Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Realme C35 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G. I’ll break it down in a way that's both technically precise and easy to grasp, focusing on what actually matters in day-to-day use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what these specs mean for real-world use:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm | Very similar size, the Redmi Note 11S 5G is slightly thicker, which may feel less comfortable in some hands. |
| Weight | 189g | 195g | The Realme C35 is a bit lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Both offer a large screen, great for media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2400 | Very similar sharpness; you won't notice much difference. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 401 | 399 | Nearly identical, providing comparable clarity for text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same display tech, offering decent color accuracy but lacking the deep blacks of OLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Redmi Note 11S 5G will feel smoother and more responsive, especially when scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have similar display peak brightness, may struggle in direct sunlight (missing data). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | The Redmi Note 11S 5G’s chipset is significantly more powerful, enabling faster app loading and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 438,700 | The Redmi Note 11S 5G offers vastly superior performance, suitable for gaming and heavy apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Redmi Note 11S 5G’s GPU provides better graphics performance, ideal for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor, Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64 µm pixel size | Comparable primary camera hardware, the sensor on the Xiaomi may provide better low light and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, Sony Exmor | 13MP, f/2.4 | The Redmi Note 11S 5G offers higher resolution for selfies. The Realme may have slightly better low light performance |
| Wide Angle Camera | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2 | The Redmi Note 11S 5G has a wide-angle camera, allowing for more versatile shots. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro capabilities for close-up shots. |
| Black & white Camera | 2MP, f/2.8 | N/A | Realme has a dedicated B&W sensor for artsy shots |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps | The Redmi Note 11S 5G has more video options including 60 FPS shooting and slow-motion mode. |
| Video stabilization | No | No | Both phones offer similar video recording capabilities and stabilization. |
| DXOMark Scores | N/A | Main: 65 (Photo: 50, Video: 83) | The Redmi Note 11S 5G has been tested by DXOMark, while the Realme C35 has not. |
| Features | PDAF, CDAF | 4K Video, Ultra Stable Video, Manual Focus, Night Mode | The Redmi Note 11S 5G offers features like 4k video, manual focus, and Night Mode |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Redmi Note 11S 5G will charge significantly faster, a noticeable convenience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both run on Android 11 out of the box, lacking new features from Android 13 or 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Both offer the same 802.11ac wifi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, EDR | 5.1, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | The Redmi Note 11S 5G offers better Bluetooth audio with newer standards including LDAC. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Both offer good accuracy for GPS; small differences in global positioning support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB | Both offer comparable storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB/6GB | The Redmi Note 11S 5G has an option for more RAM, improving multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The Redmi Note 11S 5G offers superior audio with Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers and better microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both offer similar biometric security via a side mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Redmi Note 11S 5G screen is more resistant to scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have a good set of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35:
- Strengths: The Realme C35 stands out with its lighter weight and stylish design. It also features a dedicated Black & White sensor for photography enthusiasts looking to take artsy pictures.
- Competitive Advantages: If you prioritize comfort and a lightweight feel, the C35 has the edge. It also features more sensors for different kind of apps, such as gyroscope.
- Trade-offs: The C35 falls significantly behind in performance, featuring a weaker chipset that might cause some lag in everyday tasks. The display has no screen protection and a 60hz refresh rate, meaning it will feel less smooth and more vulnerable compared to the Xiaomi. The charging speed and missing audio features may be drawbacks for some users.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G:
- Strengths: The Redmi Note 11S 5G excels in performance, thanks to its more powerful chipset and the option of 6 GB of RAM, making it better for gaming and heavier use. The faster charging, wide angle lens, and better audio make it a well rounded device.
- Competitive Advantages: It provides a smoother, faster user experience, a more versatile camera system, better audio, and faster charging, making it more feature rich.
- Trade-offs: It's slightly heavier and thicker than the C35. Also, the Redmi lacks a black and white sensor for creative photos.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Realme C35:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize a lightweight phone, basic tasks like browsing and social media, and casual use.
- Use Cases: Great for elderly people or anyone who appreciates a comfortable, light phone for everyday use. Ideal for people who appreciate a dedicated Black & White camera sensor.
- Price-to-Value: The low price and basic functionality might appeal to budget-conscious buyers.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G:
- Best Suited For: Users who need a more powerful device for gaming, multitasking, or media consumption, and prioritize a smoother user experience.
- Use Cases: Perfect for users who enjoy gaming, streaming, or use apps that benefit from a faster processor.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value for money, given its performance and range of features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
- Performance vs. Comfort:
- If you prioritize raw speed and performance: The Redmi Note 11S 5G is the clear choice.
- If you prefer a lighter, more comfortable phone for basic tasks: The Realme C35 is adequate.
- Camera Capabilities:
- If you need versatility and better video: Go for the Redmi Note 11S 5G with its wide-angle lens and better video options.
- If you appreciate taking creative black and white pictures: The Realme C35 would be a more suitable choice.
- Charging Time and Audio Quality:
- If you value faster charging and superior audio: The Redmi Note 11S 5G is the better pick.
- If basic audio is sufficient: Either option will work.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer/Multitasker Choose the Redmi Note 11S 5G, given its more robust chipset and higher RAM options.
- Scenario 2: Casual User (Light Usage) The Realme C35 is sufficient for basic usage and provides a lighter feel in hand.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast The Redmi Note 11S 5G will be more versatile, due to its additional lens. If a B&W camera is a priority, the Realme C35 is a better choice.
- Scenario 4: Audiophile: The Redmi Note 11S 5G will be the better option, with stereo speakers and more advanced audio features
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G. While the Realme C35 has its merits, the sheer increase in performance offered by the MediaTek Dimensity 810 is too significant to ignore. The smoother display, faster charging, wide angle lens, and better audio quality add further value, making it a more versatile and future-proof device. Although it’s slightly heavier, the overall experience would be much more satisfying for my needs. For users who are ok with basic phone usage and care more about ergonomics, the Realme C35 could be a great choice, but for me the performance boost of the Xiaomi makes it the clear winner.
