Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.9 x 8 mm | 163.7 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is larger and slightly thicker, potentially feeling less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 177g | 204g | The Realme 8 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a slightly larger display, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer the same sharpness, so the difference is not noticeable for common use cases. |
| PPI | 411 | 395 | Both have similar pixel densities, so the difference in sharpness is minimal. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has smoother scrolling, better gaming and overall improved display experience. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a newer, more efficient chip, offering better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 528,100 | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G provides faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G's GPU offers better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 | 108MP, f/1.89 | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G’s higher megapixel count potentially allows for more detailed images, while the Realme 8 has a slightly wider aperture. The Redmi has a larger sensor for better light capture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Both offer comparable selfie quality. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance on the wide lens, along with larger pixels. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have similar macro lens capabilities. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Realme 8 has an additional B&W lens, which might offer more creative control for some users. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Both record 4K video, and have similar stabilization features. Redmi Note has a higher slo-mo FPS. |
| Features | Quad Camera, EIS | Triple Camera, Manual Focus, RAW, Night Mode | Redmi has additional features including RAW and night mode for advanced users. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Realme 8 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G charges significantly faster, making it much more convenient for many users. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15-min full charge | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a faster charging system, minimizing downtime. |
| Other | |||
| Software | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both run on Android 11. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (ax) | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a slightly newer version with better audio codecs. |
| GPS | Multiple Systems | More systems incl. Dual Band | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers better location accuracy. |
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 64/128/256GB | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has an option for more storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 6/8GB | Both offer good multi-tasking, with a higher base RAM on Redmi. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G provides superior audio experience. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G provides more convenient fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Build Quality | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Magnetometer, Proximity | Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity | Both phones have a comprehensive set of sensors, with different extras. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Lighter Build: The Realme 8 is significantly lighter, improving comfort and portability for daily use.
- Larger Battery: A 5000mAh battery gives a potential edge in battery life, ideal for users who need long-lasting performance.
- B&W Lens: Offers an additional camera for creative control.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother visual experience. It also has higher brightness.
- Better Performance: A more modern chipset with higher benchmarks translates to better real-world performance, faster app loading, and smoother multitasking.
- Faster Charging: The 120W fast charging is a game-changer, making charging very quick and convenient, minimizing downtime.
- Better Camera: Higher resolution main sensor, wider aperture on the wide-angle lens, and extra features provide better overall camera capabilities.
- More Storage: Provides a 256GB variant for those who need it, with more RAM options.
- Superior Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions for faster speeds and better wireless performance.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and dual microphones for better audio.
- Enhanced Security: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner is more ergonomic than a basic sensor.
- Superior Build: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides greater screen protection.
Trade-offs:
- The Realme 8 sacrifices performance, display smoothness, and charging speed for a larger battery and a lower weight.
- The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is heavier and slightly larger, potentially less convenient for some users.
- Neither phone offers expandable storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Realme 8:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and lightweight design.
- Users who don't require the highest performance and mostly use their phone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and calls.
- Users who want an additional B&W lens for creative control.
Use Cases:
- Daily commuters who want their phone to last all day.
- Casual photographers who prioritize battery over camera quality.
- Users who want a lightweight device that is easy to carry around.
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G:
- Users who want a smoother and more premium display experience with the 120Hz refresh rate.
- Users who value performance and want a device that handles multitasking, gaming, and other demanding tasks well.
- Users who need fast charging and want to minimize downtime.
- Users who want better camera quality with more features for photography.
- Users who need faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speeds.
- Users who value audio and want the best playback and recording quality.
- Users who want the option for larger internal storage.
Use Cases:
- Gamers who want a smooth display and fast performance.
- Photographers who want to be able to take high-quality images and utilize RAW format.
- Users who want a premium experience with fast charging and good multimedia performance.
- Power users who engage in resource intensive tasks on their phones.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers superior features and performance, justifying a likely higher price. The Realme 8 offers a more budget-friendly option, while still providing decent features for most daily usage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize battery life and lightweight design, or performance, display smoothness, and fast charging? The Realme 8 excels in the former, while the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G excels in the latter.
- How important is display quality to you, including refresh rate and brightness? The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G's 120Hz display and higher brightness provides a much better overall visual experience.
- Do you prioritize photography features or just require a capable camera? The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has the better camera system, with a more versatile setup and RAW capture.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User on a Budget: If you mainly use your phone for basic tasks and want to spend less, the Realme 8 is the more practical choice.
- Scenario 2: Power User or Gamer: If you play games or perform intensive tasks on your phone, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you're interested in mobile photography, especially using RAW, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is recommended due to its superior sensor, larger aperture on wide-angle lens, and overall features.
- Scenario 4: Need long battery life on a budget: If your main concern is battery life on a tight budget, then the Realme 8 is still a decent option for you.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G. While the Realme 8 offers a larger battery and lighter design, the improvements in the Redmi's display (120Hz refresh rate), performance, and notably fast charging outweigh the benefits of the Realme 8 for me. I find that the 120Hz screen and faster charging makes a substantial difference in daily usage, and the upgraded camera features are very useful as well. I would also prefer the enhanced audio quality and more robust build quality. The slightly heavier weight is a trade-off I'm willing to make for those features.
