Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge 5G: A First Look at the Lightning-Fast Phone
The beginning of 2022 has brought us two new additions to the Xiaomi smartphone family – the Xiaomi 11i 5G and the Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge 5G. Though nearly identical in many ways, the 11i HyperCharge sets itself apart with an astonishing charging speed. Xiaomi boasts that its 120W charger can rejuvenate the battery from zero to one hundred percent in a mere 15 minutes. This impressive claim has generated quite a buzz, prompting many to wonder if the 11i HyperCharge 5G truly delivers on its promise of rapid charging. Let’s delve into my initial impressions of this remarkable device.
Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge 5G: Price and Availability
The Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge 5G starts at Rs. 26,999 for the base model, equipped with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The higher-end variant, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, is priced at Rs. 28,999. Xiaomi is currently offering a limited-time New Year discount of Rs. 1,500, while SBI Bank cardholders can enjoy an additional Rs. 2,500 cashback. The phone is available in four attractive color options: Pacific Pearl, Purple Mist, Camo Green, and Stealth Black, and it will be available for purchase in India starting from January 12th at noon.
Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge 5G: Design and Features
The Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge 5G flaunts a fresh design with a modern aesthetic. The flattened sides and rounded corners offer a comfortable grip, making it easy to hold. Despite its 8.34mm thickness, the phone maintains a sleek profile, although its 204g weight is noticeable. The frame appears to be constructed from polycarbonate, while the back panel is made of glass.
In line with the current trend, the side-mounted fingerprint scanner is conveniently located on the right side of the phone, along with the volume buttons. The Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge 5G is equipped with stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience. It also features a 3.5mm headphone jack and an IR emitter, further enhancing its user-friendliness.
The back panel of the Camo Green variant boasts a matte finish that creates a nuanced dual-tone effect, allowing the green color to shine under the right lighting. The minimalist design is further accentuated by the single "Xiaomi 5G" branding on the back. The camera module, larger than that found on the Mi 10i, protrudes noticeably and houses a 108-megapixel primary camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 5-megapixel macro camera. For capturing selfies, the phone utilizes a 16-megapixel front camera.
The Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 920 SoC, similar to the recently launched Vivo V23. Both variants offer only 128GB of storage, which is expandable using a microSD card inserted into the hybrid dual-SIM tray.
Running MIUI 12.5 based on Android 11, my review unit had the September Android security patch. It is packed with various MIUI features and a few pre-installed apps that can be uninstalled if desired.
The front of the phone is dominated by a large 6.67-inch AMOLED display featuring a small hole-punch cutout and slender bezels on the sides. It boasts a full-HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring a smooth and responsive visual experience. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
The star of the show is without a doubt the 120W fast charging support. Xiaomi includes the 120W charger in the box, and it is one of the bulkiest chargers I’ve encountered with a smartphone. It has a full-sized USB Type-A port and comes with a Type-A to Type-C cable. The Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge 5G houses a 4,500mAh battery, which Xiaomi claims can be fully charged in just 15 minutes. I am eager to put this charging claim to the test in my upcoming full review.
Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge 5G: Competition
Priced starting at Rs. 26,999, the Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge 5G is clearly aiming to capture the attention of consumers with its impressive charging speed. It will face stiff competition from phones like the Realme GT Master Edition, Poco F3 GT, and Motorola Edge 20. Will the Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge 5G rise to the top in terms of performance, battery life, display quality, and user experience, or will it be a "one-trick pony"? Stay tuned for my comprehensive review, where I will explore these aspects in detail.
