen specs include:

• Size & Resolution: 6.81″ AMOLED (3200×1440), ~515 ppi.

• Refresh Rate: 120 Hz adaptive (30/60/90/120).

• Brightness: Up to ~1700 nits peak.

• Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus.

• Extras: HDR10+ support, MEMC (motion smoothing).

This top-tier display makes the Mi 11 Ultra ideal for media, games, or anything requiring high refresh. In summary, the screen is one of the phone’s strong points, delivering crisp visuals and fluid motion.

Performance

Under the hood, the Mi 11 Ultra packs flagship hardware. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 CPU (5nm, Kryo 680 cores up to 2.84 GHz with Adreno 660 GPU) ensures fast performance. It comes standard with 12 GB of RAM and speedy UFS 3.1 storage (usually 256 GB). Everyday tasks – multitasking, browsing, streaming, photo editing – feel instantaneous. The phone handled games smoothly in tests, thanks to the high-end chipset and display refresh rate.

Connectivity is comprehensive: dual-SIM 5G support (global bands), Wi-Fi 6E for the latest fast Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC (for mobile payments), and an IR blaster. Notably, Xiaomi included Wi-Fi 6E. Stereo speakers (one bottom-firing, one via the earpiece) are “good” but not class-leading – a similar stereo setup as the Mi 11. The 3.5mm headphone jack is absent, as is typical for flagships. One odd quirk: the USB-C port on the Mi 11 Ultra is only USB 2.0 speed (480 Mbps), which is slow compared to many other phonesanandtech.com. This means file transfers over cable are slower than expected, though charging via USB still works fine.

Performance benchmarks (Geekbench, etc.) showed the Mi 11 Ultra on par with other Snapdragon 888 phones. It felt as snappy as competitors like the Galaxy S21 Ultra. However, there is one drawback: heat. The Snapdragon 888 is powerful but tends to run hot. Multiple reviews noted that under heavy load (e.g. 3D gaming, stress tests), the device can get warm and throttle performance. TechRadar cautioned that due to overheating, the Mi 11 Ultra is not ideal for very long, intensive gaming sessionstechradar.com. In everyday mixed use, this is rarely an issue, but it’s worth noting that the phone may sacrifice sustained peak performance when temperatures rise.

Performance at a glance:

• Processor: Snapdragon 888 (Octa-core, 2.84 GHz).

• RAM/Storage: 12 GB LPDDR5, 256 GB UFS3.1. No microSD slot.

• Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, IR blaster.

• Audio: Stereo speakers (Harman/Kardon tuned)en.wikipedia.org. No headphone jack.

• Thermals: Good peak performance; may throttle under prolonged heavy loadtechradar.com.

Overall, the Mi 11 Ultra’s hardware is flagship-caliber. It handles anything you throw at it, except perhaps hours of maxed-out gaming or 8K video editing without warmth. For most users, performance is excellent and comparable to any 2021 top smartphone.

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Camera System

The Mi 11 Ultra’s camera hardware is its headline feature. The rear array includes:

• 50 MP main (wide) camera: Samsung GN2 sensor (1/1.12″, 0.8 μm pixels binned to 2.0 μm, f/1.95) with Optical Image Stabilization.

• 48 MP ultra-wide camera: Sony IMX586 sensor (1/2.0″, 0.8 μm pixels binned to 1.6 μm, f/2.2) with 128° field-of-view.

• 48 MP telephoto camera: Sony IMX586 (1/2.0″, 0.8 μm binned to 1.6 μm, f/4.1) with 5× optical zoom and 120× digital zoom, plus OIS.

For selfies, it has a 20 MP under-display front camera.

These large, high-resolution sensors make the Mi 11 Ultra extremely capable. In daylight, photos are sharp and detailed, with rich colors and dynamic range. The main 50MP camera (the biggest sensor in a mainstream phone at releaseen.wikipedia.org) excels in low light and makes images look cleaner than smaller sensors. The ultra-wide lens is unusually wide (128°) and delivers impressively broad shots, though the edges can be a bit soft or distorted – a common trait in ultra-wide lenses. The 5× telephoto does very well at mid-range zoom (3–5×), and even long shots (up to 8×) retain remarkable detail; this matches or beats many competitors. One reviewer noted that the Mi 11 Ultra is “the second-best device” they’ve tested for zoom quality, nearly on par with the more expensive Mi 10 Ultradxomark.com. In practical terms, the 5× optical means it handles portraits and distant subjects much better than a 3× or 10× fixed lens. Overall, images from the rear cameras are among the best in any phone: DXOMARK gave it an “excellent” overall zoom score (100 points)dxomark.com and even a new high score for wide-angle shots.

The tiny rear 1.1″ screen can act as a digital viewfinder when using the main cameras, making it easy to take higher-quality selfies. You simply switch the camera app to “selfie” and watch yourself on the back display. While this viewfinder is small, it’s a neat feature. Otherwise, the screen can show the time or incoming notifications when the phone is idleanandtech.com – handy, albeit an extra detail few phones have.

Camera performance summary: in real use, the Mi 11 Ultra “totally lives up to the hype” for photo qualityreddit.com. Shots have excellent color and detail. In comparisons, it often beats rivals like the Galaxy S21 Ultra in zoom shots and low-light. However, one must admit the size and weight of the camera bump is a trade-off. The dedicated camera app is easy to use, and modes like Night, Portrait, and 8K video are available. Quick tip: maximum video is 8K@24fps (with HDR10) or 4K@60fps, so you can capture ultra-high-res clips.

