1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | Very similar size, negligible difference in hand feel |
| Weight | 177g | 179g | Virtually identical, no noticeable difference in weight |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.43" | Nearly identical display size, imperceptible difference |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness and clarity |
| PPI | 411 | 409 | Practically the same pixel density, same perceived clarity |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi provides smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1000 nits | Both are equally visible in bright conditions |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 | Mediatek Helio G96 | Different processors, performance will vary slightly |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 302,877 | Realme 8 is noticeably faster in day-to-day tasks and gaming |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Realme 8 offers better graphics performance |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 108MP | Xiaomi allows for more detailed photos |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.9 | Realme 8 captures slightly more light |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.52" | Xiaomi has a larger sensor which should capture more light |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 16MP | Both have same resolution selfie camera |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.4 | Xiaomi selfie camera captures slightly more light |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.25 | f/2.2 | Xiaomi wide angle lens captures slightly more light |
| Depth Sensor | No | 2MP | Xiaomi offers depth sensor for portrait shots |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both offer 2MP macro camera |
| B&W Lens | 2MP | No | Realme has a dedicated B&W lens for monochrome photos |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Realme offers higher resolution video recording |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | EIS | Both offer electronic image stabilization |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Ultra stable video | Night Mode | Different features for video and low-light photography |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery life |
| Charging | 30W | 33W | Xiaomi charges slightly faster |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Xiaomi can charge other devices |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both use Android 11 |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support dual-band Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Realme 8 has a newer Bluetooth standard |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer similar GPS support |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both use dual nano SIMs |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Same storage options |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Similar options for multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi has stereo speakers |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi has a faster and more convenient fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi has better screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Slight differences in sensor packages |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Higher AnTuTu score and a more powerful GPU for smoother app loading and gaming.
- Better Video Recording: Supports 4K video, offering higher quality for video recording.
- Black and white lens: Dedicated lens for unique monochrome photography
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 for potentially better connection speeds and efficiency.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate for a more fluid visual experience.
- Better Main Camera: Higher resolution for more detailed photos and larger sensor.
- Stereo Speakers: For enhanced audio quality and a more immersive experience.
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster 33W charging.
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos.
- Reverse Charging: Allows you to charge other devices using your phone.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for added durability.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and faster unlocking.
- Ultrasonic proximity sensor: More reliable and accurate than a standard proximity sensor.
- Night Mode: Improved low-light photography.
Trade-offs:
- The Realme 8 sacrifices a smoother display and some camera features for better raw performance and video recording.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S prioritizes display smoothness and a more versatile camera system over outright processing power.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 is ideal for:
- Gamers: The higher performance chipset and GPU provide a smoother experience.
- Video Creators: Those who need 4K video recording will find it more appealing.
- Users who prioritize performance: Users who demand fast app loading and smooth multitasking will benefit from its processing power.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is ideal for:
- Casual Users: The 90Hz display and stereo speakers make for a more enjoyable user experience for daily tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want more versatile photography, including portrait mode, will appreciate the camera system.
- Media Consumers: Stereo speakers greatly enhance watching videos, listening to music.
- Users who value usability: Features like reverse charging and a side fingerprint sensor add convenience.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions buyers should ask themselves:
- Do I prioritize performance or display smoothness? If raw speed is key, choose Realme 8. If smooth scrolling matters more, choose Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S.
- How important is photography to me? If you want more versatility and a higher resolution main camera choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S. If you prefer 4K video, choose the Realme 8.
- What is my budget and feature preference? If the price is the same, then consider all features, but keep in mind the features that matter the most to you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer - Choose the Realme 8 for better raw performance.
- Scenario 2: Social Media Creator - Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S for its versatile camera system.
- Scenario 3: Casual Daily User - Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S for a smoother experience and better usability.
- Scenario 4: Watching videos and listening to music: - Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S for the stereo speakers.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S. While the Realme 8 offers a performance advantage in benchmarks, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S provides a more well-rounded user experience that better suits my needs. The 90Hz display makes everyday use smoother and more enjoyable. The stereo speakers offer an enhanced audio experience, and I appreciate the convenience of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and faster charging. Additionally, the versatility of the camera system, especially with the dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots, is appealing to me. I don't frequently play demanding mobile games, so the slight performance advantage of the Realme 8 is not as crucial to my use case. The slightly better screen protection on the Xiaomi is another bonus. The features such as reverse charging provide great utility. While the Realme 8 has its strengths, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S's combination of features and overall user experience are a better fit for my needs.
