Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi 9T vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9T | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm | Redmi Note 11S 5G is slightly taller and thinner, potentially feeling more modern in the hand. Redmi 9T is wider and thicker, which might feel more substantial. |
| Weight | 198g | 195g | Negligible difference. Both will feel similar in weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.6" | Very similar screen real estate. The slight difference (0.07") is unlikely to be noticeable for most users. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both are Full HD+. The difference is minor and does not impact real-world clarity. |
| PPI | 395 | 399 | Almost identical pixel density, providing similar sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Same screen technology, similar viewing experience with good color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi Note 11S 5G will feel smoother in daily use, with less motion blur while scrolling and when using apps. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | The listed brightness is 0 which is incorrect, and I cannot accurately compare screen brightness without more information. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) | Dimensity 810 is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app launches, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 174,500 | 438,700 | Large performance difference, the Redmi Note 11S 5G offers significantly smoother and faster performance than the Redmi 9T. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Mali-G57 MC2 GPU in the Redmi Note 11S 5G is more powerful, resulting in better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Both offer high-resolution images. Note 11S 5G might produce slightly more detailed images. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Redmi 9T's slightly wider aperture lets in a touch more light, potentially slightly better low-light performance. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Redmi 9T has a larger sensor, which tends to capture more light and detail, resulting in better low-light images. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.80µm | 0.64µm | Larger pixels on the Redmi 9T mean better light capture. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 13MP | Redmi Note 11S 5G's selfie camera captures higher resolution and potentially more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.4 | Redmi 9T’s wider aperture on the selfie camera is better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 8MP | 8MP | Similar wide-angle performance |
| Portrait Mode Camera | 2MP | N/A | Redmi 9T has a dedicated depth sensor, leading to better portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP | 2MP | Similar macro photography capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps | Note 11S 5G's 60 fps recording will give smoother videos. |
| DxoMark | N/A | Overall: 65, Photo: 50, Video: 83 | Provides real-world camera performance metrics. Redmi Note 11S 5G provides good video recording and overall acceptable performance for its category. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Redmi 9T has a larger battery, potentially providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W | 33W | Redmi Note 11S 5G charges much faster. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger inbox | Redmi 9T can charge other devices and includes a faster charger. | |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 | Redmi Note 11S 5G has a newer version of Android, possibly with newer features and better optimization. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Similar Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Redmi Note 11S 5G has a newer Bluetooth version offering better efficiency, range and supports APT-x, LDAC, AAC codecs for higher quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Redmi 9T includes Beidou for potentially better location accuracy in some regions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Similar dual SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB | Same storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB | Similar RAM options for moderate multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Redmi Note 11S 5G offers better spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and improved voice capture with 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have a similar side mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Similar scratch protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Similar sensor suites for basic functions. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi 9T Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 6000mAh provides potentially longer battery life.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, useful in a pinch.
- Larger Camera Sensor: Potentially better low light images.
- Wider Main Camera Aperture: Also, potentially better low light images.
- Wider Selfie Camera Aperture: Improved selfie low-light performance.
- Dedicated depth sensor: Better portrait mode.
- Beidou GPS: Potentially better GPS accuracy in some regions.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Processor: Dimensity 810 offers much faster performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- 90Hz Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling and animations for better user experience.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging gets the battery full much quicker.
- Newer Android Version: Android 11 with possibly better features and optimizations.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 offers better efficiency and supports aptX, LDAC, and AAC for better quality audio with supported devices.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Potentially more detailed selfies.
- 60 FPS video: Smoother videos.
- Dolby Atmos: Better spatial audio experience through headphones.
- DxoMark: Provides actual benchmark data for camera performance.
Trade-offs:
- Redmi 9T sacrifices performance for battery life and camera sensor size.
- Redmi Note 11S 5G sacrifices some battery capacity for faster charging and improved performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi 9T - Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Who prioritize battery life over raw performance.
- Users who need long battery endurance: For travel or extended periods away from a charger.
- Casual photographers: who want better low light performance in their photos.
- Users who use GPS and may benefit from Beidou.
Use Cases:
- Long trips and outdoor adventures where access to power outlets is limited.
- Users who watch a lot of videos or stream music without frequent charging.
- Basic photography needs with an emphasis on low light performance for social media.
- Users who need the reverse charging feature.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G - Ideal User:
- Performance-oriented users: Who value faster app loading, multitasking, and smooth gaming.
- Users who value a modern experience: Want a smoother display and faster performance for daily tasks.
- Users who value faster charging: Need to quickly get their battery back to full charge.
- Users who use wireless headphones or earbuds and want aptX, LDAC, and AAC compatibility.
- Users who want to watch and record high-quality videos
Use Cases:
- Heavy social media users and content creators.
- Mobile gamers.
- Users who want smooth performance for everyday applications.
- Users who prioritize a fast charging experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: battery life or performance? The Redmi 9T prioritizes battery life and better main camera specs, while the Redmi Note 11S 5G prioritizes performance and smoother operation.
- How important is a smooth user experience? The 90Hz refresh rate on the Redmi Note 11S 5G makes a noticeable difference in smoothness, especially when scrolling or playing games.
- What are your typical charging habits? The 33W charging on the Redmi Note 11S 5G is much faster, but the 6000 mAh battery of the Redmi 9T may mean charging less frequently overall.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you need long battery life above all else: Choose the Redmi 9T for its larger battery and reverse charging features.
- If you value fast performance and a smooth display: Choose the Redmi Note 11S 5G for its superior processor and 90Hz refresh rate.
- If you want the better camera: The Redmi 9T provides slightly better low-light images, the Redmi Note 11S 5G offers higher detail on selfies.
- If you value having a dedicated depth sensor: Choose the Redmi 9T for its portrait mode camera.
- If you want the better Bluetooth: Choose the Redmi Note 11S 5G for its Bluetooth 5.1 capabilities.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G. Although the Redmi 9T has a significantly larger battery, the performance benefits of the Mediatek Dimensity 810 and 90Hz refresh rate on the Redmi Note 11S 5G are more important for my daily usage. I would rather have the ability to play games smoothly and have a better user experience with faster app loading and smoother animations over a larger battery. Furthermore, with the Note 11S 5G having 33W fast charging, I feel that the slightly reduced battery capacity is a fair trade off to have access to faster performance. I would also prefer the newer Bluetooth and Android version. Finally, DxoMark data provides insight into the camera performance on the Note 11S 5G which is helpful.
