Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro. I'll break down the tech specs and translate them into real-world scenarios to help you decide which phone is the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side look at the core specifications, along with what they mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | Poco M4 Pro is slightly more compact and easier to handle. Redmi Note 11 is a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 181g | 179.5g | Both are light enough for comfortable use, with minimal difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.43" | Virtually identical screen sizes; negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, crisp images suitable for everyday use. |
| PPI | 405 | 409 | Very similar pixel density, so both displays look equally sharp. |
| Technology | - | AMOLED | Poco M4 Pro boasts an AMOLED display, offering richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency for dark themes. Redmi Note 11 display technology is not specified and hence inferior. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations are provided by both devices. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Data is missing here, but typically both will be visible under sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 | Mediatek Helio G96 | Poco M4 Pro uses a more powerful chip (G96), resulting in significantly faster performance for gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 438,700 | Poco M4 Pro outclasses the Redmi Note 11 in benchmarks by 73%. Expect smoother gaming and quicker app loading. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Poco M4 Pro's GPU is also more powerful, providing better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | Both have similar 50MP standard cameras, but Poco M4 Pro includes a higher quality sensor for better photos in varying conditions. |
| Selfie | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV16A10, 1.0µm | Poco M4 Pro has higher resolution on the front camera for clearer selfies; Redmi Note 11 has slightly wider aperture which means better low light performance |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355, 1.14µm | Both have very similar wide angle lenses, the Poco M4 Pro uses a superior sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 11 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. Poco M4 Pro does not have a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 120fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 60fps | Both record 1080p, though Redmi Note 11 is capable of higher frame-rate slow motion |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Triple Camera, RAW, Digital Image Stabilisation | Dual Camera, Ultra Stable video, Digital Image Stabilisation, Night Mode | Redmi Note 11 includes features such as 4K video and RAW capture while Poco M4 Pro includes features such as ultra stable video and night mode. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide similar all-day battery life for typical use. |
| Charging | 18W | 33W | Poco M4 Pro charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging | Non-removable | Redmi Note 11 offers reverse charging to charge other devices. Poco M4 Pro lacks this feature. |
| Software & Other | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both come with Android 11 pre installed. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, Apt-X | 5.1, A2DP, LE, Apt-X, LDAC, AAC | Poco M4 Pro offers a wider range of Bluetooth codecs for better wireless audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Poco M4 Pro supports a wider range of positioning systems. |
| Storage | 128 GB | Unspecified | Redmi Note 11 has 128 GB internal storage, while Poco M4 Pro's storage options are not specified. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | Unspecified | Redmi Note 11 comes with 6 GB RAM, suitable for multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both do not offer storage expansion. |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Poco M4 Pro has a superior audio system. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G Strengths:
- Dedicated Macro Lens: For those who enjoy close-up photography, the Redmi Note 11 includes a dedicated macro lens which the Poco M4 Pro lacks.
- Reverse Charging: Redmi Note 11 has the capability to reverse charge other devices, providing some added versatility.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel provides vibrant visuals with deep blacks, making it a treat for media consumption.
- Significantly Higher Performance: With a much faster chipset and GPU, the Poco M4 Pro excels in gaming and intensive multitasking.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging considerably reduces the time spent tethered to an outlet.
- Enhanced Audio: The Poco M4 Pro includes features such as Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio, which provides superior sound quality compared to the Redmi Note 11.
- Better Selfie Camera: The 16MP front camera offers more detail and improved clarity.
Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 11: Sacrifices performance and display quality for a macro camera and reverse charging capability.
- Poco M4 Pro: Lacks a dedicated macro camera, and the reverse charging found in the Redmi Note 11
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: It serves well for basic everyday tasks.
- Casual Photographers: The macro lens provides a different perspective, ideal for users who like to take many different types of shots.
- Users who value reverse charging: For those who want to be able to charge other devices on the go, the Redmi Note 11 will be the better fit.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro is best for:
- Mobile Gamers: The superior performance and graphics capabilities will be highly beneficial for gaming.
- Media Enthusiasts: The AMOLED display is perfect for watching videos, browsing photos, or playing games.
- Users Prioritizing Speed: The faster chipset, GPU, and charging will make it a better fit for anyone who wants better performance.
- Users who value audio quality: For those who value sound quality, the Poco M4 Pro is the better option, thanks to features such as Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your choice:
- How important is performance for you? If you're a mobile gamer or multitasker, the Poco M4 Pro is essential, whereas the Redmi Note 11 should suffice for basic needs.
- How do you value the display? If you are willing to prioritize a high quality display over performance, the Poco M4 Pro is a must, whereas the Redmi Note 11 is a more economical option with a lesser quality display.
- Are macro photography or reverse charging priorities? If you want a dedicated macro lens or to use reverse charging, then the Redmi Note 11 is your only choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Gamer/Power User: Choose the Poco M4 Pro. Its powerful performance and vibrant AMOLED screen are ideal for gaming and media.
- Scenario 2: The Casual User: Choose either phone depending on preference; if budget is your biggest priority, the Redmi Note 11 is a cost-effective option.
- Scenario 3: The Photographer: If you like to take a variety of pictures, the Redmi Note 11 is the only option with the macro lens. If not, the Poco M4 Pro offers better performance with comparable main cameras.
- Scenario 4: The Value Seeker: Choose the Poco M4 Pro, as the improved performance for only a slightly higher cost is highly valuable.
Which would I choose?
Personally, I'd go with the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro. The superior display with AMOLED technology is a significant upgrade for daily use, and the performance boost is noticeable for gaming and multitasking, and with only a slightly higher price. While the macro lens and reverse charging on the Redmi Note 11 are nice additions, the Poco M4 Pro simply offers a better overall experience. It's faster, smoother, and more enjoyable for the types of activities I engage with daily. The 33W fast charging is also a huge convenience, and the better audio quality is a nice bonus.
