Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Samsung Galaxy A04s. I'll be putting my tech journalist hat on, breaking down the specs, and, most importantly, translating what they mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | The A04s is a bit taller and wider, but both are generally similar in size, and will have a similar in-hand feel. |
| Weight | 181g | 195g | The Note 11 is lighter, making it slightly more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size, which is generally good for media and everyday use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | The Note 11 has a much sharper display; text and images will look noticeably clearer. |
| PPI | 405 | 270 | Higher pixel density on the Note 11 means finer details and less pixelation. |
| Technology | - | PLS LCD | Both use similar quality panels. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness - this means there are no differences in visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 | Exynos 850 | The Helio G88 is more powerful than the Exynos 850, leading to snappier performance in apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 117,300 | The Note 11 boasts significantly better benchmark performance, indicating it's faster in general use. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 | The Note 11's GPU offers better graphics performance, which is noticeable in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Both have capable main cameras, expect similar photo quality under good conditions. |
| Selfie | 8MP f/2.0 | 5MP f/2.2 | The Note 11 has a better front-facing camera with higher resolution and wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP f/2.2 | - | The Note 11 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more of the scene. |
| Portrait (Depth) | - | 2MP f/2.4 | The A04s has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode with more natural background blur. |
| Macro | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both have a basic macro lens for close-up shots, likely with similar results. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps; slow-mo 120fps | 1080p@30fps; slow-mo 34fps | Both can handle basic video capture but the Note 11 has an edge for better slow-motion capabilities. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, DIS, RAW | PDAF | The Note 11 provides more advanced video features including 4K recording and digital stabilization, whereas the A04s has Phase Detection Autofocus for better focus speed. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both devices should provide similar all-day battery life under average usage. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 15W fast charging | The Note 11 charges slightly faster which will get you back to full power quicker. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging | Non-removable | The Note 11 has an additional reverse charging feature to charge other devices at a slow 9W, if needed, |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | The A04s ships with a newer version of Android, and is upgradable to newer versions, meaning better features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, dual band | 802.11ac | Note 11 has dual band support for improved connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, APT-x | 5.0 LE | Note 11 provides an advantage in connectivity speed and quality over the A04s. |
| GPS | Yes, multiple | Yes, multiple, QZSS | The A04s has additional support for QZSS, potentially offering better location accuracy in certain regions. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 32/64/128 GB | Both have the same maximum storage, but the Note 11 comes with only 128GB while the A04s offers lower storage variants. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 3/4 GB | The Note 11 has better RAM options for improved multi-tasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for microSD card expansion for additional storage, limiting storage to the phones' built-in storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | Note 11 has much better audio output for general media consumption with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The Note 11 offers better protection for the screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer | The Note 11 has more sensors, including a compass and gyroscope for added functionality. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G Strengths:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and PPI result in a much sharper and clearer viewing experience.
- Stronger Performance: The Helio G88 chipset and better AnTuTu score mean faster app loading and smoother gaming.
- Enhanced Camera Features: Wide-angle lens, better selfie camera, and 4K video recording give it an edge in photography and videography.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers offer an immersive audio experience.
- Improved Connectivity: Newer Bluetooth version.
- Samsung Galaxy A04s Strengths:
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, which means access to newer features and better security.
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor aids in portrait photography.
- More Accurate GPS: additional support for QZSS for better location accuracy in certain regions.
- More Storage Options: comes in a variety of storage options.
- Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 11 4G: Runs on an older version of Android out-of-the-box. Lacks a dedicated depth sensor.
- Samsung Galaxy A04s: Significantly weaker performance, lower screen resolution, and missing some camera features like wide-angle lens and 4K recording.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Ideal For: Users who value a superior display, better performance for gaming and multitasking, and a more capable camera system.
- Use Cases: Media consumption (videos, movies), gaming, social media, photography enthusiasts.
- Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Ideal For: Users seeking a budget-friendly option with a newer Android version and a good main camera for basic photography.
- Use Cases: Basic everyday use, messaging, web browsing, and occasional photography.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you choose:
- How important is display quality to you? If you prioritize a sharp, detailed display, the Note 11 4G is the clear winner.
- What will be the primary use of the phone? If you're a gamer or multitasker, the Note 11’s more powerful chipset will better suit your needs.
- What do you value most between OS and features? If you want to get the latest android updates, the A04s may suit your needs, while if you want more features the Note 11 4G will be better.
- Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious, Basic User: The Samsung Galaxy A04s might be sufficient, especially if a newer version of Android is important to you.
- Performance-Oriented User: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is the better pick, given its superior chipset, display, and camera.
- Camera Enthusiast: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G, with its wide-angle lens, higher-res selfie camera, and 4K video, provides more flexibility and features.
My Choice: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would absolutely go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G. The difference in display quality and overall performance is just too significant to ignore. While the Samsung Galaxy A04s offers a newer version of Android and an additional depth sensor, the Note 11’s superior screen, more powerful processor, and better camera system makes it the better all-around device for me. I value a phone that can handle daily tasks smoothly, provide a great media viewing experience, and take decent photos; the Note 11 ticks all of those boxes.
