Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. We're going to break down the specs, translate them into real-world experiences, and figure out which phone is the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | Zenfone 11 Ultra is larger and bulkier, may be less comfortable for smaller hands or one-handed use. |
| Weight | 179g | 224g | Redmi Note 11 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are typical slab phones, not foldable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.78" | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp visuals at Full HD+ resolution, but the larger screen of the Zenfone makes the difference more visible. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 388 | Redmi Note 11 has slightly sharper text and images, but the difference is minor and likely imperceptible to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks, leading to an excellent viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 11 Ultra delivers smoother scrolling, animations, and more responsive gaming, especially noticeable in fast-paced games. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 2500 nits | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright conditions; content is much easier to see even in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 (6nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a much faster processor and more modern manufacturing, resulting in dramatically better app loading, gaming, and overall system responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 314,000 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 11 Ultra's performance is nearly five times better, making it much more future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 750 | The Zenfone's GPU is much more powerful; you'll notice a huge difference in gaming performance and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5500 mAh | Zenfone 11 Ultra should offer longer battery life due to a larger capacity, although real-world results will vary. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Zenfone 11 Ultra charges much faster, getting you back up and running quickly. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | 15W Wireless, 10W reverse wired | Zenfone 11 Ultra adds wireless charging; both offer reverse charging in different forms. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a larger sensor that captures more light for improved low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.1" | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers higher resolution, while the Redmi offers a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.4 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a dedicated zoom lens, allowing for better zoom shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | 13MP, f/2.2 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a slightly higher-resolution wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | The Redmi has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, which the Zenfone lacks. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | Redmi has a macro lens; the Zenfone does not, so the Redmi might offer superior close-up capabilities. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps etc. | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers superior video quality, stabilization, and slow motion capabilities. |
| DXOMark | N/A | 125 | Zenfone camera is rated by DxOMark, but the Redmi has no rating. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Gimbal, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), PDAF Omnidericional, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | The Zenfone is a clear winner here with Gimbal and OIS stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, up to 13 | Android 14, up to 16 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a more up-to-date OS with extended updates, ensuring longer security and feature updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | Wi-Fi 7 (be) | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers the latest Wi-Fi for faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.4 LE | Zenfone 11 Ultra uses the newest Bluetooth version, which offers better connection quality and battery efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The Zenfone offers a more accurate GPS solution with multiple satellite bands for accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones use dual SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Zenfone offers more storage options for a large media library. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 12GB/16GB | Zenfone 11 Ultra comes with more RAM, providing better multitasking and smoother experience. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res, Noise cancellation, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers superior audio performance, especially with the inclusion of Hi-Res audio playback. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | The Redmi features side-mounted sensor, while the Zenfone features a basic one. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Zenfone 11 Ultra provides better screen protection from scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint; Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | The Zenfone has a more complete sensor suite with additional capabilities. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Strengths:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry.
- Good Display for the Price: Decent AMOLED screen with good color reproduction.
- Lower Cost: Generally more budget-friendly.
- Dedicated Macro and Portrait Camera: Offers better features for specific close up and portrait photos, although the sensor is small.
- Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Strengths:
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers unmatched performance, handling any task with ease, including gaming.
- Superior Display: Larger, brighter, and smoother, making the viewing experience more enjoyable.
- Enhanced Camera System: Better main sensor, telephoto zoom lens, and significantly improved video capabilities.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: Significantly faster charging speeds and convenient wireless charging.
- Future-Proofed: The latest software, connectivity, and hardware, ensuring longevity.
- Hi-Res Audio: Significantly better audio experience through the speaker or headphones.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a reliable device that performs well for daily tasks without breaking the bank.
- Casual Photographers: Good all round main camera, plus dedicated sensors for macro and portrait photography.
- Users Prioritizing Comfort: Those who prefer a lighter and smaller phone for one-handed use.
- Users who don't play complex games: The CPU and GPU will not be able to handle games with complex graphics.
- Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who want the best display and audio experience for watching videos and listening to music.
- Photography Buffs: Those who prioritize camera quality and versatile shooting options.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest and greatest technology, including the newest connectivity options.
- Users with large media files: Offers larger storage options.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
What's your budget? The Redmi Note 11 will likely be much more affordable. If you’re looking for a budget phone, go with the Redmi. If you’re looking for the best specs regardless of the price, choose the Zenfone.
How important is performance? If you need a device that can handle anything you throw at it, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is the clear winner with its higher performance. If you're just checking emails and browsing, the Redmi will be adequate, although the performance will be noticeably slower.
Do you value advanced camera features, higher quality video, and screen quality? If you are going to take lots of pictures or videos, the Zenfone will win, as it offers advanced features and superior image quality. If you need a device to create professional quality content or take advanced photos, the Zenfone will be the device for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is tight, and you need a daily driver: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is a practical and economical choice for everyday use and casual media consumption.
- Scenario 2: Performance is everything, and you want the best tech: Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is the ultimate high-performance device, offering the best experience across all categories, and can handle anything you throw at it.
- Scenario 3: You need a phone that takes great pictures and videos, and the budget is reasonable Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra excels in photography and videography, offering high-quality results with advanced features such as OIS and Gimbal stabilization.
My Choice and Why
Personally, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I value having the latest and greatest technology. The Zenfone offers superior performance with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, an exceptional display with a high refresh rate and brightness, and a more advanced camera system that includes a telephoto lens and stabilization. I also value being able to do more with the phone, with better video recording quality, faster charging, and the inclusion of wireless charging. While the Redmi Note 11 is a solid budget option, the Zenfone 11 Ultra offers so many more upgrades in all key areas. For me, the dramatic improvements in performance, display quality, camera versatility, and future-proofing justify the price difference.
