1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | Poco F3 is taller and thinner; Redmi Note 11 4G is shorter and thicker. F3 will feel slightly larger, Note 11 slightly more compact. |
| Weight | 196g | 181g | Redmi Note 11 4G is 15g lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.5" | Poco F3 offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption and better gaming experience |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharpness. |
| PPI | 395 | 405 | Negligible difference; both displays are similarly sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Poco F3 has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, resulting in a superior viewing experience. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Poco F3 has smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming and UI navigation. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Poco F3 is significantly brighter and more usable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Poco F3 has a much faster chipset, resulting in smoother performance, better gaming, and quicker app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 253,100 | Poco F3 is significantly more powerful, showing a more than 200% increase in performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Poco F3 has a superior GPU, crucial for high-end gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 11 4G has a slightly larger battery for potentially longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Poco F3 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | QC3+/PD3.0 | Reverse charging | Poco F3 supports fast charging protocols; Redmi Note 11 4G can charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 48MP f/1.79 | 50MP f/1.8 | Redmi Note 11 4G has slightly higher resolution, while Poco F3 has wider aperture; practical difference in image quality depends on the algorithm and other factors. |
| Front Selfie | 20MP f/2.45 | 8MP f/2.0 | Poco F3 offers higher resolution selfies, while Redmi Note 11 4G might have slightly better low-light selfies due to the wider aperture |
| Wide Angle | No | 8MP f/2.2 | Redmi Note 11 4G can capture wider scenes, better for landscape photos or group shots. |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP f/2.4 | Redmi Note 11 4G can take close up shots |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Poco F3 can record in 4K for higher video quality and better stability. |
| Slow-motion | Yes, 960 fps | Yes, 120 fps | Poco F3 provides higher slow-motion frame rate for more dramatic effects. |
| Features | Various, including Manual focus and Panorama | Various, including RAW | Poco F3 has panorama; Redmi Note 11 4G has RAW for post-processing flexibility |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 11, no information on further upgrades | Poco F3 can be upgraded to Android 13 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | 802.11ac | Poco F3 has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.1 LE | Poco F3 has broader audio codec support for higher-quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | More systems (L1+L5, BeiDou B1/B2, Galileo E1/E5a, NavIC) | Standard (GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo) | Poco F3 provides more precise location tracking, especially in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB | Poco F3 offers more internal storage for more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | Poco F3 offers more RAM, which leads to better multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers | Poco F3 provides a richer audio experience, enhancing movies and music. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones have a convenient side fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco F3 offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Comprehensive suite | Comprehensive suite | Similar sensor packages |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset provides significantly better performance than the Helio G88. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming capabilities.
- Better Display: The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness offers a more vibrant, smoother, and clearer viewing experience, especially in bright outdoor conditions.
- Faster Charging: The 33W charging is considerably faster than the 18W charging of the Redmi Note 11 4G, reducing charging time significantly.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and better Bluetooth Codec Support provide a superior audio experience through its stereo speakers and wireless audio devices.
- Higher-Quality Video: The 4K recording capability, higher framerate and better stabilization is suitable for content creators.
- Better Build: Gorilla Glass 5 is more resistant to scratches and drops than Gorilla Glass 3.
- More Internal Storage and RAM Options: Provides flexibility for users with storage and performance needs.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G Advantages:
- Slightly Longer Battery Life: The larger battery capacity provides marginally better battery endurance.
- Lighter Weight: It's 15 grams lighter, which might be more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Reverse Charging: This allows the phone to act as a power bank, charging other devices.
- Wide Angle and Macro lens: It offers a wide angle and macro camera for more versatile photography.
- RAW Photos: It has the ability to capture RAW photos that can be post processed.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco F3 sacrifices a bit of battery capacity and macro photography for significantly better performance, display, and charging.
- The Redmi Note 11 4G provides more versatility in photography and reverse charging but lacks the processing power, display quality, charging speed, and audio quality of the Poco F3.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3:
- Ideal Users: Gamers, power users, media enthusiasts, and those who prioritize performance, display quality, and fast charging.
- Use Cases:
- High-end gaming with smooth frame rates.
- Watching high-resolution videos and streaming content with rich colors and clear visuals.
- Running demanding applications and multitasking without lag.
- Daily usage where the phone can be quickly topped up with the 33W charging.
- Enjoying high-quality music with better audio.
- Those that want to capture high quality video on their phones.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious buyers, users who prioritize battery life and versatile photography options, or those with basic smartphone needs.
- Use Cases:
- Basic everyday use like calling, texting, social media, and browsing.
- Extended battery life is preferable for long days without charging access.
- Capturing landscape photos with wide-angle lens and close up photos with macro.
- Occasional use as a portable power bank.
- Users who don't need heavy performance.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Poco F3 generally offers a higher price-to-value ratio for those who prioritize performance and display quality, provided its cost is within budget. It offers flagship-level performance at a mid-range price.
- The Redmi Note 11 4G offers better value for those on a tight budget, providing a decent overall experience, good battery, and more versatile camera options.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, media, daily tasks, photography)
- How important is performance to me? (Do I need a high-end experience or is basic performance sufficient?)
- What is my budget? (Are you looking for the best value within the budget?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User/Gamer: If you want the best performance and gaming experience, choose the Xiaomi Poco F3.
- Scenario 2: Budget User with Basic Needs: If you need a reliable phone for basic tasks with good battery and more camera options, choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G.
- Scenario 3: Media Consumer: If you watch lots of videos and movies, the better display and audio on the Xiaomi Poco F3 is recommended.
- Scenario 4: Photography Enthusiast (Casual): The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is better due to its wide angle and macro lenses.
Personal Choice
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F3. My reasoning is as follows:
While both phones have their strengths, the performance difference between the Snapdragon 870 and the Helio G88 is substantial. For me, smooth performance, fast app loading, and good gaming capabilities are crucial for a satisfying user experience. The Poco F3 also offers a much better display with its 120Hz AMOLED panel and significantly better brightness, which is noticeable in everyday use, especially outdoors. Although I appreciate the larger battery on the Redmi Note 11 4G, the faster charging on the Poco F3 compensates for it to some extent. While I do enjoy the idea of the versatility the Redmi provides with its extra lenses, the superior video quality and processing power would be more valuable for my needs.
