Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Xiaomi Poco M5s. Both phones are vying for your attention in the competitive mid-range market, but they have some crucial differences. I'm going to break it down for you as if we were chatting over coffee, focusing on what these specs actually mean for your daily use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up, translated into real-world terms:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | The Poco M5s is slightly more compact and thinner, making it a bit more comfortable for one-handed use, while the Note 11 4G is a bit larger. |
| Weight | 181g | 178.8g | Both are similar in weight, so you won't notice a significant difference in how they feel in your hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.43" | Both are virtually identical. The difference of 0.07" is imperceptible |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Sharp and clear images on both, perfect for watching videos, browsing, and social media. |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 409 PPI | The difference is negligible. Both have excellent pixel density that is very difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. |
| Technology | Unknown | AMOLED | The Poco M5s' AMOLED screen offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency for dark themes, a noticeable upgrade. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | The Note 11 4G's 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel smoother compared to the Poco M5s, an area that can make a real difference in usability. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | The Poco M5s is much brighter, making it significantly easier to see the screen in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G88 | Helio G95 | The Poco M5s' Helio G95 chipset is more powerful, providing faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 418,627 | This benchmark confirms the M5s is considerably faster, a clear advantage for gaming and intensive apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G76 MC4 | The M5s’ more powerful GPU offers better graphics performance for demanding tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.9 | The Poco M5s has a higher resolution sensor, potentially capturing more detail in photos, but slightly narrower aperture of f/1.9. The Note 11 4G has a slightly wider aperture of f/1.8, however, this may not result in a significant difference in photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm pixel size | 13MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm pixel size | Poco M5s has a higher resolution selfie camera, great for social media selfies, but with a slightly narrower aperture of f/2.4. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.14 µm pixel size | Both have similar wide-angle capabilities, good for group shots and landscapes. The Poco M5s has a slightly larger pixel size at 1.14 µm. |
| Portrait Camera (Depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Poco M5s includes a dedicated depth sensor, which helps with portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro capabilities, good for close-up shots of small subjects. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The Poco M5s can record 4K video, giving you higher quality footage; a very welcome feature. |
| Features | Triple Camera, RAW | Quadruple camera, Night Mode | Poco M5s boasts a night mode while the Note 11 4G boasts raw image capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, which should translate to similar all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 33W fast charging | The Poco M5s charges much faster, reducing the amount of time you'll need to spend plugged into the wall. |
| Other Battery Features | 9W Reverse Charging | Reverse Charging | The Note 11 4G comes with 9W reverse wired charging, but both devices have reverse charging capability. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Poco M5s comes with a newer OS out of the box; potentially receiving more updates in the future. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | Poco M5s comes with WiFi MiMo support, which can lead to enhanced WiFi connectivity and speed in supported environments. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1, APT-x | Bluetooth 5.0, EDR, HID | The Redmi Note 11 4G features a more modern Bluetooth version 5.1 and APT-x support which can provide a better audio experience, while the Poco M5s boasts EDR and HID support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 64GB or 128GB or 256GB | The Poco M5s has greater storage capacity with a max. of 256 GB, but the Redmi Note 11 4G only offers 128GB of internal storage. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | Poco M5s has a larger maximum RAM option, improving the multi-tasking experience. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither of these smartphones offer expandable storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Poco M5s offers Hi-Res audio, which enhances audio quality and has a slight advantage over the Note 11 4G. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both devices offer side-mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both phones use Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both phones come with identical sensor configurations. |
2. Key Insights
Poco M5s: The Performance and Display Winner
- Superior Performance: The Helio G95 chip gives the M5s a significant boost in speed and gaming capabilities. It's the better choice for power users.
- Stunning AMOLED Display: The vibrant colors and high brightness of the AMOLED display make the M5s fantastic for media consumption.
- Faster Charging: The 33W charging is a big plus, getting you back up and running faster.
- Enhanced Camera: 64MP camera and 4k video recording, is better for capturing high quality images and videos.
Redmi Note 11 4G: The Budget-Friendly Option
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz display makes scrolling feel slick, although it's not an AMOLED.
- Wider Aperture: The primary camera has a slightly wider aperture, good in low light scenarios, but with a smaller resolution sensor.
- Latest Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.1 and APT-x support give the Redmi Note 11 4G a slight edge in the Bluetooth connectivity department.
Trade-Offs:
- The Redmi Note 11 4G, while having a 90Hz display, lacks the superior color and brightness of the AMOLED panel found on the Poco M5s.
- The Poco M5s, though more powerful, has a less fluid refresh rate screen at 60hz.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
For the Everyday User Who Values Media Consumption & Performance:
- Poco M5s: If you watch a lot of videos, play games, or just want a snappy phone experience, the M5s is the better choice. Its AMOLED screen and powerful processor give it a significant edge.
For the Budget-Conscious User Seeking a Good All-Rounder:
- Redmi Note 11 4G: If you're on a tight budget but still want a smooth display and decent performance for everyday tasks, the Note 11 4G is a great option.
For the Photography Enthusiast:
- Poco M5s: The higher resolution and 4K video recording makes this a better overall experience for photography enthusiasts, and will capture higher quality images and videos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself to help decide:
- How important is screen quality? If you value vibrant colors and deep blacks, the Poco M5s' AMOLED display is a must-have. If you're fine with an LCD screen but value a smooth refresh rate, the Note 11 4G is still a solid contender.
- How much do you play games or use demanding apps? If you're a casual user, both phones will likely do just fine. However, if you want faster app loading, smoother multi-tasking, and gaming, the Poco M5s' more powerful processor and GPU make it a no-brainer.
- How important is fast charging? If you’re constantly on the go, the Poco M5s’ 33W charging will significantly reduce the time spent waiting for your phone to power up.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- You're a gamer or a power user: Go for the Poco M5s. The performance boost and superior display make a world of difference.
- You watch a lot of videos and consume content: Choose the Poco M5s. The AMOLED display will give you a better viewing experience.
- You're on a tight budget: Opt for the Redmi Note 11 4G. It offers great value for money for general everyday use.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd personally lean towards the Poco M5s. The combination of the AMOLED display and the faster Helio G95 chip is just too compelling. I often find myself watching videos on the go, and the higher brightness and richer colors of the M5s’ screen would be greatly appreciated. Plus, the faster charging would be a welcome convenience. While I would miss the 90Hz refresh rate of the Redmi Note 11, the overall package of the Poco M5s is a step above and would fit better into my daily needs and usage scenarios.
