Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm | Poco X3 NFC is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. Note 11S 5G is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 215g | 195g | Note 11S 5G is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco X3 NFC offers better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical screen sharpness. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Poco X3 NFC provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color accuracy and viewing angles. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | UNKNOWN. Assuming the same, viewing under direct sunlight may be challenging. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Note 11S 5G offers better overall performance and efficiency for demanding tasks and gaming, according to AnTuTu scores. |
| AnTuTu Score | 328,145 | 438,700 | The Note 11S 5G will likely feel snappier in everyday use and handle graphically intensive games more smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Note 11S 5G's GPU is generally better, although performance can vary by game/app. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | Poco X3 NFC (8GB variant) allows for better multitasking and keeps more apps open in the background. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | Poco X3 NFC has a larger sensor and higher resolution, which could potentially lead to better low-light performance and more detailed images. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Poco X3 NFC captures wider scenes with more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3T2 | 13MP, f/2.4 | Poco X3 NFC captures more detailed selfies, especially in good lighting. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | Yes | No | Poco X3 NFC can take portrait mode photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | 1080p@60fps | Poco X3 NFC can record higher-resolution videos, resulting in sharper and more detailed footage. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Mobile: 65 (Photo: 50, Video: 83) | Note 11S 5G has been tested. Provides objective camera quality data (take with a grain of salt). |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life; both should last a full day for moderate users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Similar charging speeds. |
| Software | |||
| OS (at launch) | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 | Note 11S 5G has a slightly newer Android version out of the box, but the Poco X3 NFC can be upgraded to Android 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| 5G | No | Yes | Note 11S 5G supports 5G connectivity |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Note 11S 5G has better audio output. |
| Other | |||
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expanding storage via MicroSD card. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity, Fingerprint | Poco X3 NFC has a Gyroscope |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC Advantages:
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 vs. Gorilla Glass 3.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 120Hz provides a smoother visual experience.
- Better Camera (Potentially): Larger main camera sensor, higher resolution ultrawide and selfie cameras, and 4K video recording.
- Gyroscope: Allows for more accurate motion sensing in games and other applications.
- More RAM: Optional 8GB variant for improved multitasking.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G Advantages:
- 5G Connectivity: Enables faster download and streaming speeds (where available).
- Better Performance: More powerful chipset, especially for gaming.
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support for improved audio quality.
- Newer: Has android 11 out of the box.
Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 NFC users get a potentially better camera and smoother display but sacrifice performance and 5G connectivity.
- Redmi Note 11S 5G users get better performance and 5G but sacrifice camera quality (potentially), display smoothness, and screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC Ideal Users:
- Budget Gamers: Prioritize a smooth display and decent performance on a budget.
- Photography Enthusiasts (Budget): Value a versatile camera system with high-resolution capabilities.
- Users Who Prefer a More Robust Build: Appreciate the Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games at medium settings.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Daily use with frequent social media browsing and video streaming.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G Ideal Users:
- 5G Network Users: Need fast mobile data speeds for downloading and streaming.
- Performance-Oriented Users: Want a smoother and more responsive experience with demanding apps and games.
- Users Who Value Portability: Prefer a lighter and thinner phone for comfortable handling.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Dolby atmos and Hi-Res audio.
Use Cases:
- Streaming high-resolution videos and music on the go.
- Playing graphically intensive games at higher settings.
- Working remotely and needing reliable connectivity for video conferencing.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Is 5G connectivity essential for my needs? (If yes, choose the Redmi Note 11S 5G)
- Do I prioritize gaming performance over camera quality? (If yes, choose the Redmi Note 11S 5G)
- How important is display smoothness to me? (If very important, choose the Poco X3 NFC)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile gamer on a budget: The Redmi Note 11S 5G offers a better gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Photography enthusiast on a budget: The Poco X3 NFC has a more versatile camera system.
- Scenario 3: User who values portability and 5G: The Redmi Note 11S 5G is the better option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G. The better chipset and 5G compatibility are more important to me than the slightly better camera and display of the Poco X3 NFC. The performance boost will make the phone feel faster and smoother in daily use, and 5G is important as network infrastructure improves. The lighter design is also more appealing for portability.
