1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm | Poco X3 Pro is slightly taller and thicker, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands |
| Weight | 215g | 195g | Redmi Note 11S 5G is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Very similar screen sizes, negligible difference |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness |
| PPI | 395 | 399 | Very similar pixel densities, virtually no difference in clarity |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Identical display technology, similar viewing experience |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Poco X3 Pro has smoother animations and scrolling |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have same peak brightness. Brightness data not provided, cannot make a statement based on this, but it may be similar. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Poco X3 Pro's chipset is significantly more powerful, offering better performance for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 438,700 | Poco X3 Pro performs significantly better in benchmarks; smoother gaming, faster app loading, more responsive |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Poco X3 Pro's GPU is more powerful, resulting in better gaming performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | Poco X3 Pro has slightly better low-light performance due to larger sensor & wider aperture. Redmi has higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3T2 | 13MP, f/2.4, unknown sensor | Poco X3 Pro has a higher resolution selfie camera which is better for detail and clarity |
| Wide Angle lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", Omnivision OV8856 | 8MP, f/2.2, unknown sensor | Both have comparable wide-angle lens capabilities |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Omnivision OV02B1B | Not available | Poco X3 Pro offers dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos, better background blur |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Hynix HI-259 | 2MP, f/2.4, unknown sensor | Both have comparable macro lens capabilities |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS, Slo-mo 960fps | Up to 1080p@60fps, EIS, Slo-mo 120fps | Poco X3 Pro supports higher video resolution (4k) & slow motion capabilities. |
| DxOMark Scores | Not available | Mobile: 65, Photo: 50, Video: 83 | Redmi Note 11S 5G has been tested by DxOMark. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery sizes, both should last a full day under normal use |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Both support 33W fast charging for quick top-ups |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset provides a substantial performance advantage, making it better for gaming and demanding applications, and for smoother overall responsiveness.
- Superior Display: Offers smoother scrolling and animations due to the 120Hz refresh rate.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor and wider aperture for potentially better low-light performance.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution for more detailed and clearer selfies.
- Dedicated Portrait Sensor: Offers more effective background blur for portrait photography.
- Higher quality video recording: Ability to record at 4k, as well as higher quality slow motion options
- More Storage and RAM Options: Provides up to 256GB storage and 8GB RAM which results in better multitasking capabilities.
- More GPS systems: Supporting Beidou, giving slightly better location accuracy
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable for extended use and easier to carry around.
- Slightly Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.1 might provide a more reliable connection.
- Dolby Atmos and Enhanced Audio features: Offers a slightly richer and more immersive audio experience.
- Slightly better screen protection: Gorilla Glass 5 is more resistant to minor damage than Gorilla Glass 3.
- Higher megapixel main camera: Slightly higher resolution main camera which leads to better detail, and is useful if printing pictures.
- DxOMark Scores Available: Gives objective rating of camera performance in comparison to the X3 Pro which has not been tested
- Night Mode for Camera: Low light camera mode may be preferred by some over the X3 Pro
Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro trades slightly larger dimensions and heavier build for significantly better performance.
- Redmi Note 11S 5G trades lower performance for slightly better ergonomics and additional software camera features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, and individuals who prioritize performance, screen refresh rate, and camera quality.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, heavy multitasking, video editing, high-resolution photography, and demanding apps.
- Price-to-Value: Provides great performance for its price range, making it a cost-effective option for those seeking power.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G:
- Ideal User: Casual users, those who prefer a lighter phone, and those who care more about good audio and some specific software camera features.
- Use Cases: Daily browsing, social media, casual photography, listening to music, and watching videos.
- Price-to-Value: A budget-friendly option with good audio and features that are useful for everyday use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance? If gaming or demanding apps are a priority, the Poco X3 Pro is the better choice.
- Do you prioritize comfort and ergonomics? The Redmi Note 11S 5G is lighter and thinner, making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Do you value camera performance? While both cameras are comparable, the X3 Pro has potentially better low light performance, while the 11S 5G has higher photo resolution, and some extra software features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming Enthusiast - Choose the Poco X3 Pro for its superior performance, smoother display, and enhanced GPU.
- Scenario 2: Casual User - The Redmi Note 11S 5G is suitable for everyday tasks, offering a lighter build, better audio, and is more budget friendly.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast - Choose the X3 Pro if you prioritize low light camera performance, or choose the 11S 5G for higher resolution and some additional software camera features like "night mode".
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro.
Reasons:
- Performance: The significant performance boost from the Snapdragon 860 is a big draw for me. I often multitask, play games, and use apps that benefit from a powerful processor. This is the most important factor for me.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate would make my daily usage more enjoyable, providing a smoother visual experience, especially when scrolling or playing fast-paced games.
- Better Camera in general: The Poco X3 Pro has better low light performance due to the larger sensor, and I prioritize this over having a higher megapixel camera. Additionally, the selfie camera is of higher quality, and I take selfies relatively often.
- Storage and RAM Options: The availability of 256GB storage and 8GB of RAM is preferred for my needs.
While I do appreciate the slightly more compact and lighter form factor of the Redmi Note 11S 5G, the performance and display advantages of the Poco X3 Pro outweigh these ergonomic concerns. Also, the lack of some camera features, slightly better screen protection, and more enhanced audio on the 11S are not particularly important to me. Given my use cases, the Poco X3 Pro is the better overall fit.
