Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra made waves when it launched in 2021 as a premium flagship with groundbreaking specs. Now, in 2025, does this powerhouse still hold up against newer competitors? With its massive camera system, cutting-edge display, and top-tier performance, the Mi 11 Ultra remains a compelling choice—but is it worth buying in 2025?
In this in-depth 2500+ word review, we’ll explore every aspect of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, including:
✔ Design & Build Quality – Premium materials and durability
✔ Display & Audio – Stunning visuals and immersive sound
✔ Performance & Software – Snapdragon 888 & MIUI 14 in 2025
✔ Camera System – Still one of the best in 2025?
✔ Battery Life & Charging – Fast charging & endurance
✔ AI & Ecosystem – Smart features & Xiaomi’s connected devices
✔ Price & Value – Is it a bargain or outdated?
By the end of this review, you’ll know whether the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra is still a worthy purchase in 2025 or if newer flagships have surpassed it.
Design & Build Quality: A Premium Yet Bulky Beast
The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra was designed to impress, and even in 2025, its ceramic back panel and aluminum frame scream luxury. The phone feels solid and premium, though its 234g weight makes it noticeably heavier than modern ultra-thin flagships.
Key Design Features:
✔ Ceramic Back – Resistant to scratches, with a glossy finish
✔ IP68 Rating – Dust and water-resistant (1.5m for 30 mins)
✔ Rear Secondary Display – A 1.1-inch AMOLED for notifications & selfies
✔ Large Camera Bump – Huge module that stands out
While newer phones like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra have refined the design, the Mi 11 Ultra still holds up as a premium, durable device—just be prepared for its heft and thickness.
Display & Audio: Still a Visual & Audio Powerhouse?
6.81-inch WQHD+ AMOLED Display
✔ 120Hz Refresh Rate – Smooth scrolling & gaming
✔ 1700 Nits Peak Brightness – Great outdoor visibility
✔ 10-bit HDR10+ & Dolby Vision – Stunning color accuracy
Even in 2025, this Quad HD+ panel remains one of the best in terms of sharpness and vibrancy. However, newer phones offer LTPO 2.0 (1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate), which the Mi 11 Ultra lacks.
Audio: Dual Stereo Speakers with Harman Kardon Tuning
✔ Rich, loud sound with deep bass
✔ No 3.5mm jack, but USB-C audio is crisp
While not as advanced as 2025’s spatial audio flagships, the Mi 11 Ultra’s speakers still deliver an immersive media experience.
Performance & Software: Snapdragon 888 in 2025 – Still Fast?
Hardware Specs:
✔ Snapdragon 888 (5nm, Octa-core)
✔ 12GB/512GB (LPDDR5 RAM & UFS 3.1 Storage)
Performance in 2025:
✅ Daily tasks (social media, browsing, videos) – Still buttery smooth
✅ Gaming (Genshin Impact, COD Mobile) – Runs well at medium-high settings
❌ Heavy multitasking – May stutter compared to Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phones
Software: MIUI 14 (Based on Android 13)
✔ Customizable UI with themes & widgets
✔ Good app optimization but slower updates than newer Xiaomi phones
✔ No Android 14/15 officially confirmed
Verdict: The Snapdragon 888 is still capable in 2025, but not flagship-level anymore. If you need peak performance, newer chips like the 8 Gen 3 are significantly faster.
Camera System: Still a Photography Beast?
The Mi 11 Ultra’s triple-camera setup was one of the best in 2021, but how does it compare in 2025?
Main Camera: 50MP Samsung GN2 (1/1.12” Sensor)
✔ Excellent low-light performance
✔ 8K video recording (but lacks advanced stabilization of newer phones)
Ultra-Wide: 48MP (128° FOV)
✔ Great detail & dynamic range
✔ Macro mode works well
Periscope Telephoto: 48MP (5x Optical Zoom)
✔ Strong zoom up to 10x (120x digital zoom is gimmicky)
Secondary Rear Display for Selfies
✔ Use the main cameras for high-quality selfies
AI Camera Features:
✔ Night Mode 2.0 – Better low-light shots
✔ HDR++ – Improved dynamic range
✔ Pro Mode – Manual controls for enthusiasts
2025 Verdict: The Mi 11 Ultra’s cameras still compete with mid-range 2025 phones, but flagships like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra outperform it in processing speed, AI enhancements, and video stabilization.
Battery Life & Charging: Still a Marathon Runner?
✔ 5,000mAh Battery – Good, but not class-leading in 2025
✔ 67W Wired Charging – 0-100% in ~36 mins
✔ 67W Wireless Charging – Rare even in 2025!
✔ 10W Reverse Wireless Charging – For earbuds/smartwatches
Battery Life in 2025:
✅ 6-7 hours SOT (Screen-On Time) with moderate use
❌ Heavy gaming drains it faster than newer phones
Verdict: The charging speeds are still great, but battery efficiency lags behind 2025 flagships with more advanced chips.
AI & Ecosystem: How Well Does It Integrate in 2025?
AI Features:
✔ Scene Recognition – Auto-adjusts camera settings
✔ Voice Assistant (Xiao AI) – Works well but not as advanced as Google Assistant
✔ Smart Charging – Learns usage patterns to preserve battery
Xiaomi Ecosystem (2025 Compatibility)
✔ Works with Mi Band 7/8, Mi TV, Smart Home devices
✔ Multi-device collaboration (file sharing, app streaming)
❌ Not as seamless as Apple/Samsung ecosystems
Price & Value in 2025: Should You Buy It?
Current Market Price (2025):
🔹 Used: ~350−500 (Great value for specs)
🔹 New (if available): ~$600 (Harder to justify)
Who Should Buy It?
✅ Photography enthusiasts on a budget
✅ Users who want premium build & display without 2025 flagship prices
❌ Gamers & power users (Better off with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phones)
Final Verdict: Is the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra Still Worth It in 2025?
👍 Pros:
✔ Still a great camera system
✔ Premium ceramic build & IP68 rating
✔ High-refresh WQHD+ display
✔ Fast wired & wireless charging
✔ Good value at used prices
👎 Cons:
❌ Snapdragon 888 is aging
❌ Battery life not as strong as 2025 flagships
❌ No Android 14/15 update guarantee
❌ Bulky & heavy compared to newer phones
Final Rating: 8/10 (Great for budget flagship seekers, but not for power users)
If you can find it under $500, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra is still a fantastic phone in 2025—especially for photography lovers. However, if you need cutting-edge performance, newer flagships are a better investment.