Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.1 mm | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | Mi 11 is slightly taller; both share similar width & thickness. Note 11S is more compact. |
| Weight | 196g | 179g | Note 11S is noticeably lighter, better for single-hand use and longer periods of holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.43" | Mi 11 has a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. Note 11S is more compact, making it more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | Mi 11's display is significantly sharper, resulting in much more detailed text, images and videos. |
| PPI | 515 | 409 | Mi 11's higher pixel density results in a clearer and more refined viewing experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant and high-contrast displays, with deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mi 11 offers smoother scrolling and animations. Note 11S offers an improved refresh rate over the standard 60Hz. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1000 nits | Mi 11's significantly brighter screen ensures better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mi 11 offers a significantly faster and more powerful chipset, offering higher performance in all areas of usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 302,877 | Mi 11 has much better performance suitable for demanding apps, multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mi 11's GPU is significantly more capable for graphically intensive tasks, especially gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 5000 mAh | Note 11S has slightly more battery capacity. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Mi 11 charges significantly faster, allowing for a quicker top up. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wireless | Reverse Charging | Mi 11 offers wireless charging capabilities, and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly. Note 11S only has wired reverse charging |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | Mi 11 has a larger sensor and wider aperture, resulting in better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | Mi 11 has higher resolution and wider aperture, with an advanced selfie experience. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Mi 11 captures more detail with a higher resolution wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Note 11S has an extra sensor for better portraits. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5" | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Mi 11 has a higher resolution macro lens with a wider aperture. |
| Video | Up to 8K, HDR, EIS | Up to 1080p, No | Mi 11 offers significantly higher video recording capabilities with better stabilization. |
| DxoMark Selfie | 112 (Overall) | None | Mi 11's selfie camera has been tested with great results. |
| Camera Features | OIS, 8K, Laser AF, RAW | Night Mode | Mi 11 includes higher end professional features for video and photos. Note 11S has features for night photography. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 14 | Android 11 | Mi 11 has a clear software support for future updates up to Android 14. Note 11S software updates are unclear. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | Mi 11 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, providing faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance on crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | 5.0 LE, EDR, HID | Mi 11 has a newer version with better audio codecs. Note 11S supports some legacy bluetooth features. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) + more | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Mi 11 supports more satellite systems for better accuracy, particularly in dense urban areas. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | Mi 11 offers higher maximum storage, important for users with a lot of media or large apps. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | Mi 11 provides superior multitasking performance, able to keep more apps in the background. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo, 2 mics | Hi-Res, Stereo | Mi 11 offers a superior audio recording experience and slightly better audio playback thanks to its microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Note 11S features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which may be preferred by some for easy unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Mi 11 offers superior screen protection, making it more resistant to scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Heart Rate + More | Basic Set | Mi 11 has a more comprehensive sensor set, including a heart rate sensor, useful for fitness tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides dramatically faster processing and graphics, making it ideal for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Much Better Display: The higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness lead to a much clearer, smoother, and more enjoyable viewing experience, especially in bright conditions.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: The 55W charging is considerably faster and the addition of wireless charging enhances convenience.
- Advanced Camera Features: Better image quality due to larger sensors, wider apertures, 8K video recording, OIS, and advanced features for photography enthusiasts.
- More Robust Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and advanced GPS offer better network speeds, lower latency, and more accurate location tracking.
- More Ram and Internal Storage: Better experience for multitasking and heavy users thanks to having more ram and storage options.
- Better Build Quality: Better protection thanks to a more premium Gorilla Glass Victus.
- More Sensors: More capabilities for the user thanks to the included Heart rate sensor.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: The more compact size and lighter weight make it more comfortable for single-handed use.
- Larger Battery: A slightly larger battery capacity which may lead to a marginal increase in battery life
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: May be more convenient for some users.
- Lower Price: Likely to be more budget-friendly than the Mi 11, offering great value for the price.
- Depth Sensor: Has a depth sensor for better portrait photos.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11: Higher price, heavier, and slightly larger dimensions than the Note 11S.
- Note 11S: Significantly less performance power, a noticeably inferior display, slower charging, and a less capable camera system compared to the Mi 11.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, media enthusiasts, and photography lovers who prioritize performance and display quality above all else.
- Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games at high settings.
- Watching high-resolution videos and movies.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Using demanding apps, multitasking and benefiting from a fast and seamless performance.
- Capturing photos in various lighting conditions.
- Professionals that need to use their mobile phone for work related tasks.
- Users who want premium build quality and better protection.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks and don't require top-tier performance or camera quality.
- Use Cases:
- Browsing the web, social media, and emails.
- General everyday use.
- Occasional light gaming.
- Taking casual photos and videos.
- Users who want a more comfortable phone with a focus on a good battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Mi 11 is significantly more expensive, while the Note 11S is more affordable.
- What do you prioritize the most? Performance and display quality, or portability and battery life?
- What are the main use cases? Gaming, professional photography, daily use or media consumption?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance & Premium Experience
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11. It excels in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall build quality, making it suitable for heavy users who value the best experience.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Daily Usage
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S. It's the more cost-effective choice for general everyday tasks, with a good battery life and compact size and decent camera performance.
- Scenario 3: Balance of Performance & Price
- Recommendation: If possible, explore other phones in the market if the performance of the Note 11S is too low and the price of the Mi 11 is too high. The Redmi Note 11S is great for its price, but may not be enough for everyone.
My Choice and Explanation
If I had to choose, I would go with the Xiaomi Mi 11.
Here's why:
- Performance is Paramount: My primary use case involves heavy multitasking, app testing, and mobile gaming. The Snapdragon 888 is a significant leap in performance that would improve my workflow.
- Superior Display: The screen is important to me as I often use my phone for consuming and creating content. The Mi 11's superior display will greatly improve the experience.
- Better Camera: As an amateur photographer, I would appreciate the advanced camera system on the Mi 11 which offers more detail in both photos and videos.
- Future Proofing: The Mi 11 has much better software support which means I will be able to use the phone for a longer period of time. It also has more modern connectivity such as Wifi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring better network and audio performance.
While the Redmi Note 11S has a better battery life and it is more compact, the Mi 11’s advantages in performance, display quality, and overall capability outweigh those for my use case. I am willing to pay a premium for the much better user experience that the Mi 11 provides.