Example user experience: one Mi 11 Ultra owner said “it takes great photos” and that the 5× zoom was “just the right amount” for shots (his previous phones either had only 3× or a too-strong 10×)reddit.com. Battery life remains solid even with heavy photo use, and the Mi 11 Ultra’s fast chipset makes processing HDR/AI enhancements quick. In summary, this is one of the very best smartphone cameras of its generation.

Battery and Charging

The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra comes with a large 5000 mAh battery – generous for a 2021 flagship. Real-world usage shows it typically lasts a full day of heavy use. In mixed use (video streaming, photography, browsing), you can expect around 8–10 hours of screen-on time. One reviewer noted it was the best battery life they had seen on any phone – they rarely needed to charge more than once per dayreddit.com. With moderate use, you could even stretch to a day and a half.

Charging is another strong point. Xiaomi bundles a 67 W wired fast charger in the box, and also supports 67 W wireless charging. Those speeds are extremely fast compared to most phones. In practice, the phone goes from near 0% to 50% in about 15 minutes, and roughly 0–100% in just 30 minutes. (We saw one user report that plugging in at 4% got to ~50% within 15 minutes, calling the speeds “absolutely wicked”.) Wireless charging is similarly high-powered, and the Ultra also offers 10 W reverse wireless charging to power other devices like earbuds.

So in short: long-lasting battery and lightning-fast top-ups. If you do run low, you can get back to half battery in mere minutes. Xiaomi’s software also includes some battery optimizations (adaptive charging, battery saver modes) to help preserve lifespan. For even more battery longevity tips, FrediTech’s smartphone battery guide has expert advice.

Charging highlights:

• 5000 mAh battery capacity (typical) – ample for all-day use.

• 67 W wired TurboCharge: ~0–50% in 15 minutes, ~0–100% in ~30 minutesreddit.com.

• 67 W wireless charging: top-tier wireless speed (charger not always included).

• 10 W reverse wireless: can power Qi devices from the phone.

With these specs, the Mi 11 Ultra easily outpaces most rivals in charging speed. The only caveat is that with very heavy 5G+video+gaming use, you might still need a mid-day top-up for a long day, but for average users it will last overnight comfortably.

Software and Extras

On launch, the Mi 11 Ultra ran MIUI 12 on top of Android 11en.wikipedia.org. It has since received updates to newer MIUI versions (for example MIUI 13 and possibly MIUI 14). As of 2025, Xiaomi is rolling out its new HyperOS (Android 14-based) on some devices, so the Ultra may even support that. The software is feature-rich – MIUI offers extensive customization (themes, dual-app functionality, privacy controls) – but it can be heavier than stock Android. There is some bloatware pre-installed (like Xiaomi’s own apps and themes store), but overall the user experience is smooth.

Fingerprint unlocking (under-screen) and face unlock work well. The Ultra also includes useful extras like an infrared blaster (so it can act as a remote for TVs, AC units, etc.) and improved 5G band support for global networks. One sad omission for some: no headphone jack (headphones need USB-C or Bluetooth).

Price and Availability

At launch, the Mi 11 Ultra was expensive. It debuted at around £1,199 in the UK (about $1,600 in equivalent USD)techradar.com. Xiaomi did not release it officially in the U.S. market. In other regions like India, it was similarly priced as a premium flagship. Due to this, the Ultra was about the same cost as competing flagships from Samsung or Apple at the time.

Today (2025), the phone is a couple of years old. It is no longer sold new by Xiaomi, but it can still be found through some carriers or resellers. The second-hand or discounted price might make it a bargain for some users, but remember the design and parts are dated compared to 2024/25 phones. It’s worth comparing with newer midrange flagships before buying used.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra is a true flagship in many respects. It delivers exceptional cameras, a stunning high-refresh-rate display, top-end performance, and unmatched charging speeds. As one reviewer put it, “buried beneath [the camera bump] is a great phone with fantastic cameras, a powerful processor and a good-looking screen”techradar.com. If your priority is the best possible photo and video quality along with blazing fast charging, the Mi 11 Ultra could be an excellent choice.

However, there are clear downsides. Its huge camera bump and heavy weight make everyday handling less comfortabletheverge.com. The phone also tends to heat up under sustained loads, so it’s not ideal for marathon gaming sessions. And at launch it was very pricey – you’ll need to find a deal to make it a good value. Many of its high-end features (like the screen and processor) are shared with the regular Mi 11, which costs much less. In other words, unless you truly need the extra camera and charging power, the standard Mi 11 or a newer midrange model might suffice for most users.

Pros: Top-tier camera system; very fast charging (wired/wireless); beautiful 120Hz 2K displaydxomark.com.

Cons: Enormous and heavy camera bump; can run hot under load; originally very expensivetechradar.com.

Should you buy it? If you’re a photography enthusiast or power user and can find one at a good price, the Mi 11 Ultra still holds its own. Otherwise, consider if the extreme camera bump is worth it. For many general users, a simpler flagship (like the Xiaomi Mi 11 or newer models) will deliver a more balanced experience with nearly the same core performance.

For more in-depth gadget reviews, cutting-edge tech news, and tips, be sure to visit FrediTech & Modern Collective – “your ultimate source for the latest gadget reviews, technology insights…”freditech.com.

FAQ

Explore more smartphone reviews and tech insights on FrediTech & Modern Collective – your ultimate source for gadget newsfreditech.com!

Author: Wiredufred, Senior Tech Editor at FrediTech & Modern Collective

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