Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11. These two devices inhabit a similar price bracket but take slightly different approaches to delivering a solid smartphone experience. As a tech journalist with a passion for dissecting the details, I'll break down the specs, analyze the real-world implications, and help you figure out which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how the two phones stack up:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | G51 is larger and bulkier, Note 11 is more pocketable and lighter. |
| Weight | 208g | 179g | Note 11 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 11 has better screen protection from scratches and everyday wear. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.43" | G51 offers a larger screen, better for media consumption. Note 11 is more compact for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have sharp displays; pixel density is similar, but note slightly better on the Redmi. |
| PPI | 387 | 409 | Slight increase in clarity on the Redmi Note 11, but hardly noticeable. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Note 11's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | G51 provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Note 11 is far superior for outdoor visibility, especially under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G | Snapdragon 680 4G | G51's Chipset is focused on 5G speeds, but the Note 11's 680 offers more robust processing power. |
| Antutu Score | 381,000 | 314,000 | G51 is slightly faster in overall performance, which is better for app loading and smoother operation. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | G51 has a slightly more powerful GPU, which can handle moderate gaming slightly better. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Both have identical standard cameras in resolution and aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 13MP f/2.4 | G51 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially leading to slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP | 8MP f/2.2 | Comparable wide angle cameras, similar capabilities in image captures |
| Portrait Camera | N/A | 2MP f/2.4 | Redmi Note 11 includes a dedicated depth sensor, useful for portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP | 2MP f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro capabilities, decent for close up photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60/240fps | 1080p@30fps | G51 offers more versatile slow-motion options at 240fps. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, RAW, Triple | Digital Stabilization, Quad, Night Mode | G51 has advanced focus and RAW capture; Note 11 offers digital stabilization and night mode |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have excellent battery life due to their large capacity. |
| Charging | 10W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Note 11 charges much faster, minimizing downtime significantly. |
| Features | None | Reverse charging | Note 11 can be used as a power bank to charge other devices. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Note 11 is expected to receive the latest updates, potentially offering a longer software lifespan. |
| Wi-Fi | AC + Direct, MiMO | AC + Direct, MiMO | Both devices support the latest Wi-Fi standards for fast and reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE, EDR, HID | Moto G51 offers a newer BT version but the Redmi Note 11 has EDR and HID profiles. |
| Storage | 64/128GB | 64/128/256GB | Note 11 offers more flexibility with a 256 GB option and larger storage options. |
| RAM | 4/8GB | 4/6/8 GB | Good for multitasking and gaming |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Stereo Speakers | G51 features Dolby Atmos and more microphones, for better audio recording capabilities, Note 11 offers better sound quality on media consumption |
| Security | Fingerprint side | Fingerprint side | Both phones offer quick and convenient fingerprint security, mounted on the side of the phone. |
| Expandable Storage | None | None | Neither phones feature expandable storage. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accel, Gyro | Compass, Accel, Gyro, Ultrasonic Proximity | The Redmi Note 11 offers additional sensors, this could mean more advanced functionality in certain situations. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G Strengths:
- Larger Display: Great for media consumption, gaming, and general content viewing.
- Smoother Animations: 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and UI navigation feel more fluid.
- Slightly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 480+ 5G offers marginally better benchmark performance over the Snapdragon 680 found in the Redmi.
- Advanced Audio Recording: Dolby Atmos and dual microphones enhance audio recording quality.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel provides deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors.
- Much Brighter Screen: 1000 nits of brightness makes it much easier to use in direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Better Portability: Lighter and more compact, making it more comfortable for one-handed use.
- Extra Camera Features: Depth Sensor for portraits, night mode, and more advanced software processing on the camera.
- Expanded Storage Options: Available with up to 256GB of internal storage.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G51 5G has a larger, but overall less impressive IPS LCD display versus the Redmi Note 11 which features an AMOLED display.
- The Redmi Note 11 has a much slower refresh rate at 90Hz, compared to the Moto G51 which has a much more smoother 120Hz panel.
- The Redmi Note 11 has better screen protection than the Moto G51, which has unknown screen protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G
- Best for: Media enthusiasts who prioritize a large screen and smooth scrolling. Good for those who value a larger screen and better audio recording features.
- Use Cases: Watching movies, playing games, browsing social media, recording audio notes.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
- Best for: Users who need a reliable all-rounder with a great display, strong battery life, and fast charging. Ideal for those who prioritize outdoor visibility, better screen quality, and extended software support.
- Use Cases: Everyday phone use, taking photos, social media, commuting, watching videos in bright conditions.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to ask yourself:
How important is display quality? If vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility are crucial, the Redmi Note 11 is a clear winner with its AMOLED screen. If a larger screen is a more important factor and you're not bothered by LCD display technology, the Moto G51 could be a better choice.
How much do you value fast charging and software support? If you need your phone charged quickly, the Note 11's 33W charging is essential. Also, the Note 11 is expected to get more long term support for the OS and updates with Android 13 support.
Are you focused on a large screen or a compact design? The Moto G51 5G is the better choice if you prefer a large screen, while the Redmi Note 11 is more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use.
Final Verdict
If I were to choose between the two, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11. For me, the superior AMOLED display, much faster charging, better software support, and more comfortable design outweigh the G51's larger screen and 120Hz refresh rate. The Redmi Note 11’s brighter display alone makes it a winner for my daily usage scenario, especially since I often find myself using the phone outdoors. While the G51 does offer some performance edge, the overall package of the Redmi Note 11 simply offers more compelling features in my opinion.
