Alright, let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Sony Xperia 1 IV. These two phones sit at very different ends of the smartphone spectrum, and their specifications clearly reflect that. The Redmi Note 11 4G is a budget-friendly option while the Sony Xperia 1 IV aims at the premium market. So, let's dissect what that means for you, the end user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-01 | 2022-06-11 | Xperia 1 IV is about 6 months newer. |
| Dimensions | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | Redmi Note 11 is shorter, wider and thicker, but with a larger overall volume. Xperia 1 IV is taller and slimmer. |
| Weight | 181g | 185g | Very similar weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1644x3840 | Xperia 1 IV has a significantly sharper display with more pixels. |
| PPI | 405 | 643 | Xperia 1 IV's display is much crisper. |
| Technology | OLED | Xperia 1 IV has superior OLED display technology, expected to offer better contrast and deeper blacks. | |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xperia 1 IV offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Xperia 1 IV's chipset is far more powerful, leading to significantly faster overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 1,076,100 | Xperia 1 IV is about 4 times more powerful in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 1 IV has a much more powerful GPU, better for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 12MP f/1.7 | Redmi Note 11 has a higher MP count but the Xperia 1 IV has a wider aperture. Xperia 1 IV features better sensor, pixel size, and quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 12MP f/2.0 | Xperia 1 IV offers better selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP f/2.3 | Xperia 1 IV has a telephoto lens for zoomed-in shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | 12MP f/2.2 | Xperia 1 IV offers better ultrawide camera. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | N/A | Yes | Xperia 1 IV has a ToF 3D sensor, improving depth sensing in photos |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Redmi Note 11 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Xperia 1 IV can record at a much higher quality, with stabilization. |
| DXOMARK Mobile | N/A | Main Score 105 | Xperia 1 IV has a very good camera. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity. |
| Charging | 18W | 30W | Xperia 1 IV charges faster. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Bypass Charging | Xiaomi supports reverse wired charging. Sony Xperia 1 IV bypass charges to help reduce thermal impact. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | Xperia 1 IV has a more recent Android version with the possibility to upgrade to 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Xperia 1 IV supports newer WiFi with better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Xperia 1 IV supports a newer Bluetooth with more advanced audio profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Xperia 1 IV supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Xperia 1 IV supports an eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 256/512 GB | Xperia 1 IV offers significantly more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 12/16 GB | Xperia 1 IV has more RAM, making multitasking smoother. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 1 IV offers better audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side fingerprint | Side fingerprint | Both have side-mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 1 IV uses superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity, Hall | Xperia 1 IV has more sensors including a barometer, which is used for weather tracking |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Strengths: The Redmi Note 11 4G is a budget phone that offers a good display, solid battery, and decent primary camera. It also has features such as reverse charging, making it more flexible for users on the go.
- Trade-offs: The performance is not its forte; the chipset is less powerful. The macro lens is of limited use, as it’s only a 2MP sensor. It also doesn't offer optical zoom and advanced stabilization in video recording.
- Competitive Advantages: It stands out for its value, offering a decent experience for a lower price point.
Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Strengths: This is a true flagship, with a top-tier processor, a high-resolution display with a high refresh rate, and a fantastic set of cameras. It also has a more modern design with premium materials.
- Trade-offs: The price is the biggest hurdle. It may not be affordable for all users. Battery life is also only standard for its category, despite having the same battery capacity as the Redmi Note 11 4G.
- Competitive Advantages: It stands out with its premium build quality, high-performance processor, and advanced camera system.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Best for: Users on a tight budget who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and basic photography. It is also suited for people that prioritize battery life and less intense gaming.
- Use Cases: Students, casual users, and those who need a secondary device or a backup phone.
- Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Best for: Power users, content creators, photographers, videographers, and gaming enthusiasts who want a top-of-the-line device.
- Use Cases: High-quality photography and videography, professional work, heavy multitasking, and demanding mobile gaming.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What's your budget?
- If you're on a tight budget, the Redmi Note 11 4G is the more sensible choice.
- If your budget is not a constraint, the Xperia 1 IV offers more advanced features and a high-end experience.
- What do you use your phone for?
- If you primarily use your phone for basic tasks and casual photography, the Redmi Note 11 4G will likely be adequate.
- If you need high performance, top-tier cameras, and a premium experience, the Xperia 1 IV is the better option.
- Do you need the best mobile experience?
- If you don't need the best, the Redmi Note 11 is a great value pick.
- If you want a top-of-the-line mobile experience, especially when it comes to photography, video, and gaming, you'll need to consider the Xperia 1 IV.
Scenario-based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Student on a tight budget looking for a reliable phone: Redmi Note 11 4G. It is affordable and will handle daily tasks well.
- Scenario 2: A photographer looking for the best mobile camera: Sony Xperia 1 IV. Its superior camera features will be a game-changer for mobile photography.
- Scenario 3: A gamer who needs a high-performance smartphone: Sony Xperia 1 IV. The processor and GPU will provide a smoother gaming experience.
- Scenario 4: A user who only needs a smartphone for calls and social media: Redmi Note 11 4G. No need to spend a premium price for a phone that won’t be utilized.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would personally pick the Sony Xperia 1 IV. As a tech enthusiast and someone who values top-tier performance, photography, and overall premium experience, the Xperia 1 IV ticks all the boxes. While the price is a significant investment, the superior screen, performance, camera, and overall experience make it a worthwhile option for my use cases. The Redmi Note 11 4G is a great budget phone, but the Xperia 1 IV’s capabilities align more with my priorities and requirements.
