Smartphone Comparison: Motorola One 5G Ace vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-14 | 2021-12-01 | Xiaomi is almost a year newer, likely with more up-to-date software features. |
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | Xiaomi is more compact, easier to handle, and fits better in pockets. Motorola is bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 181g | Xiaomi is significantly lighter, more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | Motorola has a slightly larger screen for immersive media, while Xiaomi is a bit more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharpness, ensuring crisp images and text. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 405 PPI | Negligible difference in sharpness, both displays appear similarly crisp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Motorola's display technology is known. Xiaomi's is unspecified. | |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations making daily interactions feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both will have similar brightness levels. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Motorola has a more powerful chip, offering faster app loading and better performance in demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 253,100 | Motorola has better overall performance, meaning smoother gameplay and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Motorola has a better GPU which translates to better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 48MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Xiaomi has a slightly higher resolution, but Motorola's wider aperture captures more light, which is good for low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 16MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.0) | Motorola captures more detailed selfies, while Xiaomi has wider aperture for slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Comparable wide-angle performance. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Comparable macro lens performance. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (with EIS) | 1080p@30fps | Motorola offers higher resolution videos (4K) with image stabilization, better for recording high quality videos. |
| Slow Motion | 60 fps | 120 fps | Xiaomi can record smoother slow motion. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, Panorama, Night Mode | 4K Video, | Motorola offers more advanced focus system, panorama, and night mode. Xiaomi supports 4K recording. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer a similar battery capacity, allowing for similar usage times. |
| Charging | 15W | 18W | Xiaomi charges slightly faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Battery Features | 10W rapid charger in-box, non-removable | Reverse charging, 9W reverse wired charging, non-removable | Xiaomi can charge other devices, while Motorola has a more powerful charger in the box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 | Xiaomi runs a more up-to-date OS, which could offer more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support current Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 (EDR) | 5.1 (APT-x) | Motorola includes EDR while Xiaomi includes APT-x for better audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Xiaomi has more GPS options for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | Xiaomi allows for two SIM cards to be used at the same time. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128 GB | Both phones have maximum storage of 128GB. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 4/6 GB | Both have the same RAM options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi offers a richer audio experience via stereo speakers, while Motorola has dual microphones for better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi has better scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both devices have common sensors, however they vary in proximity sensor and Motorola also includes barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 750G chipset offers notably better performance, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming experiences.
- Better Main Camera Aperture: The f/1.7 aperture on the main camera captures more light, which is ideal for low-light photography.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: The 16MP front camera captures more detailed selfies.
- 4K Video Recording: Capable of shooting higher resolution 4K videos for sharper, more detailed footage.
- Wider Variety of Camera Features: Includes PDAF, Laser Autofocus, Panorama, and Night Mode, giving users more flexibility and control when taking photos.
- Faster in-box Charger: Comes with a 10W charger in the box.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter Design: Easier to handle, more portable, and comfortable for extended use.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid user experience, especially when browsing, scrolling, and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 18W fast charging means less time plugged into the wall.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, which is useful for situations where a power bank isn't accessible.
- More Up-to-Date Software: Ships with Android 11, providing the latest features, security updates, and potentially a smoother user experience than the Motorola which runs Android 10.
- Dual SIM Support: Allows users to use two SIM cards simultaneously.
- Stereo Speakers: Offers enhanced audio quality through the inclusion of stereo speakers.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 is significantly more scratch resistant.
- Better GPS: Supports Beidou for better accuracy.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola: Loses out on a 90Hz display, reverse charging, dual sim, and an up to date OS.
- Xiaomi: Lacks the processing power and camera capabilities that the Motorola has.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Motorola One 5G Ace:
- Power Users: Those who need good performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and media consumption.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, especially in low-light conditions, and want options like Night Mode and high-resolution 4K recording.
- Users who favor a larger screen: Enjoy a bigger display for media and browsing.
- Users who want a phone with slightly faster included charger: Want to charge quickly with an included 10W charger in the box.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize comfort, a smooth display, and battery convenience.
- Users who prefer compact phones: Those who like smaller, lightweight smartphones.
- Travelers/Dual SIM Users: Individuals who need dual SIM functionality for travel or work purposes.
- Users who want a phone that is slightly better for audio and watching content: Those who favor stereo speakers for multimedia.
Specific Use Cases:
- Motorola: Gaming, social media, photography/videography, and watching content.
- Xiaomi: Day-to-day communication, casual browsing, media consumption, dual-SIM travel, and listening to music through speakers.
Price-to-Value:
- Motorola: Offers strong performance, but might be a slightly higher price. Good for those who want power and a better camera.
- Xiaomi: Excellent value for money with a focus on daily usage and convenience. A more well-rounded experience with its modern features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize performance or convenience? (Motorola excels in performance while Xiaomi is geared toward better everyday convenience)
- Is camera quality or video resolution more important? (Motorola is better for still photos while Xiaomi lacks 4K recording and higher video settings)
- Do you prefer a compact phone with a smooth display or a larger screen with slightly higher processing power? (Xiaomi prioritizes comfort and a 90Hz display; Motorola focuses on the processor, larger display and advanced camera settings)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gaming and Multitasking: Choose the Motorola One 5G Ace for better processing power.
- Scenario 2: Daily Use and Media Consumption: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G for a smoother display and comfortable design, though it may feel slightly less powerful.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Video Recording: Choose the Motorola One 5G Ace for advanced camera features, 4K recording, and better low-light performance.
- Scenario 4: Dual-SIM Usage and Travel: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G for its dual SIM support and reverse charging.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G. While the Motorola offers a more powerful chipset and a slightly better camera system in some regards, the overall experience of the Xiaomi is more aligned with my preferences. The Redmi Note 11 4G's combination of a lighter design, 90Hz display for smoother interactions, faster charging, reverse charging capabilities, up-to-date Android software, dual sim support and a slightly more modern design gives it a better overall experience for my use. Additionally, the stereo speakers are a plus for watching content and listening to music. Although it compromises slightly on raw performance and camera capabilities, the Xiaomi provides a smoother, more user-friendly experience for everyday tasks and general use which are my priorities.
