Alright, let's dive into this head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. These two phones occupy different niches in the market, and understanding their specs and how they translate to real-world use is crucial.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | Motorola Edge 30 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 163.1 x 76 x 8.8 mm | Edge 30 Pro is larger and thicker; Note 11 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 179g | 196g | Note 11 is lighter, easier to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | Edge 30 Pro offers more screen real estate for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both have a sharp and detailed display. |
| PPI | 409 | 393 | Very similar pixel density, both will appear crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; negligible practical difference for most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Edge 30 Pro provides noticeably smoother scrolling, animations, and better gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Note 11 is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The '0 nits' for the Edge 30 Pro likely means this spec was not tested, but that is not realistic. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Edge 30 Pro is significantly faster for demanding tasks, gaming and multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 314,000 | 1,061,400 | Edge 30 Pro has a HUGE advantage in raw performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 730 | Edge 30 Pro excels in gaming performance and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4800 mAh | Note 11 has a slightly larger battery, potential for slightly longer battery life under similar conditions. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | Edge 30 Pro charges significantly faster, a big plus for those on the go. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Reverse Charging, 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse Wireless | Edge 30 Pro offers wireless charging which is a major plus. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | Edge 30 Pro captures more light and detail due to its larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.1" | 60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Edge 30 Pro takes much higher-resolution selfies with a slightly wider aperture and larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | None | Note 11 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for broader perspectives. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both perform similar depth sensing for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | Note 11 offers a dedicated macro lens for extreme close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle+Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | Edge 30 Pro has a versatile combo lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps; No EIS | Up to 8K with HDR/EIS | Edge 30 Pro records much higher quality videos with advanced features. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | Not Tested | 101 | Motorola Edge 30 Pro is much better camera. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Max 13) | Android 12 (Max 13) | Edge 30 Pro ships with a more recent OS version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Edge 30 Pro has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Edge 30 Pro offers better audio quality and range with newer Bluetooth. |
| GPS | Standard | Standard with L1+L5 | Edge 30 Pro provides better accuracy due to dual-frequency support |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Edge 30 Pro has a higher storage option available. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Edge 30 Pro provides better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device provides expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Mics | Edge 30 Pro offers enhanced audio experience with better spatial audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint | side-mounted fingerprint | Both offer similar biometric security; basic for day to day security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Similar level of screen protection. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11:
Strengths: Its main strengths lie in its lighter design, higher brightness display (making it great for outdoor visibility), and competitive camera features for its price. The slightly larger battery is another plus for those that need maximum battery life. It's geared toward users who prioritize battery life, affordability, and a lighter form factor.
Tradeoffs: The Redmi Note 11 has a significantly less powerful processor, less RAM, and slower charging. The video recording capabilities are much more limited than the Edge 30 Pro and is missing advanced camera features such as OIS.
Motorola Edge 30 Pro:
Strengths: The Edge 30 Pro is a performance beast with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, 144Hz display, faster charging, wireless charging, and superior camera capabilities (including 8K video). It excels in intensive tasks like gaming, video recording, and multitasking.
Tradeoffs: It is larger, heavier, and does not have a wide-angle or dedicated macro lens. Also, the practical brightness of the display needs confirmation.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11:
- Best For: Budget-conscious users, everyday users who prioritize battery life, and those who need a device that is comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Use Cases: Daily social media browsing, basic photography, casual gaming, streaming videos, and as a reliable secondary device.
Motorola Edge 30 Pro:
- Best For: Power users, gamers, content creators, and anyone who needs a top-tier device with the best performance.
- Use Cases: Professional photography and videography, mobile gaming, video editing, running resource-intensive applications, and anyone who desires a fast, cutting-edge smartphone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
Do you need top-tier performance? If your focus is on raw speed and performance for gaming, video editing, or running resource-intensive apps, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro is the clear choice.
Is battery life or portability more important? If you value a phone that’s easy to hold, and the longest possible battery life, the Redmi Note 11 is better. It's also better for outdoor use with its brighter display.
How important is the camera? If you need professional grade photos and video recording with advanced features, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro is better. If you need the most versatile lens setup including wide angle and macro lenses, the Redmi Note 11 is better.
Which phone would I choose and why?
If I had to pick one, I'd go with the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. As a tech journalist and mobile analyst, I value the cutting-edge performance the most. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, the 144Hz display, and the superior camera capabilities are compelling. I often use my phone for tasks like mobile gaming, video recording, and multitasking between several apps; The Edge 30 Pro's additional features like wireless charging, better audio, and the dual frequency GPS make it the clear winner for me. The Redmi Note 11 is a great budget friendly device, but it doesn't match my demands for a device with top-of-the-line features.
