Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 163.6 × 75.8 × 8.8 mm | Poco M3 is slightly shorter and wider, and thicker, with slightly bigger volume. Note 11S 5G is more compact. |
| Weight | 198g | 195g | Negligible weight difference; both feel similarly weighted. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.6" | Very similar screen sizes; minimal difference in viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Practically identical sharpness; no major visible difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 395 | 399 | Similar pixel density; both displays look very sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Identical display technology; similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi Note 11S 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations, creating a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | No data available on brightness. Both phones' screen brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 11S 5G has a more powerful and efficient chip resulting in significantly faster performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 438,700 | Redmi Note 11S 5G is much faster in benchmarks, translating to quicker app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Redmi Note 11S 5G has a more capable GPU, resulting in better graphics performance for gaming and other demanding tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M3 has a larger battery, potentially offering better battery life, but actual endurance depends on usage and software optimization. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 11S 5G charges significantly faster, reducing downtime waiting for the phone to charge. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W in-box charger | Non-removable | Poco M3 offers reverse charging and a faster in box charger while Note 11S 5G offers non-removable. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Poco M3 has a larger sensor and wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance and natural background blur. Redmi Note 11S has higher resolution |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.4, pixel size unspecified | Redmi Note 11S 5G has a higher resolution selfie camera, while Poco M3 has a wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2 | Redmi Note 11S 5G has an extra wide angle lens allowing for more versatile photography. Poco M3 does not offer this feature. |
| Macro lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 11S 5G offers a dedicated macro lens, for closer photos of very small objects. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 120fps slow-mo | 1080p@30/60fps, 120fps slow-mo | Redmi Note 11S 5G offers 60fps video recording and may offer better video quality. |
| DxoMark | N/A | Main: 65 (Photo: 50, Video: 83) | Redmi Note 11S 5G has been tested for Mobile camera with detailed score, Poco M3 doesn't have. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Redmi Note 11S 5G offers more advanced features such as 4K Video, Ultra stable video, and night mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 | Redmi Note 11S 5G ships with a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Similar Wi-Fi capabilities on both phones; dual band support |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, A2DP | 5.1 LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | Redmi Note 11S 5G supports more advanced Bluetooth audio codecs and a newer standard, potentially resulting in higher quality audio when using wireless headphones. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Poco M3 supports more global navigation satellite systems for possibly better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 64GB or 128GB | Both phones offer the same internal storage options; user can choose based on storage requirements. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 4GB or 6GB | Both offer the same RAM options, suitable for moderate multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, thus users should choose the storage option that fits their requirements from start. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Redmi Note 11S 5G offers Dolby Atmos, potentially better audio playback and more immersive experience. Its 2 microphones might improve voice recording and call quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer convenient and fast biometric unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both phones feature the same screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Similar sensor configurations on both phones. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 6000mAh offers potentially longer battery life, ideal for users who are away from a charger for extended periods.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank to charge other devices, a convenient feature for travelers or those who often need to charge accessories.
- More Satellites Supported: It supports Beidou, NavIC System for enhanced global navigation.
- Wider Main Camera Aperture and Larger Sensor: Potentially better low light performance in photography with its 1/2" sensor size and f/1.79 aperture.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G Advantages:
- Faster Performance: The Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset provides significantly better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in a much smoother user experience, faster app loading, and better gaming.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel much more fluid and responsive.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging time compared to the 18W charging on the Poco M3.
- Better Camera Features: Inclusion of a wide-angle and macro lens offer more versatile photography options and a better camera overall.
- More Features Improved Audio (Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones), 4K Video, Ultra stable video, Night mode.
- Newer Android OS: It comes with a newer version of Android out of the box.
- Better Bluetooth support: Offers enhanced audio quality.
- Better DXOmark score Offers better camera overall in testing.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco M3 sacrifices performance and features for better battery life, while the Redmi Note 11S 5G prioritizes performance and faster charging at the cost of slightly reduced battery capacity.
- The Poco M3 has a larger main camera sensor and wider aperture, whereas the Redmi Note 11S 5G has more camera lenses, features and better video capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize long battery life over performance and speed.
- Individuals who use their phone for basic tasks like calls, browsing, and social media.
- Users who are often away from charging outlets for extended periods.
- Budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable phone.
- People who prioritize bigger primary camera sensor and aperture.
Use Cases:
- Long trips without frequent access to power outlets.
- As a secondary device with focus on battery life
- For users that only use their phone for basic tasks
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G Ideal User:
- Users who value fast performance and a smooth user experience.
- Gamers and users who often engage in demanding tasks.
- Users who enjoy photography and need versatile camera features.
- Those who dislike waiting for the phone to charge and prefer faster charging
- Users who want a more advanced phone with better software.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and other intensive tasks.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts.
- Everyday use with smoother app switching and animations.
- Users who want the latest OS and security features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is battery life to you? If you need the absolute longest battery possible, the Poco M3 excels here. If you can compromise on battery a bit, the Redmi Note 11S 5G is the better overall option.
- How much do you value performance and smooth animations? If you are sensitive to lag and want a responsive phone, the Redmi Note 11S 5G's faster chipset and 90Hz display will be a huge difference.
- Which set of camera features is more important? If you need a wide-angle and macro lens or 4k video, the Redmi Note 11S 5G is superior. If you just care about the main camera, Poco M3 offers a larger sensor for potentially better low light.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User with Basic Needs: If you prioritize long battery life above all else and only use basic functions, the Poco M3 is a good budget option.
- Performance User on a Moderate Budget: If you need a fast and responsive phone for gaming and everyday use, the Redmi Note 11S 5G is a much better choice.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Redmi Note 11S 5G’s added wide-angle, macro lens and better video features make it more versatile.
- Frequent Traveler: The Poco M3’s bigger battery and reverse charging may be beneficial if you're often away from power.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G. While the Poco M3 offers a larger battery, the Redmi Note 11S 5G presents a much better overall user experience. The significantly faster performance from the Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset, combined with the smoother 90Hz display, makes everyday use more enjoyable. The faster 33W charging is also a considerable convenience. Although battery life might be slightly shorter, the advantages in terms of speed, camera features, and modern software make the Redmi Note 11S 5G a more well-rounded choice for most users and myself.
