Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the Huawei nova Y90. I’ve put on my tech detective hat to give you a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of what these phones offer, and more importantly, how they stack up for real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm | The Redmi Note 11 is slightly more compact and thinner, potentially making it more pocketable. The Y90 is noticeably taller and a bit thicker. |
| Weight | 179g | 195g | Redmi Note 11 is significantly lighter making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | The nova Y90 offers a slightly larger display for a more immersive viewing experience, good for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2388 | Both offer a sharp visual experience, fine for everyday tasks. Minor difference that is not noticeable to the eye. |
| PPI | 409 | 391 | Both have similar pixel density, resulting in similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Redmi Note 11's AMOLED panel offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, better power efficiency, and more vibrant colors. The Y90 has an inferior display. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smoother scrolling experience compared to 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 11 provides superior outdoor visibility. The Y90 will struggle in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Both offer comparable performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 314,000 | 249,000 | The Redmi Note 11 scores significantly higher in benchmarks, indicating potentially snappier responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Same GPU, expect similar graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | 50MP (f/1.8) | Both have a decent primary camera that offers good image quality in a variety of conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP (f/2.4, 1/3.1") | 8MP (f/2.0) | The Redmi Note 11 has higher resolution, but the Y90 has a wider aperture which is good in low light, though the difference is marginal. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/4") | None | The Redmi Note 11 offers a wide-angle lens, providing more versatility in your camera capabilities. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5") | None | The Redmi Note 11 has a depth camera, which will improve bokeh quality. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5") | None | The Redmi Note 11 has a dedicated macro lens for those super close-up shots. |
| Other Lenses | None | 2MP Secondary, 2MP Tertiary | The Y90 has secondary and tertiary cameras but their image quality is likely to be limited. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both have similar video recording capabilities; both are suitable for social media videos. |
| Slow Motion | Yes, 120 fps | No, 30 fps | The Redmi Note 11 offers superior slow motion capture quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have comparable battery life for all day use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | The nova Y90 charges slightly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | The Redmi Note 11 can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Unknown | Redmi Note 11 offers a known, open OS. The operating system of the Y90 is not listed. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wifi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support the same common Wi-Fi standards. |
| Wifi Features | Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MIMO | Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | Both offer similar Wi-Fi features. Redmi Note 11 adds Wi-Fi MIMO for potentially more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both support the same Bluetooth standard. |
| Bluetooth Features | A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | A2DP, EDR, LE | Both offer similar Bluetooth features, the Redmi Note 11 has HID (Human Interface Profile) for connecting peripherals such as keyboards or mice. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The nova Y90 supports more satellite systems, potentially improving location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Both offer dual SIM capability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256 GB options | 128 GB | Redmi Note 11 has more storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB options | 4/6/8 GB options | Both provide similar RAM configurations. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | The Redmi Note 11 offers a richer audio experience with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Biometrics | Side Fingerprint sensor | Side Fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The Redmi Note 11's screen has better protection against scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | The Redmi Note 11's gyroscope allows for enhanced motion detection, useful for gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen is a clear winner, offering better colors, contrast, and outdoor visibility compared to the nova Y90's IPS LCD.
- Stronger Performance: The Redmi Note 11 outperforms the Y90 in benchmarks, indicating better responsiveness.
- Versatile Camera System: It includes an ultrawide lens, depth sensor, macro lens, and better slow-motion capabilities, offering more creative options.
- Better Audio: The inclusion of stereo speakers makes it superior for media consumption.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides better scratch resistance.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to charge other devices is a bonus.
- Gyroscope: Adds an additional level of function for gamers.
- More Storage Options: Comes in 64, 128, and 256 GB variants.
Huawei nova Y90 Strengths:
- Slightly Larger Display: The 6.7" display may be preferable for those who like a larger screen size.
- Faster Charging: The 40W fast charging is an advantage for quicker top-ups.
- More Accurate GPS: Supports QZSS for slightly improved location accuracy.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Display Tech: The nova Y90's IPS LCD screen is a significant disadvantage compared to the Redmi Note 11’s AMOLED.
- Camera Versatility: The lack of ultrawide, depth, and macro lens options makes the Y90 less appealing for creative photographers.
- Audio Quality: The absence of stereo speakers on the nova Y90 impacts the audio experience.
- Missing Details: Lack of information regarding the operating system of the Y90 is concerning.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is Ideal for:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize screen quality for watching videos and browsing social media will appreciate the AMOLED display.
- Photography Lovers: The versatile camera setup and additional features make it more appealing for creative photography.
- Everyday Users: Those who need a dependable, smooth experience for daily tasks, without breaking the bank.
- Gamers: The gyroscope adds advanced features.
Huawei nova Y90 is Suitable for:
- Users with Basic Needs: Those who prefer a larger display size and are not very demanding in terms of screen quality and camera versatility.
- Users Who Prioritize Fast Charging: If quick charging is critical, the Y90 is a better fit.
- Users who need accurate GPS: For those who use navigation often.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
How important is screen quality to you? If you prioritize vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good outdoor visibility, the Redmi Note 11 is the clear winner. If you are not very picky and prioritize a larger screen, the Y90 is acceptable.
Do you often take photos? If you enjoy taking a wide variety of pictures (wide, depth, and macro), the Redmi Note 11's quad-camera system is more versatile than the Y90’s camera setup.
How do you value charging speed and battery life? Both have very similar battery life, so it comes down to charging speed. If fast charging is of importance, then Y90 takes the edge.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Budget-Conscious User: If you want the most value for your money and prioritize overall quality, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is the stronger choice.
Casual User: For everyday users who need a reliable phone, both are good options. But again, for a slightly better experience, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is the way to go.
Power User: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 again takes the lead with better overall performance and a richer audio experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would absolutely go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11. The superior AMOLED display alone is a massive advantage, providing a much better viewing experience for daily use and media consumption. The additional camera features, including the wide-angle lens, depth sensor, and macro lens, make it a much more versatile camera system. The reverse charging is a nice bonus, the stereo speakers make the sound much better, the gyroscope makes gaming that much better, and the superior screen protection gives that extra peace of mind. Overall, the Redmi Note 11 offers a more complete and higher-quality experience. While the nova Y90's faster charging and slightly larger screen are nice, they don't outweigh the Redmi Note 11's strengths.
