1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 163.6 × 75.8 × 8.8 mm | Motorola is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for small hands. Xiaomi is more compact and easier to pocket. |
| Weight | 212g | 195g | Xiaomi is noticeably lighter (17g), making it more comfortable for long-term use, especially one-handed. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | Motorola has slightly larger screen, good for media consumption, but negligibly so |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharpness and detail; user won't notice the difference |
| PPI | 393 | 399 | Practically the same pixel density, so display sharpness will be nearly identical |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same display tech; expect similar color quality and viewing angles |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi provides a smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations, a clear advantage |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Missing Brightness data, so both will perform the same in this area |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Xiaomi has a more recent chipset, meaning more efficiency and performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 438,700 | Xiaomi has much higher performance, leading to snappier app loading, smoother UI and faster multitasking |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different GPUs, Xiaomi should be better for most gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Main) | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | Xiaomi has a slight resolution advantage (50MP vs 48MP) but Motorola has a brighter aperture; Xiaomi has more detail with its larger sensor, more robust, but slightly less in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.4 | Motorola captures more detailed selfies in good lighting because of higher resolution and wider aperture, but less detailed in low light. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | 8MP, f/2.2 | Similar wide-angle lens performance from both |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro lens performance from both |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps w/EIS | 1080p@60fps | Motorola has better video recording quality, with 4K and 1080p@60fps video support. Xiaomi only has 1080p recording. |
| Slow Motion | 60fps | 120fps | Xiaomi allows for more dramatic slow motion capture |
| DXOMark | NA | Main: 65, Photo: 50, Video: 83 | Xiaomi has superior video quality, with high scores from DXOMark. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, RAW | 4K Video, Ultra Stable Video, Manual Focus | Motorola provides better autofocus and raw shooting capabilities for advanced users. Xiaomi provides features good for casual users |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, suitable for a full day of moderate use |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 33W Fast Charging (Li-Ion Polymer) | Xiaomi charges much faster, which is a major benefit for quick top-ups |
| Battery Features | 10W rapid charger in-box, Non-removable | Non-removable | Motorola has a slower charger included |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 | Xiaomi is based on newer software, therefore has newer features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both offer similar connectivity with dual band support |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, LE | 5.1 LE, A2DP, LE, aptX, LDAC, AAC | Xiaomi has better Bluetooth support for high quality audio |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Both offer similar GPS functionality for location services, Motorola has added SUPL to improve connection time |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Xiaomi gives users the possibility of having two sim cards simultaneously |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB | Both offer similar storage options |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB | Both support multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, limiting storage for large media libraries |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi offers better audio experience with Stereo speakers, Hi-Res audio and Dolby Atmos |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally faster and more convenient |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi provides more robust protection for daily usage |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have most sensors, but both offer slightly different sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7-inch screen is slightly better for viewing content.
- 4K Video Recording: Supports 4K recording, with higher detail and quality.
- Wider aperture (f/1.7) main camera: Better light gathering for low-light shots, which could result in better pictures under the right conditions, but the overall sensor of the Xiaomi is better.
- Wider aperture (f/2.2) Selfie camera: Resulting in better low-light photos.
- Additional Camera Features: Phase detection autofocus, Laser autofocus and Raw shooting capabilities, better for advanced photographers.
- Gyroscope sensor: Allows for advanced motion-sensing functions and more immersive gaming.
- SUPL GPS support: Allows for faster GPS connection times.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: Significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for daily use and easier to hold for longer.
- 90Hz Display: Smoother scrolling and animations for a more fluid user experience, a major upgrade over the standard 60Hz.
- Faster Chipset: More powerful processor (Mediatek Dimensity 810) for snappier performance in apps and games.
- Better Benchmark Score: Significantly higher AnTuTu score, translating to better real-world performance.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging drastically reduces charging time.
- Better Audio Experience: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio enhances music and video playback.
- Better Bluetooth: Supports aptX, LDAC, and AAC codecs, providing higher quality wireless audio streaming.
- Dual SIM support: Allows users to use two SIM cards at the same time, handy for travel or separating work and personal contacts.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers added durability.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and responsive than rear-mounted sensors.
- Better Video quality: The DXOMARK scores show a much better video recording quality.
- Ultra Stable video recording: provides better video stabilization for smoother video capture.
- More modern OS: Android 11 is more up-to-date than Android 10.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola One 5G Ace sacrifices better overall performance, smoother display, faster charging and advanced audio features for a slightly larger display, better selfie cam, 4k video recording and some extra camera features.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G has better overall performance and audio experience, but sacrifices 4K recording, and some camera features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize display size, 4K video recording, and some advanced camera features like RAW capture. Also useful for those who prefer the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos on the larger screen.
- Taking advantage of the 4K recording.
- Occasional low-light photography (wider aperture)
- Users wanting gyroscope sensor capabilities.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who want better overall performance, smoother display, faster charging and better audio, and is more compact. Those who appreciate a more modern OS version and like the side fingerprint sensor will also prefer this device.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks and multitasking with smoother performance.
- Playing casual games.
- Listening to music or watching videos with enhanced audio.
- Frequent charging for quick top-ups.
- Those who prioritize video quality.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G offers a significantly better value proposition, considering its higher performance, smoother display, better audio, faster charging, and more modern features. The Motorola does provide a larger display and some better camera features, but they're very niche and would only suit specific user-cases.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance & Smoothness: Do you prioritize smooth scrolling, fast app loading, and overall responsiveness, or are those less important than other features?
- Multimedia Experience: Do you need the best possible audio experience and smoother visuals, or do you prioritize 4K video recording and a slightly larger screen?
- Battery and Charging: Is fast charging important to you or is this not a priority?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User with basic needs: If budget is the primary concern and all you need is a very basic smartphone with a large display and some advanced camera features, then the Motorola One 5G Ace could be suitable.
- Everyday User wanting value for money: If you prioritize a smoother experience, faster charging, and overall better performance for everyday tasks with a better build quality, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G is a better choice.
- Power User who often records videos: For those who record a lot of 4k video, then the Motorola One 5G Ace is better suited, though the average user should choose the Xiaomi.
Personal Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G. While the Motorola One 5G Ace does offer a slightly larger screen and 4k recording, the Xiaomi provides a significantly better overall experience with its smoother 90Hz display, faster processor, much faster charging, better audio, more convenient fingerprint sensor and better build quality with better screen protection, which in my view is more important for everyday use. The faster charging is a game-changer for daily convenience. The higher benchmark score is a very good indication that general use will be more fluid.
