Which Xiaomi is the direct rival to the iPhone 16e?

Xiaomi has once again challenged Apple with its latest premium mid-ranger, the Xiaomi CIVI 4 Pro or simply Xiaomi 14 CIVI. Apple’s current mainstream model is the iPhone 16e, but the CIVI 4 Pro has promising hardware that makes it a force to be reckoned with. With a captivating 1.5K OLED display and a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, Xiaomi’s device is testing performance and price boundaries. Is it better than Apple’s iPhone 16e, though? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison.

Display and Design

The Xiaomi CIVI 4 Pro features a 6.55-inch quad-curved OLED display with a refresh rate of 120Hz, making animations and scrolls buttery smooth. iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display, with a refresh rate ceiling of 60Hz. While Apple’s display is better color-calibrated, a smoother visual experience is provided by Xiaomi, especially when gaming and watching video content.

Performance and Software

Internally, Xiaomi CIVI 4 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a powerful processor that balances performance and power. iPhone 16e comes with Apple’s A18 Bionic chipset that ensures smooth performance in the iOS ecosystem. Xiaomi is built on HyperOS, offering features based on AI and a lot of customization options. iPhone 16e gives long-term software support in the form of iOS upgrades.

Camera Capabilities

The Xiaomi has a 50MP + 50MP + 12MP triple-camera setup at the back and 32MP dual cameras at the front. iPhone 16e is more restrained with a 48MP primary sensor and a 12MP front-facing camera. CIVI 4 Pro is superior in low-light photography and selfie performance with its better front cameras and Leica-tuned lenses. Apple’s computational photography and Deep Fusion tech make it better in natural color and video capture.

Battery and Charging

Battery life is yet another area where Xiaomi beats the competition. The CIVI 4 Pro has a 4,700mAh battery with 67W fast charging, with a full charge in under 40 minutes. Apple doesn’t publish official battery sizes, but the iPhone 16e is estimated at around 3,300mAh, with a 20W charge. This leaves Xiaomi far in front in both battery life and charging speeds.

Price and Availability

Xiaomi CIVI 4 Pro is now available in China and India at a price point of about $450-$550, and is a budget flagship. The iPhone 16e starts at $799, much more expensive. If you are looking for value for money, Xiaomi’s is where you should look.

Final Verdict

For display & design: Xiaomi CIVI 4 Pro (enhanced refresh rate, more immersive screen)
For performance: iPhone 16e (optimized iOS, A18 chip)
For cameras: Xiaomi CIVI 4 Pro (enhanced selfies and variety of lenses)
Battery and charging: Xiaomi CIVI 4 Pro (with a bigger battery and quick charging)
For software and ecosystem support: iPhone 16e (extended iOS updates and Apple ecosystem)

If you prefer a budget beast with premium features, Xiaomi CIVI 4 Pro is where you should be. But if you are already heavily committed to Apple’s ecosystem, the iPhone 16e is still very appealing.