Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. We’ll break down the tech specs and focus on what these numbers mean for real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a comprehensive look at the key specifications of both phones, with a focus on their practical implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-09 | 2024-01-18 | ROG Phone 8 Pro is significantly newer, with more modern tech. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are typical smartphones, no foldables here. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | ROG Phone 8 Pro is larger, which might be noticeable in hand and pocket. |
| Weight | 179g | 225g | Redmi Note 11 is lighter, more comfortable for long use. ROG Phone 8 Pro is heavier but for a reason. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 8 Pro provides more screen real estate for immersive content viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same FHD+ resolution, meaning sharpness will be similar. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 388 PPI | Redmi Note 11 is negligibly sharper, but it's unlikely to be noticeable in everyday use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have excellent contrast and colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers much smoother animations and scrolling, particularly great for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 2500 nits | ROG Phone 8 Pro is drastically brighter and much more readable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | ROG Phone 8 Pro's processor is vastly more powerful. Expect much faster performance. |
| Antutu Score | 314,000 | 2,020,000 | ROG Phone 8 Pro will handle demanding tasks and gaming with ease; Redmi Note 11 is more basic. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 750 | The ROG Phone 8 Pro offers much higher graphic performance, particularly noticeable in graphically intensive games. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a slightly larger battery for more demanding use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | ROG Phone 8 Pro charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging | None | Redmi Note 11 can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" sensor | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a larger sensor, resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.1" sensor | 32MP, 1/3.2" sensor | ROG Phone 8 Pro has higher resolution but the sensor is slightly smaller, which might affect low light photos slightly. |
| Telephoto | None | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" sensor | ROG Phone 8 Pro has telephoto lens for optical zoom, a big advantage. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" sensor | None | Redmi Note 11 has a dedicated wide-angle lens, good for group shots. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | None | Redmi Note 11 captures depth for portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | None | Redmi Note 11 has a dedicated macro camera for close-ups. |
| Wide+Macro Camera | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3" sensor | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers wide and macro options, with good sensor. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | ROG Phone 8 Pro captures much higher-quality video with advanced stabilization. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers stabilization, smoother videos. |
| Slow-motion | 120fps | 480fps | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers higher slow-motion capabilities. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, Digital zoom, DIS, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection | 4K/8K Video, Digital and Optical zoom, Triple camera, DIS, OIS, Gimbal, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection | ROG Phone 8 Pro has significantly more advanced camera features for enthusiast. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 16) | ROG Phone 8 Pro comes with a much newer version of Android and will likely receive longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | Wi-Fi 7 (be) | ROG Phone 8 Pro supports much faster and more modern Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a newer and more efficient Bluetooth version with superior codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers much more accurate location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support Dual SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256GB | 512GB/1024GB | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers much more storage space, essential for high-res content and games. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 16/24 GB | ROG Phone 8 Pro has much more RAM for smooth multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so pick the configuration with enough storage space. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers better audio quality and recording features. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Redmi Note 11 has side-mounted, a bit better, practical fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | ROG Phone 8 Pro's screen offers much better scratch and drop resistance. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both phones have a comprehensive suite of sensors; Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 additionally features: Ultrasonic proximity virtual; Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro additionally features: Proximity, Gravity; Comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11:
Strengths:
- Lightweight and Comfortable: Its lighter build makes it easier to handle for extended periods.
- Solid Display: The AMOLED screen with 90Hz refresh rate is good for everyday use.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to act as a power bank for other devices is handy.
- Cost-Effective: This phone is budget-friendly and still provides a decent performance.
- Quadruple Camera Setup: Offers variety with its main, wide-angle, depth, and macro lenses.
Limitations:
- Basic Performance: Its Snapdragon 680 chip isn’t great for heavy gaming or demanding tasks.
- Older Software: Comes with Android 11, which may not receive the latest updates as fast.
- Basic Video: It's video capabilities, capped at 1080p, is basic by modern standards.
- Basic Camera Quality: While versatile, its camera quality can't compete with the ROG Phone 8 Pro in most scenarios.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro:
Strengths:
- Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip is a beast, handling anything you throw at it.
- Stunning Display: Larger screen, 165Hz refresh rate, and extremely bright for the best viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Excellent image quality, with a dedicated telephoto lens and 8K video recording.
- Cutting-Edge Features: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and a wide array of sensors enhance connectivity and experience.
- Gaming Powerhouse: This is its primary strength, the phone is built for gaming.
Limitations:
- Heavier and Larger: It is noticeably bigger and heavier, which may not appeal to everyone.
- Higher Price: It comes with a premium price tag.
- Basic Security: The use of basic fingerprint sensor might be a bit of a letdown for a premium smartphone.
- No reverse charging: Lacks reverse charging feature.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a capable phone for everyday tasks without spending a lot.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily browse the web, use social media, and take occasional photos.
- Users Looking for Light Devices: People who prefer a lighter phone that's easier to handle.
- Users who prioritize Battery life: Those who value long battery life
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is best for:
- Hardcore Gamers: Users who want the absolute best gaming performance on a smartphone.
- Power Users: Professionals and enthusiasts who need a phone that can handle multitasking and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value top-quality photos and videos with features like telephoto and 8K recording.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest and greatest technologies, regardless of the cost.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
What's your primary use case?
- If you primarily use your phone for web browsing, social media, and basic photography, the Redmi Note 11 is a good choice.
- If gaming, heavy multitasking, and advanced photography are essential, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is the way to go.
How important is performance?
- For basic usage, the Redmi Note 11's performance is sufficient.
- For demanding tasks, the ROG Phone 8 Pro's performance is far superior.
What’s your budget?
- If your budget is limited, the Redmi Note 11 is more affordable.
- If you're ready to spend more for a premium device, the ROG Phone 8 Pro offers top-tier performance and features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Everyday User on a Budget: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 offers a good balance of features and price for day-to-day tasks.
- For the Gamer: The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is the ultimate gaming phone, providing the performance and features to dominate mobile games.
- For the Mobile Photographer/Videographer: The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro provides top-tier photo and video capabilities with advanced features like optical zoom and 8K video recording.
- For the Tech Enthusiast: The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro offers a cutting-edge device with the newest technology.
My Choice and Why:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro.
Here's why:
- I value performance above all else: As someone who uses a phone for more than just calls and texts, the sheer processing power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is too tempting to pass up. I appreciate smooth multitasking, fast app loading, and the ability to handle any demanding game without a stutter.
- Camera is important to me: I enjoy taking photos and the ROG Phone 8 Pro's camera system, with its larger sensor, telephoto lens, and 8K video capabilities, would give me the quality and flexibility that I need.
- I'm a tech enthusiast: I love having cutting-edge tech in my hands, and the ROG Phone 8 Pro delivers on that front, from its high refresh display to its fast connectivity options.
The price difference is substantial, but for the level of performance and features it offers, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is the clear winner for me. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is a great budget device, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is an entirely different class. It is the go-to option for users who want to have it all, especially when it comes to gaming and performance.
