Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Huawei nova Y90. I'll approach this with my usual blend of technical detail and real-world practicality, aiming to make this comparison useful for everyone, from casual users to tech enthusiasts.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown, comparing the key specs and highlighting what they mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm | The Redmi is a bit wider and thicker, while the Nova is taller and thinner. Subtle difference in hand feel and pocketability. |
| Weight | 181g | 195g | The Redmi is noticeably lighter, which might be preferred for long-term use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | The Nova offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Similar clarity and sharpness, with a negligible difference. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 405 | 391 | Both offer sharp displays; the difference in PPI is not noticeable in real-world usage. |
| Technology | Unknown | IPS LCD | Nova Y90 has an IPS LCD panel, which usually provides good color accuracy and viewing angles. The Redmi's display tech is unspecified. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both screens scroll smoothly, a welcome feature for everyday navigation and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is the same, but the actual brightness depends on the panel used. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 680 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 680 in the Nova Y90 has a more efficient architecture, it should offer better battery efficiency while the Helio G88 is targeted at gaming with a more powerful GPU. |
| Antutu Score | 253,100 | 249,000 | Similar performance in daily tasks, with a minimal difference in benchmark scores. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 | Different GPUs offer different performance profiles; for gaming, this may have slight variances in the details like textures and lighting. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer a solid day of battery life for most users, although the Qualcomm chip in the nova may give a little more life due to its higher energy efficiency. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | The Nova Y90 recharges much faster, a big plus for users on the go. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 9W Reverse Wired Charging | Non-removable | Redmi has reverse charging capability that the Nova doesn't have. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Comparable main camera performance in good lighting conditions. The pixel size is slightly different but it probably does not affect the picture quality significantly. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Similar selfie performance for basic shots and video calls. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | Not available | Redmi gives you more flexibility with ultrawide shots. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | Redmi offers a dedicated macro lens for close up photos. |
| Secondary Camera | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nova has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, whereas Redmi does not. |
| Tertiary Camera | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nova has a dedicated macro camera, whereas Redmi does not. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 120 fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 30 fps | Both record at similar resolutions, but Redmi offers better slow motion capabilities. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital image stabilization, RAW | PDAF, Panorama | Redmi offers higher quality videos and RAW support, while the Nova gives better autofocus speed and a panorama mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Unknown | The Redmi comes with Android 11, while the OS version of the Nova Y90 is unknown. It is a big concern if the OS is old. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual-Band | 802.11ac, Dual-Band | Standard Wi-Fi performance on both phones. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, APT-x | 5.0, EDR | Redmi has a newer version with aptX support, while the Nova has an older Bluetooth standard but supports EDR. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Nova Y90 has better positioning capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support dual SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128GB | Both have enough space for most users' needs. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | The Nova Y90 has the option of 8GB of RAM, which would allow for greater multi-tasking performance and smoother operations. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Supported | Not Supported | Neither phone offers the option to expand your storage with a microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Basic | Redmi provides an immersive audio experience with stereo sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Convenient and quick unlocking on both devices. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi provides better screen protection with Gorilla Glass 3. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity, Gravity | The Redmi comes with Gyroscope which allows for some advanced functionalities (like motion controls in games) and the Nova Y90 comes with Gravity sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G Strengths:
- More versatile cameras: The presence of an ultrawide and macro lens offers greater flexibility in photography and videography.
- Better video capabilities: The 4K video recording and higher slow-motion fps gives a significant edge to the Redmi 11
- Superior Audio: Stereo speakers offer a richer audio experience.
- Reverse Charging: Redmi offers reverse charging capabilities, allowing you to charge other devices with your phone
- Better Screen Protection: Comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, providing additional protection to the screen.
Huawei nova Y90 Strengths:
- Larger Display: A slightly bigger screen for more immersive media consumption.
- Faster Charging: The 40W charging is a substantial advantage, allowing for quicker top-ups.
- More RAM: The availability of an 8GB RAM option allows for greater multitasking performance.
- More Efficient Chipset: The 6nm Snapdragon chipset likely offers better power efficiency.
- Better positioning capabilities: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- Panorama and PDAF: Has a panorama mode and a phase detection autofocus that the Redmi does not have.
- Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Redmi Note 11 4G: Lacks fast charging, has a heavier design, may not be as power-efficient.
- Huawei nova Y90: Lacks ultrawide and macro cameras, has an unknown OS, has basic audio, and has an unknown screen protection standard.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize camera versatility, audio quality, and a robust screen. Great for photography and videography enthusiasts, frequent media consumers, and anyone who values those features.
- Best Use Cases: Taking a variety of photos, enjoying media with stereo sound, and using reverse charging to help friends.
Huawei nova Y90:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize fast charging, larger screen, and long-term battery efficiency. This is good for users who need a reliable device for long days and need the phone to recharge very fast.
- Best Use Cases: Casual use, long journeys, extensive browsing and gaming, those that prioritize a fast recharge.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize camera versatility or fast charging? If camera flexibility (ultrawide, macro) is crucial, choose the Redmi. If quick charging is more important, the Nova is the better choice.
- Are you a big media consumer or a heavy gamer? For enhanced audio and video flexibility, the Redmi is preferable. For multi-tasking and smooth gameplay, the 8GB RAM on the Nova would benefit the user greatly.
- How important is battery life? The Redmi should be good for battery life for most users, but the Nova Y90 is a better bet for prolonged battery endurance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Travel Photographer: The Redmi, with its diverse camera lenses and higher-quality video, is a great option for someone that needs great picture quality.
- On-the-Go Professional: The Nova, with its fast charging and efficient chipset, is perfect for those who are always moving and need their devices to be available at all times.
- Casual User: The Redmi provides good sound and better video, making it better for those that consume a lot of media.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G. Although the Huawei nova Y90 has its advantages, particularly with faster charging and a larger screen, the Redmi's versatile camera system, stereo speakers, and superior video recording are more in line with my priorities as a tech journalist and smartphone analyst. The reverse charging and extra screen protection also tips the scales for me.
