The Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite is a fascinating addition to Xiaomi’s lineup, offering a blend of sleek design, capable performance, and impressive features at a mid-range price point. It’s a device that clearly targets users who want a premium-looking smartphone without the flagship price tag. But does it deliver where it counts? Let’s dive into the details.

At first glance, the Mi 11 Lite stands out with its ultra-thin profile, measuring just 6.81mm in thickness and weighing only 157 grams. This makes it one of the slimmest and lightest smartphones in its category, ensuring a comfortable grip and easy one-handed use. The phone’s design is minimalist yet elegant, featuring a flat-edge display and a matte-finish back that resists fingerprints. Available in multiple color options, including Truffle Black, Mint Green, and Citrus Yellow, it’s a device that appeals to those who prioritize aesthetics.

The display is another strong suit of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite. It boasts a 6.55-inch AMOLED panel with a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels) and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. The colors are vibrant, the contrast is excellent, and the brightness is more than adequate for outdoor use. While it doesn’t reach the peak brightness levels of flagship AMOLED screens, it’s still a pleasure to use for media consumption, gaming, or everyday tasks. The inclusion of HDR10 support further enhances the viewing experience for compatible content.

Under the hood, the Mi 11 Lite is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G chipset, paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM depending on the variant. This is a capable mid-range processor that handles day-to-day tasks with ease and can even manage some light gaming. Titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile run smoothly at medium to high settings, though demanding games might require some graphical compromises. The phone runs on MIUI 12 based on Android 11, which offers a feature-rich experience but comes with some bloatware that might not appeal to everyone.

Storage options include 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, though there’s no expandable storage via microSD, which could be a drawback for users who need extra space. The lack of a headphone jack might also disappoint some, but the phone does include a USB-C port and supports 33W fast charging, which can juice up the 4,250mAh battery from 0 to 100% in just over an hour.

Photography is where the Mi 11 Lite shows its mid-range roots. It features a triple-camera setup on the back: a 64MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro camera. The main sensor captures detailed and well-exposed photos in good lighting, though dynamic range could be better. The ultra-wide lens is useful for landscapes but suffers from softer edges and distortion. The macro camera feels more like a novelty than a necessity, producing mediocre close-up shots. Low-light performance is decent but not exceptional, with noise becoming noticeable in darker scenes. On the front, the 16MP selfie camera does a solid job for video calls and social media snaps.

Connectivity options are comprehensive, with 5G support (depending on the variant), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC for contactless payments. The phone also includes an infrared blaster, a feature that’s becoming rare but is handy for controlling appliances. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, and there’s also face unlock for added convenience.

In terms of audio, the Mi 11 Lite delivers a decent experience with its stereo speakers, though the lack of a headphone jack means you’ll need to rely on Bluetooth or a USB-C adapter. The sound quality is clear and loud enough for casual listening, but audiophiles might want to invest in a good pair of wireless earbuds.

Battery life is respectable, with the 4,250mAh cell easily lasting a full day of moderate use. The 90Hz display does consume more power, but the efficient chipset helps balance things out. The included 33W fast charger ensures you won’t be tethered to an outlet for long, which is a nice touch at this price point.

To sum up, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite is a compelling option for those who want a stylish, lightweight phone with a great display and solid performance. It’s not without its compromises—cameras could be better, and the lack of expandable storage might irk some—but for the price, it’s hard to fault. If you’re after a budget-friendly device that doesn’t skimp on design or features, this one deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Key Specifications:

Display: 6.55-inch AMOLED, 2400 x 1080, 90Hz, HDR10

Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G

RAM: 6GB / 8GB

Storage: 64GB / 128GB (non-expandable)

Rear Cameras: 64MP primary, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro

Front Camera: 16MP

Battery: 4,250mAh, 33W fast charging

OS: MIUI 12 (Android 11)

Dimensions: 160.5 x 75.7 x 6.81mm, 157g

Colors: Truffle Black, Mint Green, Citrus Yellow

Connectivity: 5G (varies), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, IR blaster