Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra. I'll break down the specs, provide real-world context, and help you figure out which phone might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-01 | 2023-12-29 | The nubia Z60 Ultra is significantly newer, suggesting newer technologies. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional smartphones; no folding or unique forms. |
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | 164 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm | Similar size but Z60 Ultra is slightly taller and a bit wider. Both have similar thickness. |
| Weight | 181g | 246g | Redmi Note 11 4G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. Nubia is heavy. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | Nubia has a slightly larger screen, which could be better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1116x2480 | Nubia's display is a bit sharper, but the difference might not be noticeable to the average user. |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 400 PPI | Very similar sharpness, making both displays crisp. |
| Technology | - | AMOLED | Nubia has a superior display, offering vibrant colors, true blacks, and better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Nubia provides smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | The Nubia's screen is far more visible in bright sunlight; Redmi may struggle outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Nubia has a much more powerful processor. It handles demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking much more efficiently. |
| Antutu Score | 253,100 | 2,017,588 | Nubia is significantly faster and more responsive. This impacts app loading, gaming, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 750 | Nubia's GPU is substantially more powerful for graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | Nubia has a larger battery, offering better endurance between charges. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Nubia charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and letting you get back to using the phone quickly. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 9W reverse wired charging | Non-removable | Redmi Note 11 can charge other devices, an interesting feature if you have other accessories to power. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 54MP f/1.6 | Nubia's camera might perform slightly better in low light, with more detail due to better aperture, larger sensor, and bigger pixels. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0, 1.12 µm pixel size | 12MP f/2.0 | Nubia may take sharper selfies with better image quality with more pixels. |
| Telephoto lens | None | 64MP f/3.3 | Nubia has a dedicated telephoto lens, allowing optical zoom for better photos at a distance. |
| Wide Angle lens | 8MP f/2.2 | 50MP f/1.8 | Nubia's wide-angle lens captures sharper and more detailed images. |
| Macro lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | The Redmi has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | Nubia has far superior video recording capabilities with higher resolution, frame rate, and more features. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes, OIS | Nubia offers optical image stabilization (OIS) for smoother, less shaky video footage and improved low-light photos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Nubia runs a newer version of Android with latest features, and better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Nubia supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.4 | Nubia has a newer Bluetooth version with improved performance and features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | More, includes Dual band | Nubia offers more accurate and reliable GPS with support for more satellite systems and frequency bands. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1024 GB | Nubia has significantly more storage for your apps, photos, videos, and files. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 8 GB, 12 GB, 16 GB, 24 GB | Nubia has more RAM, allowing smoother multitasking and running more applications concurrently. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone lets you expand the storage, so pick your internal storage wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Nubia offers better audio with DTS X surround sound and enhanced microphone setup for clearer voice recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 11 has a more advanced fingerprint sensor in the side, improving usability and comfort. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nubia offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity, Gravity, RGB | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra has more standard proximity sensors and enhanced features via other sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Strengths: The Redmi Note 11 4G is a budget-friendly device that offers decent day-to-day performance, a lightweight design, and unique features like reverse charging and a macro lens. It's good for basic tasks, social media, and casual photography.
- Competitive Advantages: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more advanced, and the reverse charging feature lets it act as a power bank for other devices. It offers solid value if you're on a tight budget.
- Limitations: The processor is less powerful, it lacks modern display technology (like AMOLED), and has an older version of Android. Its camera system has a useful macro lens, but lacks a telephoto zoom.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra:
- Strengths: The nubia Z60 Ultra is a high-performance powerhouse with a cutting-edge processor, an excellent AMOLED display, a versatile camera system with a telephoto lens, a large battery, fast charging, and newer software. It's great for gaming, photography, video, and demanding applications.
- Competitive Advantages: The top-tier processor, advanced display, high-resolution camera system with OIS, high-speed charging, and larger battery make it a top performer for most users.
- Limitations: It's significantly heavier and bulkier than the Redmi, and its basic fingerprint sensor is not as advanced as Redmi Note 11 4G. The lack of a dedicated macro lens might be a drawback for close-up photography.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Perfect for those seeking an affordable smartphone for basic tasks.
- Casual users: Suitable for browsing, social media, and light gaming.
- Users who prioritize lightweight devices: Its lighter design is comfortable for extended use.
- Users who need reverse charging: A bonus feature if you have other devices to power on the go.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is best for:
- Power users: Gamers, photographers, and professionals who need top-tier performance.
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Ideal for those who consume a lot of video content and need vibrant displays.
- Users who prioritize future-proofing: A high-end processor and modern software will keep it relevant for longer.
- Users who want the latest technology: Cutting-edge hardware and software features make it an innovative choice.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself to decide between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra:
- What is your budget? If you are on a very tight budget, the Redmi Note 11 4G is a more affordable option and is perfect for daily needs.
- What do you prioritize most? The nubia Z60 Ultra is ideal for high performance and advanced features, while the Redmi Note 11 4G prioritizes affordability and a lighter build.
- What is your primary use case? The Nubia is designed for heavy usage and multimedia creation, while the Redmi is designed for more casual use.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual Daily User: If you mainly use your phone for calls, texts, social media, and basic browsing, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G offers good value for the price.
- Mobile Gamer/Media Enthusiast: For demanding games, video recording/editing, and multimedia consumption, the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is the clear winner.
- Budget-Conscious Photography: While both phones capture good photos, the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra with its versatile triple-camera system, OIS, and better image processing, takes the win.
- Heavy Multitasker/Productivity: The ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra with more RAM and a faster processor is far better for heavy multitasking and running demanding apps.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra, despite the difference in weight and higher cost. Here's why:
- Future-Proofing: As a tech journalist and someone who likes to push their devices, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and its modern features mean that this device will remain powerful and relevant for years. This makes it a good investment compared to the Redmi.
- Performance: The drastic difference in performance is undeniable. From app loading to gaming, the Nubia offers a smoother experience and a faster workflow.
- Display: The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate makes a noticeable difference in day-to-day usage, enhancing the experience for viewing videos or reading content.
- Camera Versatility: The telephoto lens is essential for my photography style, and the addition of OIS will make a significant difference in video quality, allowing me to capture great photos and videos even in challenging conditions.
- Fast Charging and Battery Life: The fast charging capabilities ensure that I can spend less time waiting for my phone to charge and get back to work sooner. The significantly larger battery is also welcome for long trips or work days.
While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is a respectable budget option, the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is on a completely different level. I like the speed, the camera versatility, and the high-end display for all of my use cases.
