Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Motorola Moto G35. I'm going to break this down like I'm chatting with a friend who wants to know what's really different between these two phones.
1. Specifications Breakdown
First, let's get the technical nitty-gritty out of the way with a detailed comparison table, explaining how each spec translates to your daily use:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | Moto G35 is taller, but thinner, making the Redmi Note 11 4G feel a bit chunkier. |
| Weight | 181g | 188g | Redmi Note 11 4G is slightly lighter, which might matter if you hold your phone for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.72" | Moto G35's larger display offers a more immersive experience for videos and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both deliver sharp, detailed images, suitable for most users. |
| PPI | 405 | 392 | Very similar pixel density, meaning both screens will look sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Moto G35's IPS LCD screen is a known quantity with solid color reproduction. | |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G35 offers smoother scrolling and animations, making interactions feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Moto G35 is much brighter, making it significantly more readable in sunlight. The Redmi Note 11 4G might struggle outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | Moto G35's newer, more efficient chip should provide faster speeds and better sustained performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 423,297 | Moto G35 is significantly faster, making it better for gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP4 | Moto G35's GPU is more capable, further enhancing its performance in graphics-intensive tasks and gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity; expect a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Charging times will be comparable. |
| Features | Reverse charging | None | Redmi Note 11 4G can charge other devices, offering extra utility. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | Both cameras are very similar on paper. Moto G35 has a larger sensor, potentially better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm pixel size | 16MP, f/2.45 | Moto G35 offers higher resolution for selfies, but Xiaomi has wider aperture for brighter photos. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | Similar wide-angle cameras; Moto G35 has a larger pixel size. |
| Macro lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 11 has a dedicated macro lens, for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Moto G35 is capable of 4K video recording, making it suitable for higher-quality content creation. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Moto G35 offers a more modern Android experience out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Similar Wi-Fi performance on both. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, aptX | 5.0, SBC, AAC | Redmi Note 11 4G's newer Bluetooth supports aptX for higher quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Moto G35 offers more GPS systems for potentially better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Moto G35 offers eSim for more flexible carrier options and easier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | Moto G35 offers a larger storage variant for more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 4GB or 8GB | Moto G35 has an 8 GB variant available for improved multi-tasking and gaming |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phones can expand storage via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G35 has more advanced audio, Dolby Atmos and 2 mics for enhanced voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have reliable fingerprint sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G Strengths:
- Reverse Charging: A unique feature allowing it to charge other devices – a convenient extra.
- Slightly Lighter Build: If weight matters, it is the lighter option.
- Wider Selfie Camera Aperture: Better low light performance with its f/2.0 selfie camera lens.
- Macro Camera: The dedicated macro lens allows you to take close-up shots.
Motorola Moto G35 Strengths:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Unisoc T760 and its higher Antutu score mean snappier app loading, smoother gaming, and better multitasking.
- Superior Display Brightness and Refresh Rate: The 120Hz and 1000 nits display makes it much better for outdoor use.
- 4K Video Recording: The ability to capture video in 4K makes this a better choice for content creation.
- Modern Android OS: Ships with Android 14, offering a more up-to-date user experience and potentially longer software support.
- Larger RAM and Storage Options: More RAM (8GB) and storage (256 GB) available in certain configurations, this is great for power users.
- Advanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and dual mics provide an edge for audio enthusiasts.
- More GPS Systems: Supports more satellite systems for more accurate navigation.
Trade-offs & Limitations
- Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Older Android OS (Android 11).
- Display brightness is a significant limitation in sunny conditions.
- Slower overall performance compared to Moto G35.
- Moto G35:
- No reverse charging.
- Slightly heavier than Redmi Note 11 4G.
- Selfie camera aperture is not as wide as Redmi Note 11 4G.
- No dedicated macro camera lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Budget-Conscious Users: It’s a good pick if the price is your main concern and raw performance isn't critical.
- Users Who Need Reverse Charging: If you need to charge other devices on the go.
- Users that prioritize a dedicated macro lens.
- Those who need good audio recording via Bluetooth.
Motorola Moto G35:
- Power Users: If you want a smoother, faster experience for gaming and multi-tasking.
- Outdoor Users: If you frequently use your phone in bright sunlight.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: If you want to watch videos or create content using your phone.
- Those who value future-proof software and better audio.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help guide your decision:
How Important is Performance and Smoothness? If performance is a top priority for you, the Moto G35 is the better option. It outpaces the Redmi Note 11 4G in benchmarks, which translates to a more fluid user experience, especially if you game or multitask.
What are your Display Priorities? The Moto G35's significantly higher brightness and 120Hz refresh rate offer a much better viewing experience, particularly outdoors. If you use your phone in bright conditions, this makes a big difference.
Do you need the unique features? The Redmi Note 11 4G's reverse charging and macro lens are not available on the Moto G35. If these are important to you, it may be the better choice. However, if a modern Android version and audio is your priority, Moto G35 is the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Heavy Mobile Gamer: Choose the Moto G35. Its superior processing power and display refresh rate will enhance the gaming experience.
Scenario 2: Outdoor Photographer: Choose the Moto G35. Its brighter screen makes it much easier to see your photos and videos in bright sunlight.
Scenario 3: Light Usage with Budget Focus: The Redmi Note 11 4G is suitable for those with a lower budget and who prioritize a lighter device.
My Choice
If I had to pick between these two for myself, I'd go with the Motorola Moto G35. Here's why:
- Performance is King: As someone who uses phones for a lot of different tasks (browsing, gaming, and photo editing) I need something that is fast and responsive. The Moto G35's processing power is a clear win.
- Display Matters: The difference in display brightness and refresh rate is very noticeable in real-world usage. As someone who uses their phone outdoors on a regular basis, the Moto G35 screen will be much more enjoyable.
- Future-Proof: I'd rather have the more modern OS and software, and 4K recording is a good to have, rather than the Redmi Note 11 4G's older Android and reverse charging, which isn't high on my needs.
- Audio Matters: The enhanced audio on the Moto G35 provides a superior experience when listening to music, podcasts, and videos.
While I do appreciate the reverse charging and macro lens on the Redmi Note 11 4G, the trade-off in performance and display quality is too significant for me to ignore. The Moto G35, with its faster processor, brighter display, and modern software, fits my day-to-day usage more effectively, making it the more appealing choice.
