Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022). I've got my engineering hat on, so we're going to get into the nitty-gritty, but I'll make sure it's all clear and relatable. We're not just looking at specs; we're seeing how these phones fit into your life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two stack up, with an eye towards what it means for you day-to-day:
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Launch Date | 2021-12-01 | 2022-04-27 | Moto G Stylus is newer, might benefit from more recent software updates and minor improvements. |
Dimensions | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | 168.9 × 75.8 × 9.3 mm | The Redmi Note 11 is slightly smaller and thinner, making it a touch more pocketable. Moto G Stylus is noticeably taller and a bit thicker. |
Weight | 181g | 215g | Redmi Note 11 is significantly lighter, which feels much better for prolonged use, especially one-handed. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | Moto G Stylus offers a slightly larger screen, nice for media consumption, but the difference is not enormous. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both phones offer a sharp display, and the pixel density is nearly identical, ensuring crisp visuals. |
PPI | 405 | 395 | Both displays are very crisp with the Redmi Note 11 being negligibly sharper due to its slightly smaller screen size. |
Technology | IPS LCD | The IPS LCD of the Moto G Stylus should offer good color accuracy and viewing angles, which is a plus. | |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G Stylus has a slightly smoother display experience with its 120Hz refresh rate, beneficial in scrolling and gaming. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both displays may struggle under direct sunlight. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 695 is significantly more powerful. Expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 385,000 | Moto G Stylus has a clear performance advantage, making it a better long-term investment for more demanding users. |
GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 GPU is more powerful, translating to better graphics in gaming and other visually intensive applications. |
Battery Life | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer all-day battery life for most users, as they have an identical battery capacity. |
Charging | 18W fast charging | Standard charging | Redmi Note 11 will charge faster, a significant convenience if you're often on the go. |
Features | Reverse & 9W reverse wired charging | Non-removable | The reverse charging on the Redmi Note 11 can be a handy feature to share power with other devices in a pinch. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64 µm | Redmi Note 11 has slightly wider aperture, which could mean a little better low-light performance, but the Moto G has a larger sensor. The Moto G utilizes a well known sensor. |
Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00 µm | Moto G Stylus has significantly higher resolution for sharper selfies. The Redmi Note 11 has slightly wider aperture for potentially better low light selfies. |
Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | Comparable wide angle lens performance on both phones. |
Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm | Both are basic macro lenses for close-up shots, but the Moto G has a larger pixel size which can gather more light. |
Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, no EIS | 1080p@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | Moto G Stylus offers better video stabilization and 60fps video capture. |
Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Night Mode 2.0, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Redmi Note 11 has additional features: 4K Video, RAW. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) has additional features: Night Mode 2.0, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Manual focus, Night Mode |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Moto G Stylus comes with a more recent version of Android out of the box, which means longer software support. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer the same Wi-Fi standards, so no real difference here. |
Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, APT-x | 5.1 LE, APT-x, EDR, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Moto G Stylus offers more advanced Bluetooth codecs, potentially providing higher-quality audio with compatible devices. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Moto G Stylus has broader GPS support, which may provide more reliable and accurate positioning. |
SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Single SIM (Nano) | Redmi Note 11 is better for those needing dual SIM functionality, which is great for separate work and personal numbers. |
Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128 GB | 256 GB | Moto G Stylus offers significantly more storage, perfect for users with lots of apps, photos, and videos. |
RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 8 GB | Moto G Stylus has higher RAM, ensuring better multitasking capabilities and smoother performance overall. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage so choosing one with ample internal storage will be key. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Stereo Speakers | 2 microphones | Redmi Note 11 offers stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience. |
Security | |||
Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both offer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking. |
Build Quality | |||
Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 11’s screen is more resistant to scratches and minor impacts, which could help it hold up better to daily wear and tear. |
Sensors | |||
Features | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G has a digital compass and an Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor, Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) has a proximity sensor, |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 695 is a clear winner in benchmarks and real-world usage, offering significantly better speed for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Bigger Screen, Smoother Display: The slightly larger 6.8" display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a more immersive viewing experience.
- More Storage: The 256GB of internal storage is a big plus, especially if you store a lot of media.
- Improved Cameras and Video: Enhanced camera capabilities such as the 16MP front camera, OIS on the main camera, EIS in video, 60fps recording and better Bluetooth codecs are a plus.
- Modern Software: Runs on a newer version of Android, promising better feature support and updates.
- Better GPS: Features QZSS which provides more accurate positioning.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G Strengths:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for one-handed use and carrying around all day.
- Faster Charging: 18W fast charging means less time plugged into the wall.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to charge other devices is a unique plus.
- Dual SIM: Useful for those juggling multiple phone numbers.
- Better Audio: Offers stereo speakers.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for more scratch resistance.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- The Redmi Note 11 4G is older, with less powerful performance and an older version of Android.
- The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is heavier and bulkier, potentially less comfortable for some users.
- Neither phone offers expandable storage, which may be a concern for some users.
- Both phones lack information on the exact peak brightness of the screen.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who need a phone that can handle multitasking, gaming, and graphically demanding apps.
- Media Lovers: People who frequently watch videos and need a large, smooth display and high storage capacity.
- Photo Enthusiasts: Those who want high-quality photos, sharp selfies, and stable videos.
- Long-Term Planners: Users who appreciate having a newer Android version and its additional software support.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is ideal for:
- Everyday Users: People who need a reliable phone for daily tasks, with a focus on being lightweight and comfortable to carry around.
- Frequent Travelers: Those who may appreciate the dual SIM support and the reverse charging function.
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Those who want a decent phone without breaking the bank, who may value good audio, and are less concerned about having the best camera on the market.
- Users that value the most scratch resistant screen available between these two.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself when deciding between these two phones:
- How important is performance? If you need a phone that will remain snappy for years, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is the clear choice. If you mostly browse and do basic tasks, the Redmi Note 11 4G is adequate.
- What do you value more, size and weight, or a big screen and high storage? The Redmi is lighter and smaller and the Moto is bigger with more screen space and more storage, this should inform your decision if these things are a priority for you.
- Do you need Dual SIM? This is a must have for certain users and the Redmi Note 11 4G provides this.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You’re a student who needs a phone for school, social media, and some casual gaming. Recommendation: The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022). The faster performance, larger screen, and good camera make it a better long-term fit for these needs.
- Scenario 2: You travel a lot and need a reliable phone for calls, texts, and light navigation, dual sim is a must for work and personal. Recommendation: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G. Its lighter profile, dual SIM support, and reverse charging feature make it a versatile travel companion.
- Scenario 3: You are on a tight budget and need a well-rounded device without spending too much, and value audio quality and scratch resistance above all else. Recommendation: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G. Its stereo speakers and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 will be a much better option for you.
My Choice
If it were my money, I'd go with the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022). While I appreciate the Redmi Note 11's lightweight design and fast charging, the Moto G Stylus just offers a more future-proof package with its significantly better performance, larger display with smoother refresh, and improved camera. I'd prefer the extra storage, and the promise of better software support is something that is important to me. The slightly larger size isn't much of a deterrent for what I'd get from the extra power. The screen is also going to be much more pleasant to use. The Moto G Stylus is the more capable and well-rounded device.