Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | The Redmi Note 11 is more compact and thinner, making it potentially more comfortable for one-handed use and easier to carry in a pocket. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 179g | The Redmi Note 11 is noticeably lighter, which improves comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.43" | The Moto G Power offers a slightly larger display, which may be preferable for media consumption; but the difference is marginal. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | The Redmi Note 11's higher resolution provides a sharper, clearer image, improving text readability and video clarity. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 266 | 409 | The Redmi Note 11 has significantly greater pixel density, resulting in a sharper display with less pixelation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Redmi Note 11's AMOLED display has richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, offering superior image quality and more efficient power consumption for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Redmi Note 11's 90Hz display will feel smoother during scrolling and animations, leading to a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | The Redmi Note 11's higher brightness will be much more visible in outdoor, bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | The Redmi Note 11's newer, more efficient chipset results in better performance for everyday tasks, app loading and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 314,000 | The Redmi Note 11's much higher benchmark score indicates noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Both phones share the same GPU but performance may be better on Redmi Note 11 due to different configuration |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Redmi Note 11 has a slightly higher resolution main camera with smaller pixel size, while the Moto G Power has a wider aperture. The Redmi Note 11 benefits from a better sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.4 | The Redmi Note 11 has a higher resolution selfie camera, while the Moto G Power has a wider aperture, although the pixel size is the same. The Redmi Note 11 has a better sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not available | 8MP, f/2.2 | The Redmi Note 11 offers a wide-angle lens for capturing broader scenes, a feature absent on the Moto G Power. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have the same resolution and aperture. The Redmi Note 11 has a better sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have the same resolution and aperture. The Redmi Note 11 has a better sensor. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Both phones record in 1080p. The Moto G Power has an additional 60fps option. |
| Slow Motion | Yes, 60fps | Yes, 120fps | The Redmi Note 11 offers a higher frame rate for slower slow-motion footage. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, offering similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 33W | The Redmi Note 11's 33W fast charging allows for significantly quicker charging times than the 15W of the Moto G Power. |
| Features | 10W charger in box | Reverse charging | The Moto G Power comes with a charger in the box. The Redmi Note 11 can act as a power bank for other devices with reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | The Redmi Note 11 ships with a more modern OS with the availability of future upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both devices support standard Wi-Fi connections, The Redmi Note 11 also supports Dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct and Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Both devices use Bluetooth 5.0, The Redmi Note 11 has the extra HID feature |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The Redmi Note 11 supports more satellite systems, giving more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | The Redmi Note 11 supports two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB or 64GB | 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB | The Redmi Note 11 offers more storage options, particularly with the 128GB and 256GB variants, giving users more space for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 3GB or 4GB | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | The Redmi Note 11 offers more RAM options, allowing for better multitasking and app performance |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Stereo speakers | The Redmi Note 11 provides richer audio with its stereo speakers, useful for better media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones have side-mounted fingerprint sensors for convenient security access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Redmi Note 11 offers better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have the same sensor suite. Moto G Power has Proximity. Redmi Note 11 has Ultrasonic proximity virtual. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Marginally larger display: Slightly larger 6.6" screen, which may be preferable for media consumption.
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: slightly wider f/1.7 aperture on the main camera could provide slightly better low-light performance, though sensor performance is unknown.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 10W charger in the box.
- 60fps Video Recording: Offers 60fps recording at 1080p.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Advantages:
- Significantly Sharper Display: Higher resolution (1080x2400) and pixel density (409 PPI) offers much clearer and more detailed visuals.
- Superior AMOLED Display: Provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better contrast for an enhanced viewing experience.
- Smoother 90Hz Refresh Rate: Results in smoother scrolling and animations, leading to a more fluid user experience.
- Much Higher Brightness: 1000 nits brightness provides excellent outdoor visibility even under bright sunlight.
- Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 680 4G chipset provides significantly better performance compared to the Snapdragon 662.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging allows for much quicker battery replenishment.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes a wide-angle lens for more creative photos and videos.
- More Modern OS: Ships with Android 11 and upgradable to Android 13.
- Dual SIM support: Supports using two SIM cards simultaneously.
- Stereo Speakers: Provides richer audio with better audio separation.
- More Storage and RAM Options: Offers up to 256GB storage and 8GB RAM.
- Better Screen Protection: Offers Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank for other devices.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G Power's slightly larger display and wider aperture camera come at the cost of a significantly lower-resolution display, slower processor, and slower charging.
- The Redmi Note 11 has no included charger, slightly smaller standard camera aperture and lacks the 60fps 1080p video recording mode of the Moto G Power.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those primarily focused on affordability and long battery life.
- Basic smartphone users: Those who need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light browsing.
- Users with less demanding needs: Those who don't prioritize gaming, high-resolution media consumption, or fast charging.
Use Cases:
- Daily driver for calls, messaging, and basic social media use.
- Device for users who need long battery life.
- Backup phone for travel or emergencies.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Ideal User:
- Value-conscious buyers: Those seeking a feature-rich phone with a focus on display and performance.
- Media consumers: Those who watch videos and view photos regularly and need a good quality screen.
- Moderate gamers: Those who play casual or medium intensity games and want smooth performance.
- Users seeking a complete package: Those who want a well-rounded experience with a better display, camera, and performance.
Use Cases:
- Everyday use, including browsing, social media, and media consumption.
- Playing casual to mid-level games.
- Taking photos and videos with its versatile camera system.
- Travel due to its dual sim and accurate GPS.
- Users who want a modern user interface.
- Users who prioritize charging speed.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Moto G Power (2021) is likely to be more affordable.
- How important is display quality? The Redmi Note 11 has a superior display and higher brightness.
- How important is performance? The Redmi Note 11 has a much faster processor and more RAM.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If budget is the primary constraint and basic functionality is all you need, the Moto G Power (2021) is suitable.
- Scenario 2: If you value a better display, performance, and want a better overall experience, the Redmi Note 11 is the better choice despite a slightly higher price.
- Scenario 3: If you require a phone that can perform well in bright sunlight, the Redmi Note 11 is the only suitable choice.
- Scenario 4: If you watch a lot of media on your phone and want an immersive experience, the Redmi Note 11 is the superior choice due to the AMOLED display and stereo speakers.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11.
Reasoning:
While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has its merits, particularly in its potentially lower price and slightly wider camera aperture, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 offers a significantly more compelling and well-rounded package.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with its higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness is a game changer. I value good image quality for both general use and media consumption, which the Redmi Note 11 excels in.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 680 chipset offers a significant boost in performance. This would provide a smoother experience when browsing, multitasking, and gaming.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging is a feature I would take great advantage of, minimizing downtime and offering a more convenient experience.
- More Modern Features: Having a more modern operating system (Android 11, upgradable to 13), dual SIM support, and better sensor support makes the Redmi Note 11 a more future-proof and versatile option.
Although the lack of an in-box charger on the Redmi Note 11 is a downside, the benefits provided by its superior screen, performance and overall modern feature set heavily outweigh the disadvantages. For me, the Redmi Note 11 is the clear winner, offering a significantly better overall user experience for daily usage.
