1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 163.7 × 76.2 × 8.3 mm | Note 11 Pro+ is slightly thicker and has larger volume, potentially a slightly less comfortable in-hand feel. |
| Weight | 196g | 204g | Poco F3 is lighter, might be noticeable during long usage, but not a huge difference |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen size for the same viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; no difference in visual clarity |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Identical pixel density ensures comparable image detail |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks, good viewing experience |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | Poco F3 slightly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, noticeable in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G | Mediatek Dimensity 920 | Snapdragon 870 offers higher performance for demanding tasks and gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 528,100 | Poco F3 is significantly faster, smoother UI, faster app launches, better gaming performance |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 650 has better graphical processing power, better gaming performance |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 108MP | Note 11 Pro+ captures more detail in photos |
| Rear Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.89 | Poco F3 slightly better low light performance |
| Rear Main Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.52" | Note 11 Pro+ has a larger sensor for better low-light capture |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | Poco F3 can capture slightly more detail in selfies |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/3.13" | Note 11 Pro+ larger sensor captures more light, potentially better selfies in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP (f/2.2) | Note 11 Pro+ has a wider field of view for group photos and landscapes |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP (f/2.4) | Note 11 Pro+ can take close-up shots |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p @ up to 960fps (with EIS) | 4K@30fps, 1080p @ up to 960fps | Similar video capabilities, both with stabilization and slow motion |
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom, Triple Camera, DIS, AF, TF, MF, CS, GT, Panorama, HDR, FD, WB, ISO, EC, SM, ST | Digital Zoom, Triple Camera, DIS, Ultra stable video, AF, TF, MF, CS, GT, Panorama, HDR, FD, WB, ISO, EC, SM, ST, RAW, Night Mode | Note 11 Pro+ has more options like ultra-stable video, night mode, and RAW image capture. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery capacity, both will likely have similar battery life |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 120W fast charging | Note 11 Pro+ charges significantly faster, convenience for quick top-ups |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 11 | Poco F3 can be updated to Android 13, which may provide access to newer features and improvements. Note 11 Pro+ may not have an OS update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Same WiFi capabilities, same speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Note 11 Pro+ newer bluetooth version for slightly improved connection stability and efficiency |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Note 11 Pro+ supports more GPS systems for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer dual SIM slots for using two numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 64/128/256GB | Both offer ample storage options, but Note 11 Pro+ has a 64 GB option for lower cost |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 6/8GB | Both have the same RAM options for multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither has external storage options |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Note 11 Pro+ features an additional microphone for better voice capture during calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer convenient biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Same screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Same sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset and Adreno 650 GPU offer much better performance in benchmarks and real-world use, including gaming and heavy multitasking. This makes the Poco F3 smoother for all tasks.
- Slightly Brighter Display: The 100 nit increase in brightness makes the Poco F3 slightly easier to see in bright sunlight.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G Advantages:
- Much Faster Charging: The 120W fast charging is a massive advantage, allowing for a full charge in just 15 minutes. This is extremely convenient for users in a rush.
- More Versatile Camera System: The 108MP main camera, ultra-wide lens, and macro lens provide more flexibility in capturing various types of photos and videos. The extra features like RAW and Night Mode improve image quality in various situations.
- Better GPS: More satellite systems for better location tracking and accuracy
- Slightly Newer Bluetooth: Improves connectivity and efficiency
- Additional Microphone: Better audio capture in calls and recordings.
- Wider Variety of Storage Options: The availability of a 64 GB variant offers a cheaper option, while still having the same maximum 256 GB option.
Trade-offs:
- Poco F3: Sacrifices camera versatility and extremely fast charging for higher performance.
- Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G: Trades some performance for a more versatile camera and much faster charging. It will not be as smooth for gaming or heavy app usage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, or anyone who prioritizes smooth performance and speed for multitasking and demanding applications.
- Use Cases: Playing graphically intensive games, video editing, heavy multitasking, and using demanding applications.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a great performance at a relatively good price point, making it a solid pick for those focused on performance.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Casual users, photographers, people who value convenience, or users who prioritize a versatile camera system and fast charging over raw performance.
- Use Cases: Taking photos in various situations, capturing wide shots, fast charging convenience, and everyday social media and communication tasks.
- Price-to-Value: Offers very versatile camera and extremely fast charging, a good option for those who value this.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- How important is raw performance? If gaming and performance are top priorities, the Poco F3 is the clear winner. If you value other things like camera and quick charging the other is more suited.
- How important is camera versatility? If you want a camera system with more features and flexibility, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is better. The wide angle and macro lenses add versatility.
- How important is fast charging? If you need to charge your phone rapidly, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G's 120W charging is a significant advantage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Performance: If you play games regularly, or perform intensive tasks on your phone, the Xiaomi Poco F3 is the better choice. The Snapdragon 870 provides a noticeable difference in performance.
- Scenario 2: Photography & Versatility: If you enjoy taking photos with your phone, and value camera versatility, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is the better choice. The ultra-wide and macro lenses offer a lot more flexibility.
- Scenario 3: Convenience & Speed: If you want the convenience of extremely fast charging and better location accuracy, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is the better choice. The 120W charging is exceptionally convenient.
- Scenario 4: Balanced Use: If you want a balanced phone for daily use with a wide range of tasks, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers a more balanced set of features, including great battery and fast charging, with a solid camera and decent performance.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F3. While the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers an excellent camera and fast charging, my personal priorities lean more towards performance. I value a smooth and snappy experience in everyday use, including gaming and demanding applications. The significantly faster processor and GPU in the Poco F3 would make my daily experience more enjoyable and fluid. While I would miss out on the ultra-fast charging of the Redmi, the slightly brighter display of the Poco F3 would be useful. The trade-offs in camera and charging are something I am willing to make for the sake of performance.
