Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 163.6 × 75.8 × 8.8 mm | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G is slightly larger and thicker, may feel less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 177g | 195g | Realme 8 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness, no visible difference in pixel density. |
| PPI | 411 | 399 | Visually negligible difference in pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Realme 8 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, better for dark mode & HDR content. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations, a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 is significantly brighter, much better for outdoor use under sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Dimensity 810 is newer and more efficient, resulting in slightly better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 438,700 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G provides marginally better performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Realme 8 has a more powerful GPU for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Realme 8 has a higher resolution sensor with a wider aperture and larger sensor size; potentially better in low light and detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" | 13MP, f/2.4 | Realme 8 offers higher resolution for sharper selfies, though the Xiaomi has a slightly wider aperture |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.25 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better low light wide-angle. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Comparable macro performance. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 has a dedicated B&W sensor. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 1080p@60fps | Realme 8 offers higher resolution video recording for high quality footage. |
| DXOMark Mobile | Not Tested | 65 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G has a DXOmark score of 65, with video having a higher score at 83. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both provide similar battery life, should last a full day of regular use. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G charges slightly faster, meaning less time plugged in. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both devices run Android 11, but may have different manufacturer skins and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual Band, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11ac, Dual Band | Both have similar WiFi; Realme 8 supports Wi-Fi MiMO for potentially improved performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE with aptX, LDAC, AAC | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G offers superior audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Realme 8 supports more satellite systems for better accuracy in location tracking, especially in congested areas. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual sim functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 64/128GB | Both offer the same storage options, adequate for most users. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/6 GB | Realme 8 offers a higher 8GB RAM option for more seamless multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G has enhanced audio features with Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers and dual microphones for better sound and recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G offers a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G provides better screen protection with Gorilla Glass 3. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Realme 8 offers a more comprehensive suite, including a gyroscope for gaming; Xiaomi includes a digital compass for better navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED display provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast.
- Brighter Screen: 1000 nits brightness makes it much more usable in direct sunlight.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 64MP sensor captures more detail.
- Better Video Recording: Supports 4K recording, a significant upgrade.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes gyroscope which is better for gaming.
- More RAM: Optional 8GB RAM offers better multi-tasking and gaming performance.
- Supports Beidou: Better GPS performance in congested areas.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel more fluid.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging gets you back up and running quicker.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones enhances audio experience.
- Slightly Better Performance: Newer chipset yields slightly better benchmarks.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides more durable screen protection.
- More Audio Codec: Aptx, LDAC, and AAC enhances Bluetooth audio quality.
- More Advanced Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted offers more natural accessibility and responsiveness.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8 sacrifices a smoother 90Hz refresh rate and slightly less convenient fingerprint sensor for a superior AMOLED display and better camera performance.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G offers smoother scrolling and better audio, but compromises with a less vibrant IPS LCD screen and lower resolution main camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Realme 8:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of video content, enjoy vibrant colors, and appreciate deep blacks.
- Photography and Videography Lovers: Individuals who prioritize camera quality, particularly the 4K recording capability and detail.
- Outdoor Users: People who frequently use their phone under bright sunlight and need a bright and visible display.
- Gamers: Who need a gyroscope, prefer vibrant color, and can benefit from a more powerful GPU.
Ideal Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Watching movies and TV shows with HDR content.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos for social media.
- Navigating in direct sunlight.
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G:
- Casual Users: People who value a smooth and responsive user interface for everyday tasks.
- Audio Lovers: Those who enjoy listening to music and podcasts using the stereo speakers or high-quality Bluetooth headphones.
- Screen protection prioritizers: Those who want a display that can survive daily wear and tear.
- Users who need fast charging: People who don't like to be tethered to power outlets for long periods.
Ideal Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G:
- Scrolling through social media feeds and browsing the web.
- Listening to music and podcasts.
- Quickly charging the phone during brief breaks.
- Wanting better screen durability for accidental scratches and drops.
Price-to-Value:
Both phones offer a good price-to-value ratio in the mid-range market. The Realme 8 excels with its superior display and camera while the Redmi Note 11S 5G offers smoothness and better audio. The best value will depend on which specific features the user values most.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast (AMOLED), or a smoother scrolling experience (90Hz)?
- Camera Needs: Do you need high-resolution photos and 4K video recording, or is a good general-purpose camera adequate?
- Audio and Battery: Do you value enhanced audio with stereo speakers and fast charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Content Creator on a Budget: Choose the Realme 8. The 4K video capability, brighter display, and higher-resolution main camera are ideal for creating high-quality content on a budget.
- Scenario 2: Casual User with Fast Paced Lifestyle: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G. The 90Hz display, faster charging, and more robust screen protection are better suited for everyday use and on the go.
- Scenario 3: User Who Prefers Enhanced Audio: Choose Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G for its superior sound quality with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
- Scenario 4: Gaming Enthusiast: Choose Realme 8. It offers a more powerful GPU and a gyroscope.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Realme 8. The superior AMOLED display and better camera capabilities are more important to me than the slightly smoother refresh rate and enhanced audio offered by the Xiaomi. While the 90Hz display is nice, the difference is not as significant as the leap from IPS LCD to AMOLED. I also find a brighter screen critical for outdoor usability, and the Realme 8 provides this better than the Xiaomi. Finally, I prefer better camera quality for personal use. The additional RAM is also a plus for future-proofing. Although the Xiaomi has its strengths, the Realme 8's strengths more closely align with my personal priorities and usage patterns, even if it sacrifices some features such as audio quality and faster charging.
