The Mi 11 is Xiaomi’s inaugural global flagship for this year and it’s a phone for a “new generation of movie lovers,” whatever that means. It has a 6.5-inch OLED display, and houses Qualcomm’s newest Snapdragon 888 chipset, and with a 120 Hz display that features a peak brightness of 1,500 nits, it might just be the brightest phone available yet.
I spent a couple of days with the Mi 11 ahead of its global launch on Monday, and can say it delivered a solid all-round experience packed in a sleek device with premium build quality. From the bright display, long-lasting battery life, dependable cameras, zippy processor to its exceptional speaker system, this is Xiaomi’s latest tour de force. The Mi 11 is missing an IP rating for water- and dust-resistance, however Xiaomi says the device is splash-proof just like its predecessor.
Sareena Dayaram/CNET
Of course we still have to wait for Xiaomi to reveal pricing, which hasn’t been disclosed as of this writing, before we can understand the complete package and write a review. This is the international version of a phone released in China a couple of months ago, where it fetched 3,999 yuan which converts to approximately $610, £440 or AU$790. But note that Xiaomi tends to bump up its prices for Western markets.
Xiaomi has no current plans to bring the Mi 11 stateside, and this is unlikely to change any time soon considering its ongoing legal tussle with the US government. As of this writing, Xiaomi revealed only a single device as part of the Mi 11 series, but I expect at least one more model in the form of Mi 11 Pro based on the company’s past launches. Last year, Xiaomi debuted the Mi 10, Mi 10 Pro and Mi 10 Ultra.
Xiaomi’s Mi 11
Sareena Dayaram/CNET
Plenty of bundled accessories
When Xiaomi launched the Mi 11 in China, it followed Apple and Samsung’s example and didn’t include a wall adapter. It’s putting its best foot forward for international markets, though, and this global version comes with a 55-watt wired charger, a USB-C adapter and one case, though the media kit I received contained two.
Take that, Apple (and Samsung).
Xiaomi’s Mi 11 comes with a 55W charger.
Sareena Dayaram/CNET
Xiaomi also took an opportunity to make what I think is a thinly veiled jab against Huawei, which was famously banned from usingGoogle apps including Gmail and Google following US sanctions levelled by the Trump administration. On the side panel of the box, you’ll see, “with easy access to the Google apps you use most” inscribed.
The Mi 11 features a 120Hz display.
What Xiaomi changed in the Mi 11
The Mi is Xiaomi’s main flagship line, as opposed to its budget Redmi and Poco sub-brands. Last year’s phone, the Mi 10, also served up many top-shelf specs like a smooth display and fast charging, but here’s what the Mi 11 changes.
Three cameras on the rear — as opposed to four in the Mi 10 — and a reshuffled rear camera module.
Bumped up wireless charging support to 50W compared to 30W in the Mi 10 line.
Improved display: Higher resolution and speedier refresh rate.
Codeveloped speaker system with Harmon and Kardon.
Faster processor.
Lighter than the Mi 10.
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For more details on what Xiaomi changed, scroll down to CNET’s specs chart below.
The Mi 11’s 3 rear cameras
The Mi 11 boasts a revamped camera bump taking the form of a “squircle” and a reshuffled camera array consisting of three rear lenses: a 108-megapixel wide-angle camera, a 13-megapixel ultrawide-angle camera and a 5-megapixel telemacro lens, which is the equivalent of a 55mm lens. Xiaomi ditched the macro and depth lenses seen in the Mi 10 in favor of what Xiaomi calls a “telemacro” lens in the Mi 11. Keep in mind that that absence of a telephoto lens in the Mi 11 means that all zoom is digital.
Flip the phone around, and you’ll see a barely there notch on the upper left of the display that houses a 20-megapixel selfie camera. Take a look at the pictures below to see the cameras in action.
The Mi 11’s ultrawide-angle camera with a 123 degree field of view is useful for taking landscape photos.
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Taken in bright lighting conditions using main camera.
Sareena Dayaram/CNET
This was taken indoors but with sunlight pouring in through the windows.
Sareena Dayaram/CNET
Taken with the ultra-wide camera. Scroll down to see the level of detail the macro lens captures.
Sareena Dayaram/CNET
Taken on default settings.
Screenshot by Sareena Dayaram/CNET
Taken using the telemacro lens on Super Macro mode.
Sareena Dayaram/CNET
Example of 30x zoom.
Sareena Dayaram/CNET
Taken with the Mi 11’s 20-megapixel front-facing camera.
Sareena Dayaram/CNET
The Mi 11 runs on Snapdragon 888
Under the hood, the Mi 11 carries Qualcomm’s newest Snapdragon 888 chipset backed by 8GB RAM and 128GB or 256 GB of storage, making it a bona fide powerhouse. You probably won’t notice an immediate difference from a Snapdragon 865 processor, which is already blazing fast, but Qualcomm promises 25% to 35% better CPU and GPU performance with the 888.
The Mi 11’s 108-megapixel main shooter is accompanied by an ultra-wide and “telemacro” lens.
Sareena Dayaram/CNET
The Mi 11’s flagship-level display and solid batteries
The Mi 11 boasts a stunning waterfall screen complete with an 6.5-inch OLED panel that’s exceptionally bright and clear whatever the lighting conditions. With a peak brightness of 1500 nits, the Mi 11 might just be the brightest phone available yet. In addition, the Mi 11 has wide quad HD plus resolution (3,200×1,440 pixels) and 120Hz refresh rates, which can be used together or dialed back a notch if you’re trying to preserve battery life. Most phones have refresh rates of 60Hz, which means the screen refreshes 60 times in a second. 120Hz displays can look a lot smoother when scrolling though webpages by comparison. There’s also an in-screen fingerprint reader, which Xiaomi says doubles up as a heart-rate sensor.
The battery lasted me about a day and half with mild use. That means I made a few calls, sent some emails, watched a couple of YouTube videos and browsed the internet. Even when you eventually run out of juice, refilling the Mi 11’s 4,600-mAh battery is relatively quick work thanks, in part, to that 55-watt wired charger I mentioned earlier. Based on my tests, 15 to 20 minutes of time was sufficient to recharge the battery by 50% to 60%. Within 50 minutes, the battery had been completely revitalized. Safe to say that battery anxiety will be a thing of the past when you’re using the Mi 11. Keep in mind, the Mi 11 also supports 50W of wireless and reverse-wireless charging.
Mi 11’s loud and crisp speakers
One of the features that stood out in last year’s Mi 10 Pro was a pleasantly loud and crisp speaker system complete with one speaker on each end of the phones. This year Xiaomi says it has levelled up its speaker game by refining its audio experience together with Harman Kardon, a decades-old audio equipment manufacturing company. I’m no audiophile, but I was impressed by the audio quality on the Mi 11 even if it isn’t the loudest set of mobile speakers out there. Still, the speakers were loud enough, and audio remained crisp even when I cranked the volume all the way up. Plus it has a tight bass to boot.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
