Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Motorola Moto G52. These two contenders in the mid-range smartphone arena offer similar features on the surface, but a closer look reveals key differences that could sway your decision. Let's break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Motorola Moto G52 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm, 181g | 160.1 x 74.5 x 8 mm, 169g | The Moto G52 is slightly smaller and lighter, potentially feeling more comfortable in hand and pocket. The Note 11 is a bit bulkier. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding designs; similar build materials are expected. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible size difference, both provide ample screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; expect a crisp viewing experience on both. |
| PPI | 405 | 402 | Very similar pixel densities, meaning text and images will appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | - | AMOLED | The Moto G52's AMOLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to a likely LCD panel in the Note 11. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, though not as fluid as 120Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, not an ideal situation. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm) | Snapdragon 680 (6nm) | The Snapdragon 680 in the Moto G52 is more power-efficient thanks to the smaller manufacturing process (6nm vs 12nm), likely leading to better battery life. The Helio G88 in Note 11 offers higher benchmark scores. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 216,000 | Note 11 has slightly better theoretical performance, but real-world difference will not be huge. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 | Different GPUs: impact will depend on specific games and apps, neither is a gaming powerhouse. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer solid battery endurance, generally lasting a full day with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | The Moto G52 charges faster, significantly reducing the time spent plugged in. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 9W wired | - | The Note 11 can act as a power bank for other devices, a useful extra. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 (1/2.76" sensor, Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm pixel size) | Both cameras are similar on paper, real world results will vary; The Moto G52 has more specific sensor information. |
| Front Selfie | 8MP f/2.0 (1.12 µm pixel size) | 16MP f/2.45 (1.00 µm pixel size) | The Moto G52 has higher selfie resolution, and smaller pixel size. The Note 11 has wider aperture on the front-facing camera. |
| Rear Wide | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Similar wide-angle capabilities; suitable for landscape and group shots. |
| Rear Macro | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Standard macro cameras on both; will be adequate for close-up photography in good lighting. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps (Slow-mo: 120 fps) | 1080p@30fps (Slow-mo: No) | Both capable of standard FHD video; The Note 11 has a slight edge in slow-motion recording. |
| 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 | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | The Note 11 has the additional features: Digital image stabilization, RAW and the Motorola Moto G52 has the additional features: Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Panorama |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Moto G52 ships with a more recent Android version out of the box, leading to newer features and possibly better long-term updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac (Dual band, Direct) | 802.11ac (Direct) | Both have similar Wi-Fi standards; Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G additionally supports: Dual band, Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 (A2DP, LE, APT-x) | 5.0 (A2DP,LE, etc..) | The Note 11 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version; the G52 has support for more Bluetooth profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | The Note 11 supports more satellite systems, possibly leading to improved location accuracy in some scenarios. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both offer dual SIM slots for using two phone numbers simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 64/128/256 GB | The Moto G52 offers more internal storage options (up to 256 GB) while the Note 11 is limited to 128GB. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB | Similar RAM options, suitable for moderate multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers microSD card support which is an important consideration if you need more storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The Moto G52 has enhanced audio capabilities with Dolby Atmos support and 2 microphones, and better audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both offer convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensors for quick and easy unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Moto G52 has more advanced screen protection, likely better for resisting scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Xiaomi has an additional ultrasonic proximity sensor; Motorola has a more standard proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G52 Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen offers a richer viewing experience.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging gets you back up and running quicker.
- More Recent OS: Ships with Android 12 out of the box
- Better Audio: Features Dolby Atmos and 2 microphones for better sound.
- More Storage Options: Has 256 GB of internal storage.
- Stronger Display Protection: Comes with Gorilla Glass 5.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G Advantages:
- Marginally Better Performance: Slightly higher benchmark scores.
- Reverse Charging: Ability to charge other devices.
- Slightly newer Bluetooth version: 5.1 vs 5.0.
- Additional GPS Support: Beidou support
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Both lack expandable storage: Important for users with large media libraries.
- Both have similar cameras: Quality differences may be nuanced, real world results may differ.
- Both have the same refresh rate: Neither offer a 120 Hz refresh rate.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G52:
- Best for: Users who prioritize display quality, faster charging, and a more modern Android experience.
- Use Cases: Media consumption, casual gaming, photography in good lighting conditions, and general everyday use. If you prefer a more recent OS and better audio, this is your choice.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Best for: Users looking for a budget friendly device with good performance and the ability to reverse charge.
- Use Cases: Everyday tasks, social media, moderate gaming, and users who might need to charge other devices on the go.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
- How important is display quality to you? If you prioritize vibrant colors and deep blacks, the Moto G52 is better due to the AMOLED screen.
- How often do you need to charge your phone? The Moto G52 with 30W charging will charge up much faster and more conveniently.
- How crucial is having the latest Android version out of the box? The Moto G52 ships with Android 12, which will ensure longer updates.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Media Enthusiast: Choose the Motorola Moto G52 for its AMOLED display and better audio features.
- Power User on a Budget: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G for its solid performance and reverse charging.
- General User Either device would fit but I would recommend the Moto G52 for its nicer display and faster charging.
Personal Choice:
If I were choosing between these two, I would pick the Motorola Moto G52. Here’s why: The AMOLED display is a significant upgrade for anyone who consumes a lot of content or enjoys vibrant visuals. The faster charging is a huge convenience for my busy schedule. While I appreciate the slightly better performance of the Note 11 and reverse charging, the core improvements in display, audio, and charging make the Moto G52 a better all-around device for my needs. The newer OS is a big plus as well, and the added durability of Gorilla Glass 5 is a nice bonus. The storage is a significant improvement as well.