Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | Slightly smaller and thinner, Redmi Note 11S may feel a bit more compact, but the difference is minimal. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 179g | Both phones feel nearly identical in hand weight |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.43" | Identical screen sizes for similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharpness is the same; no visible difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 409 | 409 | Both screens have identical pixel density, meaning sharpness is indistinguishable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vivid colors and deep blacks on both phones. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi Note 11S provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1000 nits | Redmi Note 10 may be slightly more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 (11nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Redmi Note 11S offers slightly better overall performance, especially in gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 277,254 | 302,877 | Redmi Note 11S benchmarks indicate better performance by a small margin. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Redmi Note 11S has better gaming capabilities, but not a dramatic upgrade. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" Sony IMX582, 0.8µm | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" Samsung S5KHM2, 0.7µm | Redmi Note 11S captures more detail in well-lit conditions, especially when cropping, but not as good in low light. |
| Front Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV13B10, 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471, 1.0µm | Redmi Note 11S captures slightly more detail but not by much. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355, 1.14µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355, 1.14µm | Identical wide angle performance on both phones. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" Omnivision OV02B1B, 1.75µm | Very similar depth sensing on both phones, likely no practical difference. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1.75µm | Same low resolution on both, not good for detailed macro shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 10 offers higher resolution video recording capability. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life, both will likely last a full day of moderate usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Identical charging speeds. |
| Features | Reverse charging | Reverse charging | Both can charge other devices, though slowly, and have non-removable batteries. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 11 | Redmi Note 10 can upgrade to Android 12, whereas 11S does not seem to have an available upgrade |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | Same storage options are available on both phones |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Redmi Note 11S has higher RAM capacity, leading to better multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No storage expansion on either device |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Immersive audio experience on both devices |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- 4K Video Recording: Ability to record videos in 4K resolution, offering greater detail and flexibility for editing.
- Potentially Brighter Display: Slightly higher maximum brightness (1100 nits) may make it more usable under direct sunlight.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a smoother and more responsive experience when scrolling, playing games and navigating the UI.
- Better Performance: Mediatek Helio G96 offers a noticeable but not massive improvement in benchmark performance
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 108MP sensor captures more detail, which is beneficial for cropping and printing.
- More RAM: Up to 8GB of RAM enables smoother multitasking and helps in running more demanding apps.
Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10: Trades the higher refresh rate and performance for a potentially brighter display and higher-resolution video.
- Redmi Note 11S: Trades the 4k video for a smoother display, slightly more performance, and a higher-resolution camera, along with more RAM.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Ideal User:
- Casual Video Creators: Those who occasionally record videos and appreciate having the option of 4K resolution.
- Outdoor Users: People who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and need the additional screen brightness.
- Value-Oriented Buyers: Users looking for a well-rounded phone at a potentially lower price point, comfortable with slightly older technology.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Ideal User:
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Those who primarily consume content and appreciate the smoother 90Hz display experience.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who play games and benefit from the slightly improved performance, although both phones are not ideal for high-performance gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-resolution photos, and who frequently crop and edit photos.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do I prioritize video quality, or a smoother display and better photos? If video quality is important, the Redmi Note 10 is the better choice; if smoother experience and better photos are important, then choose the 11S.
- How important is gaming and performance for me? If moderate gaming is important, the 11S is a little bit better. Otherwise both perform comparably in day to day tasks.
- How crucial is having the latest Android version? If you want to have android 12 or newer, then the Note 10 is the only option. If you don't mind running an older operating system, then both are fine.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You take lots of videos and enjoy watching your videos on a big screen. Go for the Redmi Note 10 because of its 4K video recording capabilities, as well as its slightly brighter display.
- Scenario 2: You frequently browse social media and enjoy playing casual games. Go for the Redmi Note 11S for its smoother 90Hz display and slightly better performance.
- Scenario 3: You want a good all-rounder on a budget. Go for the Redmi Note 11S for its improved camera and slightly better performance and RAM capacity
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S. While the 4K video recording of the Redmi Note 10 is nice, the smoother 90Hz display experience, the slightly better main camera and the slightly better processor make the 11S the better option. The additional RAM is also a plus for running multiple apps simultaneously, making the Redmi Note 11S a more appealing option for my needs. I also don't prioritize 4k video recording.
