Alright, let's dive deep into the specs of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the ZTE Blade A75 4G, two contenders in the budget smartphone arena. My aim is to cut through the jargon and give you a clear picture of what these phones are really like in the hands of an everyday user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two devices stack up against each other, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | ZTE Blade A75 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | 164.1 × 75.8 × 8.6 mm | The ZTE is slightly taller and thinner, while the Xiaomi is a tad thicker but shorter. Minor differences. |
| Weight | 181g | 189g | Xiaomi is a touch lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Almost identical display sizes; negligible real-world difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | Xiaomi offers significantly sharper visuals, text, and images. ZTE's display is lower resolution, appearing less crisp. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 405 | 267 | Xiaomi will have a more detailed screen due to its much higher pixel count. |
| Technology | - | IPS LCD | ZTE uses IPS LCD, offering better color reproduction and viewing angles. Xiaomi's panel type is not disclosed. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling, a plus for day-to-day interactions. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones' brightness is not specified, which could be a limitation in very bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm) | Unisoc T606 (12nm) | The Helio G88 is slightly more powerful, translating to smoother overall performance and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 240,000 | The Xiaomi will be faster and more responsive during intense tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The G52 MC2 in the Xiaomi is generally better for graphics-intensive apps and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both have comparable main cameras, suitable for everyday shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP | Similar selfie cameras, decent for video calls and casual self-portraits. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Xiaomi has a wide-angle lens, adding flexibility to its camera system, not available on ZTE. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi offers a macro lens for close-up shots. ZTE does not offer a Macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, 120fps slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, No slow-mo | Xiaomi includes slow-motion capabilities for more creative video recording. |
| Features | 4K video, triple camera, RAW | Dual camera, PDAF, Panorama | Xiaomi's extra camera and 4K support could be key for camera enthusiasts. ZTE provides dual camera, PDAF and panorama. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer a full day of usage for most users. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | ZTE will charge faster, meaning less waiting time to get back on the go. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging, 9W reverse wired charging | Non-removable | Xiaomi can charge other devices, a niche but helpful feature, but both phones have non removable batteries. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | ZTE comes with a more recent version of Android, benefiting from the latest security updates and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer the same range of standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Xiaomi supports aptX for higher quality audio with compatible devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer the same range of location tracking technologies. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 256 GB or 128 GB | ZTE provides larger capacity or at least similar as an option. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 4GB or 8GB | ZTE has an 8GB RAM variant for heavy multitaskers. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X | Xiaomi has a dual speaker setup, while ZTE has DTS audio processing for enhanced audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both devices offer the same convenient fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi has a more robust screen with Gorilla Glass protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Xiaomi has a more complete sensor suite including compass and a virtual proximity sensor, making the phone more robust. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Strengths: The Xiaomi clearly outperforms the ZTE with its superior display quality, better processor, more versatile camera system (including a wide-angle and macro lens), enhanced audio with stereo speakers, and advanced sensor suite. Additionally, Gorilla Glass provides more confidence with everyday wear and tear.
- Competitive Advantages: The higher resolution and pixel density offer a clearer, sharper viewing experience. The extra cameras and features like 4K video and RAW shooting mode provide more creative flexibility. A slightly better chipset and GPU provide a better overall smooth experience.
ZTE Blade A75 4G:
- Strengths: The ZTE shines with a larger battery charging at a faster rate of 22.5W and an up to 256GB storage capacity. Its newer Android OS provides the latest security and features and DTS audio processing. Its RAM capacity can be up to 8 GB for more intense multitasking.
- Competitive Advantages: The fast charging and more modern OS could be key differentiators for some. The extra storage and RAM offer more room for photos, videos, and apps.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- Xiaomi: Sacrifices the newer OS, potentially faster charging and expandable storage for a better display and camera.
- ZTE: Sacrifices display resolution and camera flexibility for a more modern OS, faster charging and greater storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is best for:
- Media Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos, browse social media, and read a lot of text due to the higher resolution display.
- Casual Photographers: Users who appreciate the added flexibility of wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users looking for slightly smoother performance and gaming capabilities.
- Value Seekers: Users who prioritize overall image quality.
ZTE Blade A75 4G is best for:
- Practical Users: Those who value long battery life and fast charging.
- Heavy App Users: Multitaskers who need extra RAM and storage space.
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Users who value the most recent software.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your choice:
- How important is display quality? If you prioritize sharp, detailed visuals, the Xiaomi's higher resolution screen is a clear winner. The ZTE offers an IPS LCD panel for better color reproduction, but is lower resolution and therefore won't have the same clarity.
- How much do I value camera versatility? If you want a wide-angle and macro lens, the Xiaomi's triple-camera setup is essential, but if you are more focused on storage and battery, ZTE may be a better choice.
- Do I prefer performance or battery/software longevity? If a newer OS, large storage and rapid charging are more important than the latest Android updates, the ZTE is ideal. If you want a more balanced experience between performance and battery life, the Xiaomi is a great choice.
Final Recommendation:
Both are excellent phones in their own right for specific user needs. If I were making the choice for myself I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G. While the ZTE offers some impressive features like the newer OS, faster charging, and more storage (which can be really useful) I feel the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G gives a better holistic experience. The higher resolution display is something I feel I would miss on the ZTE, combined with the extra features provided by the additional cameras. The better processor also makes the phone a more pleasant everyday device.
However, if my priority was having as much storage and the most recent version of Android, the ZTE would be a good choice. The 8GB RAM will also definitely be a big help if you have many apps running in the background.
