Alright, let's dive deep into the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G. It’s time to break down these two contenders and see which one comes out on top for different types of users. As a tech journalist, I’m here to cut through the jargon and tell you what really matters.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up on paper, and more importantly, how those specs translate to real-world experiences:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm | The Moto G51 is noticeably taller and slightly thicker. The Redmi is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 208g | 195g | Redmi Note 11S 5G is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build Quality | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 11S 5G has superior screen protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | Moto G51 offers a slightly larger screen, great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both phones have identical sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 387 ppi | 399 ppi | Both displays are very crisp, with minimal difference in pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use standard LCD technology; expect good color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Moto G51’s 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother animations for a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | Dimensity 810 (6nm) | Redmi's 6nm chipset should be more power-efficient and offer slightly better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 438,700 | Redmi Note 11S 5G benchmarks suggest slightly superior raw performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both GPUs are suitable for moderate gaming; Dimensity 810 GPU might have a slight edge. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Both phones feature similar main camera setups. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 13MP f/2.4 | Moto G51 has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | 8MP f/2.2 | Both provide similar wide-angle capabilities. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP f/2.4 | Both offer the same basic macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 1080p 240fps | Up to 1080p 120fps | Moto G51 offers higher frame-rate slow-mo. Redmi Note 11S has video stabilization. |
| DxoMark Score | - | 65 (Photo 50, Video 83) | Redmi Note 11S 5G has been tested for Mobile camera, showing better video quality. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, RAW | 4K Video, Digital IS, Night Mode | Moto G51 offers PDAF, LAF, RAW. Redmi Note 11S 5G has 4K Video, Digital IS, Night Mode. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have the same capacity; expect similar battery life, pending usage. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 11S 5G has substantially faster charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 11 | Moto G51 has a confirmed update to Android 12; the status for Redmi is unknown. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both support dual-band WiFi, offering stable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE, aptX, LDAC, AAC | Redmi Note 11S 5G has better Bluetooth audio codec support for superior sound quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Motorola Moto G51 5G supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 64/128GB | Both offer sufficient storage, but neither have expandable storage. |
| RAM | 4/8 GB | 4/6 GB | Moto G51 offers up to 8GB of RAM, improving multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Redmi has a superior audio setup, including stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio. |
| Security | |||
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint | side-mounted fingerprint | Standard biometric security, accessible using a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Motorola Moto G51 5G has Proximity, Gyroscope sensors while Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G has Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate is a clear advantage for everyday smoothness, making scrolling and animations feel more fluid.
- More RAM Options: The availability of an 8GB RAM variant is great for users who tend to juggle multiple apps or engage in light gaming.
- Wider Selfie Aperture: With an f/2.2 aperture, the Moto G51's selfie camera can capture a tad more light in challenging conditions, which can improve photo quality.
- More GPS Satellite Systems Supports more satellite systems like Beidou and SUPL for enhanced location tracking.
- More Camera Features: Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and Laser autofocus (LAF), and RAW format for better post-processing.
- Confirmed Android OS update: Motorola Moto G51 5G has a confirmed update to Android 12.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G Strengths:
- Better Performance: The Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset is more power-efficient and provides slightly better raw performance in benchmarks.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging is a significant win. You'll be spending a lot less time tethered to a wall.
- Superior Audio: The inclusion of stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio makes it the superior choice for media consumption.
- Better Video Quality: DxoMark shows that video recording quality is significantly better, this is thanks to better video stabilization.
- Better Connectivity: Improved Bluetooth codec support (aptX, LDAC, AAC).
- Better Build Quality: With Corning Gorilla Glass 3, it's designed to withstand everyday wear and tear.
- More Camera Features: Including 4K Video, Digital IS, Night Mode.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G51 has a larger display but lacks the audio prowess of the Redmi Note 11S 5G and is a bit heavier.
- The Redmi Note 11S 5G, while offering better overall performance, loses out on the 120Hz display and the potentially better low-light selfies.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Media Enthusiast: If you watch a lot of videos, listen to music, or frequently play casual games, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G with its superior audio, faster charging, and robust build is the clear choice. The video quality also makes it the better choice for social media content.
- For the Multitasker and Power User: If you often use multiple apps at once, the Motorola Moto G51 5G with its up to 8GB of RAM will provide a smoother experience.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: This is a split decision. While both offer good camera quality, the Motorola Moto G51 5G has a slightly better front camera with f/2.2 and RAW format while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G provides 4K video recording and better video stabilization.
- For the Casual User: Both phones are good, but the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G offers a more well-rounded experience with faster charging, better audio, and slightly better performance. The Motorola Moto G51 5G is good too, and the smoother screen might appeal to some people.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display smoothness to you? If you prioritize smooth animations, the Motorola Moto G51 5G with its 120Hz display is the way to go. If not, you won't notice a big difference with the 90Hz panel.
- How often do you use your phone for media consumption? If you heavily rely on your phone for audio, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G’s stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio are the deciding factors.
- How often do you need your phone to charge quickly? If you often find yourself low on battery, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G’s 33W fast charging is significantly better than the Moto G51's 10W.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're always on the go. You need a phone with reliable battery, good multimedia and is lightweight, so go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G.
- Scenario 2: You are a gamer and multitasker. You need a phone with a good display for gaming and enough RAM for multitasking, the Motorola Moto G51 5G will be your choice here.
- Scenario 3: You mostly use your phone for social media and want good video. You need a phone with better video capabilities and is easy to use, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G fits your needs better.
Final Thoughts
Both the Motorola Moto G51 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G are solid phones for their respective price points. However, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G has a slight edge as the all-around better device, excelling with better performance, faster charging, better audio, and superior build quality.
What I would choose and why:
If I were buying a phone in this category, I would go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G. The key reason is the superior audio quality and faster charging, the performance is a bit better, and the video recording capabilities make it more useful for content creation, which I tend to do. While the 120Hz display of the Motorola is very nice, the 90Hz is very usable. In short, the better all-around features of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G outweigh the specific advantages of the Motorola.
Remember, choosing the right phone depends entirely on what you value most. I hope this thorough breakdown helps you make a more informed decision. Happy choosing!
