Alright, let's break down the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Motorola Edge 50 Neo. These two phones, while both competing in the mid-range market, have some pretty significant differences under the hood, which will translate to different experiences for the end-user. Here's my take:
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs and their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Motorola Edge 50 Neo | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | 154.1 x 71.2 x 8.1 mm | Redmi Note 11 is noticeably larger and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier. Edge 50 Neo is more compact. |
| Weight | 181g | 171g | Edge 50 Neo is slightly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Very similar display sizes, negligibly different. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1256x2760 | Edge 50 Neo has a significantly sharper screen with more detail due to the higher pixel count. |
| PPI | 405 | 474 | Edge 50 Neo offers visibly crisper text and images. |
| Technology | - | P-OLED | Edge 50 Neo's P-OLED display boasts better contrast, colors, and deeper blacks than the Xiaomi's LCD panel. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Edge 50 Neo provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | Edge 50 Neo's display is far more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G88 (12nm) | Dimensity 7300 (4nm) | Edge 50 Neo’s 4nm chip is significantly faster and more efficient, with better performance on games and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 675,000 | Edge 50 Neo is almost three times as powerful, offering smoother overall performance and better multitasking abilities. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Edge 50 Neo has a superior GPU for better graphics performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4310mAh | Redmi Note 11 has a larger battery, which may translate to slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | Edge 50 Neo charges much faster, getting you back to full power quickly. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 9W reverse wired charging | 15W Wireless Charging | Xiaomi can charge other devices, Edge 50 Neo can wirelessly charge. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" Sony LYT-700C, 1.00 µm | Similar main camera resolution, but the Edge 50 Neo has a larger sensor with larger pixels for better low-light capture. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm | 32MP, f/2.2 | Edge 50 Neo has a much higher-resolution front camera for sharper selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.0 | Edge 50 Neo has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Redmi Note 11 has a dedicated wide angle lens |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 11 has a dedicated macro lens |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | Edge 50 Neo has a combined Wide Angle + Macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p up to 240fps | Edge 50 Neo records higher resolution video with EIS, and has more variety in terms of frame rates. |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | Mobile: 115, Photo: 118, Video: 107 | Motorola has a tested camera rating with decent performance. |
| Camera Features | Digital Image stabilization, RAW | Optical Zoom, Phase Detection AF, Laser AF, Panorama | Motorola Edge 50 Neo has optical zoom, and faster focusing systems. Xiaomi has RAW capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Edge 50 Neo has a much more recent version of Android, offering new features, security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6E | Edge 50 Neo supports newer WiFi standards for faster, more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, APT-x | 5.0 | Redmi Note 11 has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth and APT-X support for better audio. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano/eSIM) | Edge 50 Neo supports eSIM for greater flexibility with carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 256 GB/512 GB | Edge 50 Neo offers significantly more internal storage for your files and apps. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 8/12 GB | Edge 50 Neo provides more RAM, offering smoother multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Edge 50 Neo offers superior audio quality with Dolby Atmos support. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Redmi Note 11 has a side-mounted fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Similar protection for the screen |
| Sensors | Ultrasonic Virtual Proximity | Proximity | Xiaomi offers a virtual proximity sensor while motorola has a proximity sensor, both will achieve similar results |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G Strengths:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery might give it a slight edge in battery life.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices using its battery.
- Wider Angle and Macro Camera: Provides dedicated lenses for different photo capturing experiences.
- Bluetooth 5.1 with APT-X: Newer version of Bluetooth, with APT-x support for better audio on some headphones.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: This may be a preferable position for some users.
- More Affordable: It is likely to be significantly cheaper due to its age.
Motorola Edge 50 Neo Strengths:
- Superior Display: The P-OLED screen with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness, offers a vastly better visual experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Dimensity 7300 chipset provides much more power, making the phone faster and smoother for any task.
- Faster Charging: 68W fast charging is a game-changer, allowing you to top up the battery in a fraction of the time.
- Better Cameras: The main camera has a larger sensor, and there is also a dedicated telephoto lens for better zooming. The 32MP front camera also greatly outperforms the 8MP on the Redmi.
- Modern Software: Runs on Android 14, giving you the latest features and security updates.
- More Storage and RAM: Comes with more storage (256GB/512GB) and RAM (8/12GB) options for better multitasking and long-term use.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos support for richer, more immersive sound.
- eSIM Support: eSIM provides more flexibility with carriers.
- Faster WiFi: Newer Wi-Fi 6E standard means faster and more reliable wireless internet.
- DXOMARK Camera Rating: Has a verified camera rating.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Redmi Note 11 4G: Older chipset, inferior display, slower charging.
- Edge 50 Neo: Smaller battery, no expandable storage, slightly larger design.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is best suited for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who prioritize affordability over performance and advanced features.
- Users with basic needs: Individuals who mainly use their phone for browsing, social media, and occasional photography.
- Users who prefer physical sim cards: The lack of eSIM may appeal to some users.
Motorola Edge 50 Neo is best suited for:
- Power Users: Users who want a responsive phone for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who want to enjoy high-quality video and photography with a vibrant display.
- Users who want longer-lasting performance: Users who prioritize a phone with a modern operating system, fast charging, and ample storage.
- Those looking for an all-around balanced mid-range option: Provides a good blend of features and performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance? If you need a phone for demanding tasks or gaming, the Edge 50 Neo is the clear choice. The Redmi will struggle with intense usage.
- How much do you value screen quality? If display quality matters to you, the Edge 50 Neo's P-OLED screen is far superior in every way.
- What is your budget? If cost is the primary factor, the Redmi might be more appealing, though you will be sacrificing performance and display quality.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Shopper): If you need a basic phone and are on a tight budget, the Redmi Note 11 4G is a more affordable option for everyday tasks. But if you can stretch your budget even a little, the Edge 50 Neo will last you much longer.
- Scenario 2 (Performance Seeker): The Motorola Edge 50 Neo is the better option with significantly superior performance, screen quality, and fast charging capabilities for more intense tasks.
- Scenario 3 (Multimedia Lover): If you enjoy watching videos and playing games, the P-OLED screen, higher refresh rate, and Dolby Atmos support of the Edge 50 Neo makes it the winner.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go with the Motorola Edge 50 Neo without hesitation. While the Redmi Note 11 4G has a larger battery and is more affordable, the difference in performance, display quality, and overall user experience is too significant to ignore. The Edge 50 Neo's Dimensity 7300 chip, gorgeous P-OLED screen, fast charging, and better camera system make it a vastly superior device, despite the slightly smaller battery. The newer OS and better connectivity standards will keep this device feeling modern for much longer than the Redmi, which is already outdated. For me, the enhanced user experience and future-proofing are worth the extra investment.
