Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Motorola Moto G04s. These two phones, while both aiming for the budget-friendly market, offer distinctly different experiences. My goal here is to break down the tech specs and translate them into real-world implications so you can make an informed decision.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two stack up:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm | Moto G04s is slightly taller & thinner; Note 11 is wider. |
| Weight | 181g | 178.8g | Virtually identical feel in hand. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard form-factor phones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.56" | Very similar size, virtually no difference |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | Note 11 has a significantly sharper display with more detail. |
| PPI | 405 | 269 | Note 11's display will look noticeably clearer. |
| Technology | - | IPS LCD | Moto G04s has superior display technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones share the same peak brightness - not ideal for bright outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G88 | Unisoc T606 | Helio G88 offers better overall performance in daily tasks & gaming |
| Antutu Score | 253,100 | 220,000 | Note 11 offers smoother performance in general use. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Note 11 has a slightly better GPU for gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Both have similar main camera resolution. |
| Main Sensor | - | 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | Moto G04s uses a known and specific sensor model, providing higher quality images. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 5MP f/2.2 | Note 11's selfie camera captures more detail and is slightly better for low-light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | - | Note 11 has a dedicated wide-angle camera for more versatile shooting scenarios |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | - | Note 11 has a dedicated macro camera for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both capture 1080p video at 30fps. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Moto G04s has better video stabilization. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, RAW | Optical zoom, OIS, PDAF, LAF, Panorama | Both phones offer different features for different types of photography use. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both provide similar all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 18W | 15W | Note 11 charges faster. |
| Features | Reverse charging | - | Note 11 can charge other devices, a useful extra. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Moto G04s offers a more modern Android experience, with later security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Note 11 has a newer Bluetooth version with APT-x for better audio quality. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Both offer accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support two SIM cards at the same time. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Moto G04s offers more internal storage options, suitable for users with extensive media collections. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB | Note 11 offers a 6GB option, which is beneficial for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos | Note 11 offers stereo speakers and slightly better audio separation, whilst Motorola Moto G04s has a much more refined audio experience in terms of sound tuning. |
| Security | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both use side-mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Both have basic screen protection. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Note 11 has slightly more sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Strengths: Superior display resolution and pixel density for crisper visuals, a more powerful processor for smoother performance, a better front-facing camera, versatile camera system with macro and wide-angle lenses, faster charging, and a newer Bluetooth version with aptX support. It offers slightly better audio performance.
- Competitive Advantages: The Redmi Note 11 outshines the Moto G04s in terms of display quality and performance. It's a better choice for media consumption, gaming, and photography with a wider range of camera options.
- Trade-offs: It is running an older version of Android, which means less up to date security patches.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Strengths: More modern software (Android 14), better video stabilization, more refined audio and greater internal storage options.
- Competitive Advantages: The Moto G04s offers a more recent Android experience and greater internal storage options. It is also geared for better video recording.
- Trade-offs: Its screen is less sharp, has a slightly less capable chipset, a basic camera system, and lacks fast charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Best for: Media enthusiasts who enjoy watching videos and playing games, photography enthusiasts who want versatile camera options, and users who value smoother and snappier performance.
- Use Cases: Ideal for anyone who wants a good-looking screen with crisp detail, a phone that handles day-to-day tasks smoothly, and takes decent photos across a range of scenarios. The reverse charging capability can also be very useful.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Best for: Casual users who prioritize a clean and modern software experience, individuals who need a lot of storage and video enthusiasts who appreciate stability while recording.
- Use Cases: This phone is perfect for everyday tasks, social media browsing, and general multimedia consumption. It's also good for those who want a modern Android version. The great sound and extra storage space makes this a great phone for music and movie lovers.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
- How important is display quality to you? If you want a crisp, sharp screen, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is the clear winner.
- Do you prioritize performance or the latest software? If performance is key, choose the Redmi Note 11 4G. If you want the latest Android version, the Moto G04s is the better option.
- What is your primary use case? If you will mostly be watching videos, playing games or taking photos, the Redmi Note 11 4G would be the best option. If you will be using your phone for music, movies and recording videos, then the Moto G04s would suit your needs better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: The Media Lover: Choose the Redmi Note 11 4G for its superior display, better sound and camera.
- Scenario 2: The Everyday User: If you want the latest Android software and have a higher focus on video capabilities, go for the Motorola Moto G04s with its modern Android 14 experience, better video stabilization and greater storage options.
- Scenario 3: The Power User: The Redmi Note 11 4G is more powerful and would be a better option if you're looking for smoother app performance.
My Choice
If it were me making the choice, I would lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G. While both phones offer solid value for their price, the Note 11 4G edges out the G04s with its superior display resolution and pixel density, more versatile camera system, faster charging and overall better performance. These are the kind of things I tend to value most in a smartphone. I also value the reverse charging feature. Although the software is less up-to-date, the benefits of the superior display and performance would make the trade-off worthwhile.
