Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the Asus Zenfone 10. We’re going beyond just specs; we’re figuring out what these numbers mean for your daily grind.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a head-to-head look, with a focus on real-world impact:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | Asus Zenfone 10 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.4 mm | Redmi Note 11 is larger and thinner, while Zenfone 10 is more compact, but thicker. Zenfone 10 is easier for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 179g | 172g | Zenfone 10 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 5.92" | Redmi Note 11 offers more screen real estate, better for media consumption. Zenfone 10 provides a more compact viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp images with identical resolution. |
| PPI | 409 | 445 | Zenfone 10 has a slightly sharper display, with higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED technology for rich colours and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 10 provides much smoother scrolling, gaming experience and animations. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1100 nits | Zenfone 10 offers better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Zenfone 10 is far more powerful; it handles demanding games and heavy multitasking with ease. The Redmi is slower, for basic tasks only. |
| AnTuTu Score | 314,000 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 10 provides significantly better performance in benchmarks for smoother app loading, better gaming and future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 740 | Zenfone 10 provides a much more powerful GPU, better graphics rendering for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | Zenfone 10's larger sensor should mean better low-light performance, and higher details. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.1" | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" | Zenfone 10 offers higher resolution selfies, while the Redmi has a slightly larger sensor with a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | N/A | Redmi Note 11 has a dedicated wide-angle camera. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | N/A | Redmi Note 11 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | N/A | Redmi Note 11 has a dedicated macro lens for close-ups. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | Zenfone 10 has a combined wide-angle/macro lens, more versatile than the Redmi’s separate camera. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Zenfone 10 supports much higher video resolution and quality, with EIS, offers smoother and more detailed videos. |
| OIS | No | Yes | Zenfone 10 has Optical Image Stabilisation for clearer photos and videos, especially in low light. |
| Camera Features | Quad camera | Dual camera | Zenfone 10 features OIS, Gimbal, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), PDAF Omnidericional and RAW support. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | Redmi Note 11 has a larger battery, which might translate to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W | 30W | Redmi Note 11 offers slightly faster wired charging speeds. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W | Zenfone 10 supports wireless charging, convenient if you have a wireless charger. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | 5W wired | Redmi Note 11 allows basic reverse charging to charge other devices. Zenfone 10 provides 5W reverse wired charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 13) | Android 13 (Up to 15) | Zenfone 10 has a more up-to-date Android version with longer software update lifespan. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | Zenfone 10 supports the latest WiFi 7, providing faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | Zenfone 10 features a newer Bluetooth version with enhanced audio features. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Zenfone 10 offers higher storage options, especially if you need space for lots of media. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 8GB/16GB | Zenfone 10 offers more RAM for better multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Zenfone 10 offers a better audio experience, particularly for music playback and calls. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both devices provide convenient fingerprint access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Zenfone 10 offers significantly better scratch resistance and protection. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Strengths:
- Bigger Screen: Ideal for media consumption, browsing, and general use.
- Larger Battery: Longer runtime may appeal to users who prioritize battery life.
- Lower Price: Generally more affordable, great for budget-conscious users.
- Dedicated Additional Cameras: Macro and depth cameras provide additional flexibility.
Asus Zenfone 10 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: A top-tier chipset offers significantly better overall speed and gaming capabilities.
- Advanced Display: The 144Hz refresh rate and higher brightness offer a noticeably superior visual experience.
- Better Cameras: Larger main sensor, superior video features, OIS, and better selfie camera.
- Latest Software and Connectivity: Newer Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 7, and more up-to-date Android versions
- Compact and Lightweight: Smaller form factor makes it easier to handle and carry around.
- Premium Audio Quality: Hi-Res audio, noise cancellation, making it better for music playback and clearer calls.
- Superior Build Quality: Better screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus
Trade-Offs:
- Redmi Note 11: Sacrifices performance for affordability and a larger screen. The camera is much more basic compared to Zenfone 10.
- Asus Zenfone 10: Higher price point, slightly smaller screen, and smaller battery capacity.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for essential smartphone functionality without breaking the bank.
- Casual users: Great for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming.
- Users who prioritize battery life: The larger battery provides extended runtime.
- Users who prefer larger screens: Ideal for media consumption and comfortable viewing.
- Photography Beginners: Those looking to experiment with a range of photo modes and cameras without the need for professional quality.
Asus Zenfone 10 is best for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Demanding users who need a powerful phone for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Photography and Videography: Users who want excellent image and video quality with advanced features.
- Users who want a small and compact phone: Those who prefer a small phone for easy one-handed use and pocketability.
- Tech Savvy users: Those who want the latest features such as Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3.
- Music Lovers: The Hi-Res Audio and noise cancellation makes it ideal for those who prioritize high quality music and call quality.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to consider:
- What is your main use case? (Casual use vs. performance-heavy activities)
- How much are you willing to spend? (Budget vs. top-tier performance)
- Which factors matter the most? (Battery life, screen size, camera quality, or overall performance)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget User: If you primarily use your phone for calls, messaging, and basic browsing, and your budget is limited, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is the more sensible choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance Gamer: If you play demanding games and need smooth performance, the Asus Zenfone 10 is the only viable option.
- Scenario 3: Photo Enthusiast: For better camera performance, including better quality in low light and the latest image processing technology, the Asus Zenfone 10 wins due to its better main camera sensor, OIS, and video capabilities.
- Scenario 4: Multimedia Consumption: If your main focus is media consumption and browsing and you want a larger screen and decent battery life with an affordable price, then Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is the phone to choose.
- Scenario 5: Compact User: For those that prefer a small compact phone with great performance and high quality camera, Asus Zenfone 10 is the ideal choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd go for the Asus Zenfone 10. Here's why:
As an engineer and tech journalist, performance is crucial for my daily tasks. I often multitask, run heavy apps, and play demanding games during my free time. The Zenfone 10's top-tier processor, coupled with its high refresh rate display, ensures a smooth and responsive experience, which is vital for both my work and entertainment. The camera is also superior, and my work often requires me to capture high-quality photos and videos for reviews. While the battery is smaller, the superior performance and camera features make the trade-off worthwhile. The Zenfone 10 is also compact which is very comfortable to carry around in comparison to the bigger Redmi Note 11.
While the Redmi Note 11 is a solid device for the price, its performance limitations wouldn't meet my daily demands, and its camera falls short in various aspects compared to Zenfone 10. Therefore, for the best overall experience with a focus on performance, camera, and premium build, the Asus Zenfone 10 is the clear winner.
