Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Redmi Note 11S 5G. These two phones, while sharing a similar name, offer different strengths and cater to slightly different user needs. Let’s break it down and see which one comes out on top for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at their specifications, focusing on what each feature means for you in the real world:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm, 181g | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm, 195g | The 11S 5G is slightly taller and heavier but not enough to be drastically different. Both are comfortable in hand for most people, the weight difference is slightly noticeable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | A very slight 0.1" difference. Both offer an immersive viewing experience, but 11S 5G is a bit larger. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both screens deliver crisp details and are great for general use. |
| PPI | 405 | 399 | Very similar sharpness, making text and images look crisp. |
| Technology | N/A | IPS LCD | The 11S 5G has a good quality IPS LCD screen, while we have not explicit information about 11 4G screen technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, making daily use feel responsive. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | The Dimensity 810 is significantly more powerful. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance on 11S 5G. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 438,700 | The 11S 5G benchmark score shows a considerable performance boost, making it much more capable for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 | 11S 5G has a more advanced GPU for better graphics in games and applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | The 11S 5G has a slightly superior sensor with a larger pixel size, which could translate to better image quality in different lighting conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.4 | The 11S 5G offers higher resolution but slightly narrower aperture. 11 4G has a larger pixel size in selfie shots. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both phones have same wide angle capabilities. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have the same basic macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, 120fps slow motion | 1080p@30/60fps, 120fps slow motion | 11S 5G offers 60fps recording. Both phones have good video recording capabilities for social media content. 11S 5G also features ultra stable video. |
| DXoMark | N/A | Mobile 65, Photo 50, Video 83 | The 11S 5G is tested at DxOMark with overall 65 score, 50 in photo and 83 in video quality. |
| Features | 4K, RAW | 4K, Ultra Stable, Manual Focus, Panorama, Night Mode | 11S 5G offers more advance camera features while 11 4G can output RAW images for professional usage |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar large batteries that can easily last a full day of moderate to heavy use. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The 11S 5G charges much faster, making it much more convenient if you are always on the go. |
| Features | 9W reverse wired charging | N/A | The 11 4G can charge other devices but slower than the main charge |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both devices share similar software, with android 11. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both offer similar Wi-Fi speeds and capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, aptX | 5.1 LE, aptX, LDAC, AAC | The 11S 5G has higher audio quality support when using Bluetooth headphones. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | The 11 4G has higher accuracy in GPS location with more satellite support (Beidou). |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 64GB or 128GB | Both offer the same max storage but the 11S 5G comes with a 64GB option for lower cost. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 4GB or 6GB | Both come in similar RAM variants, providing same multitasking performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | No way to add more storage to any of the models. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | The 11S 5G offers enhanced spatial audio and better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both offer similar biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Both feature Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | The 11 4G has more sensors (Gyroscope) for more advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Strengths: Better GPS Location and Reverse Charging.
- Competitive Advantages: More precise location tracking due to additional satellite support and the ability to charge other devices using its battery.
- Trade-offs: The main drawback is its less powerful processor, resulting in less fluid performance and a less capable GPU for gaming.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G:
- Strengths: Significantly more powerful processor, faster charging, better audio, enhanced video recording, better camera quality (larger sensor and higher selfie resolution).
- Competitive Advantages: A substantial performance jump for multitasking, gaming and camera quality. The fast charging is extremely convenient, and Dolby Atmos enhances the audio experience, making it great for media consumption.
- Trade-offs: Slightly heavier and taller than 11 4G. It also lacks reverse charging and has slightly less accurate GPS.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life, GPS accuracy and reverse charging, basic day to day usage and don't need high performance.
- Use Cases: Those who require reliable GPS for navigation, don't need demanding applications and occasionally need to charge other devices on the go.
- Price-to-Value: A good value for users on a tight budget who still want a decent smartphone.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G:
- Ideal For: Users who need better overall performance and gaming capabilities, a better camera, fast charging and are willing to spend a bit more.
- Use Cases: Gamers, those who use their phones heavily for media consumption and those who need faster charging times.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a great balance of performance and features for the price, a worthwhile option for those who need a phone with more power.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Practical Questions:
- How important is processing power for you? If you play demanding games or multitask heavily, the 11S 5G is the better choice. If you are a basic user that uses the device for social media and calls, 11 4G will be enough.
- Do you need fast charging or reverse charging? If you are often on the go or forget to charge your phone overnight, the 11S 5G's fast charging is invaluable. If you want to charge other devices from your phone, the 11 4G offers that feature.
- How important is camera and audio quality? If you enjoy high-quality audio, need enhanced video capabilities and a higher quality selfie camera, the 11S 5G is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If you need a basic phone that works well and don't need advanced features, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is a cost effective option.
- Everyday User: If you use your phone for social media, browsing and media consumption and want better all-around quality, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G provides a better experience with its performance and better quality.
- Gamer: If you love gaming and need a phone with better performance, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G is your best bet.
- Photographer: If you prioritize camera quality and video recording, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G offers a more capable experience.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G. Even though I appreciate the reverse charging on the 11 4G, the overall performance boost from the Dimensity 810 chipset, the faster charging, the superior camera and audio quality are just too compelling to pass up. For my use case, I need a phone that can handle day to day tasks as well as gaming and the 11S 5G would be more future proof. The better screen, video quality, audio and charging speed make it the better option. The Redmi Note 11S 5G’s balance of performance and features wins in my book.
