1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | The Poco F3 is slightly larger, which may be less comfortable for one-handed use, while the Note 11S is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 196g | 179g | The Redmi Note 11S is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less tiring to hold. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.43" | The Poco F3 has a slightly larger screen, which is better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both have the same sharp image quality due to the identical resolution, which means both will provide a detailed image. |
| PPI | 395 | 409 | Both have very similar pixel density, meaning both screens will appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED, meaning vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast ratios. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The Poco F3's 120Hz refresh rate offers smoother scrolling and animations, which is noticeable in daily use and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1000 nits | The Poco F3 has a significantly brighter screen, making it easier to view in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | MediaTek Helio G96 (12 nm) | The Snapdragon 870 in the Poco F3 is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 302,877 | The Poco F3 has a much higher score, which means better overall performance, especially for demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Adreno 650 in the Poco F3 offers superior graphics performance, enabling higher frame rates and better visual quality in games. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" Sony IMX582 | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" Samsung S5KHM2 | While the Redmi Note 11S has higher resolution, the Poco F3 has a wider aperture. The larger sensor size on the Redmi Note 11S may capture more light and detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4" Samsung S5K3T2 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | The Poco F3 has slightly higher resolution, while the Redmi Note 11S has a wider aperture and a larger sensor. The Redmi Note 11S could be better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not available | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355 | The Redmi Note 11S offers a wide-angle lens for more versatile photography. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" Omnivision OV02B1B | The Redmi Note 11S includes a depth sensor for better portrait mode photos. |
| Macro Lens | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1 | The Redmi Note 11S includes a macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, with EIS | Up to 1080p@30fps | The Poco F3 can record higher quality videos, making it better for creating high-resolution content. |
| Slow-motion | Up to 960 fps | Up to 120 fps | The Poco F3 can record much higher frame-rate slow-motion video. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 5000mAh | The Redmi Note 11S has a slightly larger battery, potentially resulting in slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both support fast charging, making them quickly rechargeable. |
| Features | QC3+/PD3.0 Support | Reverse Charging | The Poco F3 offers support for fast charging protocols. The Redmi Note 11S can be used to charge other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset and Adreno 650 GPU offer significantly better overall performance, making it ideal for gaming, demanding apps, and smooth multitasking.
- Better Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness provide a much better visual experience, particularly in bright conditions and while gaming.
- Higher Quality Video: Supports 4K recording, offering more detail and better video quality.
- Faster WiFi: Supports WiFi 6 for faster speeds, better performance and lower latency.
- Better Audio: Has Dolby Atmos support.
- Better Screen Protection: Uses Gorilla Glass 5, which is more scratch and break resistant than Gorilla Glass 3 in the Redmi Note 11S.
- More Storage Options: Comes with a 256GB option, twice as much as the largest storage of the Redmi Note 11S.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Advantages:
- More Versatile Camera System: Features a wide-angle, depth, and macro lens, which the Poco F3 lacks, offering more flexibility in photography.
- Slightly Larger Battery: The larger 5000mAh battery may provide marginally longer battery life for users with lighter usage patterns.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices, making it a convenient secondary power source.
- Lighter and more compact: More comfortable for extended use.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Poco F3 sacrifices camera versatility for raw performance and a superior display.
- The Redmi Note 11S prioritizes camera features and battery over processing power and display smoothness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Poco F3:
- Gamers: The powerful chipset and 120Hz refresh rate make it ideal for mobile gaming.
- Power Users: Those who frequently multitask, use demanding apps, and need fast performance.
- Media Consumers: The high-brightness AMOLED display and stereo speakers offer excellent movie and video watching experience.
- Video Creators: The ability to record 4K video is a plus for content creators.
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Casual Photographers: The versatile camera system with wide-angle, macro, and depth lenses is suitable for general photography needs.
- Everyday Users: Those who value a balance between battery life, everyday performance, and a good camera experience without heavy usage.
- Users who prefer a lightweight phone: The Redmi Note 11S is lighter, making it comfortable for extended use.
- Users who need a power bank: The reverse charging feature is a bonus for those who need to charge other devices.
Specific Use Cases:
- Poco F3: Gaming, video editing, watching HDR movies, fast app switching, outdoor use.
- Redmi Note 11S: Social media photography, casual gaming, long trips, general day-to-day usage, occasional charging other devices.
Price-to-Value:
The Poco F3 generally offers better performance for the price and display than the Redmi Note 11S, especially if these areas are a priority. The Redmi Note 11S might offer slightly better value for those seeking a more versatile camera and longer battery life at a potentially lower cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Priority: Do you need top-tier performance for gaming and demanding tasks, or is a more balanced experience sufficient?
- Camera Importance: Do you value a versatile camera system with multiple lenses, or is the main camera quality and video resolution enough?
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a smoother display with a higher refresh rate and brightness for outdoor viewing?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Performance If you are a gamer or power user, the Xiaomi Poco F3 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Casual Photography & All-Day Use If you prioritize camera versatility, a lighter phone, and slightly longer battery life, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is the more suitable option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Use with a Focus on Display: If having a great display for media consumption is key, and you do some light gaming, and you also value great outdoor visibility, the Xiaomi Poco F3 is better.
- Scenario 4: Budget Constrained: If budget is your main concern, and your needs do not include gaming, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S will likely offer a better price-to-value ratio
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F3.
Reasoning:
My priority is performance, and the Poco F3 offers a significant leap in processing power. The Snapdragon 870 is a much better chipset than the Mediatek Helio G96, making everything feel smoother and faster. I also value the 120Hz display with higher brightness, which provides a superior experience when browsing, watching videos and gaming. While I acknowledge the versatility of the Redmi Note 11S camera, I am willing to trade that for better overall performance and a better display. The faster Wi-Fi is also a bonus for me. While the Redmi Note 11S has a slightly bigger battery, the extra performance of the Poco F3 makes me favor it over battery life. For me, the trade-off of camera flexibility for the sheer speed and display quality is a worthwhile one.
