Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra Review in Kenya: Is This Former Flagship Still a King in 2025?
When the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra first burst onto the scene in 2021, it was an undeniable statement. A no-compromise flagship designed to take on the very best from Samsung and Apple, particularly in the camera department. Fast forward to July 2025, and while newer models have emerged, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra review in Kenya reveals a smartphone that remarkably holds its own, especially given its current, more accessible price point is KSh 44,000 – KSh 46,000.
For tech enthusiasts and value seekers in Nairobi and across Kenya, the question isn’t just about what’s new, but what still performs excellently. Let’s delve into why the Mi 11 Ultra continues to be a compelling option.
The Camera: A Legacy of Photographic Brilliance
The Mi 11 Ultra’s camera system was, and largely still is, its defining feature. Xiaomi poured resources into delivering a truly pro-grade mobile photography experience.
- The Game-Changing 1/1.12″ Main Sensor: At its core is the massive 50MP Samsung GN2 sensor, one of the largest ever to grace a smartphone. This translates directly into phenomenal light gathering capabilities. In low-light conditions, the Mi 11 Ultra continues to pull in impressive detail and minimal noise, outperforming many newer, more expensive devices. The dynamic range is also exceptional, handling challenging scenes with bright highlights and deep shadows with ease.
- Versatile Ultra-wide and Periscope Telephoto: Complementing the main sensor are a 48MP ultrawide lens with a sprawling 128-degree field of view, and a 48MP periscope telephoto lens offering a genuine 5x optical zoom. This combination provides incredible flexibility for everything from vast landscapes to highly magnified distant subjects. The image quality from these auxiliary lenses is consistently strong, matching the main sensor’s color profile well.
- The Unique Secondary Display: The small AMOLED display on the camera module isn’t just a gimmick. It’s incredibly useful for notifications, time, and most importantly, for taking high-quality selfies using the superior rear cameras. This elevates the selfie game significantly.
- 8K Video Recording and Stabilization: For videographers, the ability to record in 8K at 24fps or 4K at 60fps, coupled with effective optical image stabilization (OIS) on the main and telephoto lenses, means you can capture truly cinematic footage.
Review Verdict on Camera: Even after a couple of years, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra’s camera system remains one of the best you can get in a smartphone. If photography is a major priority for you in Kenya, this phone punches well above its current price tag.
Performance: Still a Flagship Contender
While the Snapdragon 888 is no longer the absolute latest, it’s far from obsolete.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 888: The 5nm Snapdragon 888 chipset inside the Mi 11 Ultra still offers robust performance. Daily tasks are buttery smooth, demanding games run at high frame rates, and multitasking is a breeze. For the vast majority of users, this processor will feel every bit as fast as they need.
- Ample RAM and Fast Storage: With typical configurations of 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and fast UFS 3.1 storage (256GB or 512GB), app loading times are minimal, and there’s plenty of space for all your media and applications.
Review Verdict on Performance: The Mi 11 Ultra might not win benchmark wars against 2025 flagships, but its real-world performance is still exceptional. It handles everything with grace and speed, offering a truly premium user experience.
Display: A Visual Masterpiece
The Mi 11 Ultra boasts a display that continues to impress.
- Stunning WQHD+ AMOLED Panel: The 6.81-inch WQHD+ (1440 x 3200 pixels) AMOLED display is simply gorgeous. With vibrant colors, deep blacks, and an ultra-sharp 515 ppi, every piece of content looks fantastic.
- Smooth 120Hz Refresh Rate: The adaptive 120Hz refresh rate ensures incredibly fluid scrolling and animations, making interactions feel responsive and luxurious.
- Exceptional Brightness: A peak brightness of 1700 nits means that even under the harsh Kenyan sun, the display remains perfectly legible. HDR content, with its enhanced contrast and color, truly shines here.
- Gorilla Glass Victus: The front is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering excellent durability against drops and scratches.
Review Verdict on Display: The Mi 11 Ultra’s display is still a flagship-tier panel, providing an outstanding visual experience for gaming, streaming, and everyday use.
Battery and Charging: Power and Convenience
- 5000mAh Battery: The large 5000mAh battery consistently delivers strong endurance. Even with moderate-to-heavy usage, getting a full day out of the Mi 11 Ultra is rarely an issue.
- Blazing 67W Wired and Wireless Charging: Xiaomi was ahead of its time with charging speeds, offering 67W wired and an equally impressive 67W wireless charging. This means you can fully charge the device in under 40 minutes, whether you’re plugged in or using a compatible wireless charger. The 10W reverse wireless charging is also a neat feature for topping up accessories.
Review Verdict on Battery: Excellent battery life combined with some of the fastest wired and wireless charging available means you’re always ready to go.
Design and Build Quality: Premium All Around
The Mi 11 Ultra felt premium when it launched, and it still does.
- Ceramic Back and IP68: The ceramic back gives the phone a distinctive, luxurious feel in hand. The aluminum frame adds to its robustness. Crucially, it comes with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, providing peace of mind against accidental spills and submersion. While it’s a heavy phone at 234g, its build quality is undeniable.
- Harman Kardon Tuned Speakers: The stereo speakers, tuned by Harman Kardon, deliver rich, loud, and clear audio, enhancing the multimedia experience.
Review Verdict on Design: A beautifully crafted, durable, and premium-feeling device that stands out from the crowd.
Conclusion for Kenyan Buyers: Is it Still Worth It?
For those in Kenya looking for a smartphone with genuinely excellent camera capabilities, robust performance, a stunning display, and super-fast charging, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra at KSh 44,000 – KSh 46,000 is an incredible value proposition in 2025.
While it may not receive as many major Android updates going forward as a brand-new phone, its core hardware capabilities ensure it remains highly competent. If you’re a photography enthusiast on a budget, or simply someone who appreciates flagship performance without needing the absolute latest model, the Mi 11 Ultra is a former king that still has plenty of life left in it. It represents a smart buy for those seeking a premium experience without paying a premium price for the very newest iterations.
