Alright, let's break down these two contenders, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the Motorola Moto G04s. I'll put my tech journalist hat on and give you a clear, insightful comparison, focusing on what these specs mean for real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, including their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm | The Moto G04s is slightly taller, but both are similar in width and thickness, making them comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 179g | 178.8g | Essentially the same weight; both feel reasonably light in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.56" | The Moto G04s has a slightly larger screen, which might be preferable for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1612 | The Redmi Note 11 offers a significantly sharper display with much higher pixel density (123.3% more pixels), resulting in more detailed images and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 269 | Redmi Note 11's higher PPI translates to crisper images, less pixelation, and a better viewing experience overall. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Redmi Note 11’s AMOLED panel offers richer blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors compared to the Moto G04s's IPS LCD panel. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations feel fluid. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | The Redmi Note 11 is much brighter and offers much better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 (6nm) | Unisoc T606 (12nm) | The Redmi Note 11's Snapdragon chipset is faster and more efficient than the Moto G04s's Unisoc chip, offering better overall performance and responsiveness for demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 314,000 | 220,000 | Redmi Note 11's 43% higher AnTuTu score indicates noticeably better performance in general usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The Redmi Note 11's GPU has better gaming potential with smoother, faster graphics rendering. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both devices offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life during standard usage. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 15W fast charging | The Redmi Note 11 charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime and keeping the device ready to go. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | The Redmi Note 11 can be used to charge other devices, which is a great handy feature. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Comparable main camera hardware with the same sensor, so image quality should be relatively similar. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.2 | The Redmi Note 11 has a higher-resolution front camera (13MP vs 5MP), which is great for detailed selfies and video calls. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | N/A | The Redmi Note 11 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in each shot. |
| Portrait (Depth) Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The Redmi Note 11 has a depth sensor, improving the quality of bokeh in portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The Redmi Note 11's macro lens lets you capture small objects in detail. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No stabilization | 1080p@30fps, Yes stabilization | Both record 1080p video but the Motorola has video stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 | The Moto G04s ships with a newer version of Android, offering potential for longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Dual band, MiMO | Dual band | Both offer dual-band Wi-Fi, but the Redmi Note 11 has additional Wi-Fi MiMO for enhanced performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE, EDR, HID | 5.0, LE | Both offer Bluetooth 5.0 with LE, with the Xiaomi additionally offering EDR and HID for enhanced audio and device pairing. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256GB | 64/128/256GB | Both offer similar storage options; plenty of space for apps, media and files for most users. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 4GB | Redmi Note 11 has more RAM options, especially the 8GB variant, offering better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so you are limited to the internal storage you get. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos | The Redmi Note 11 has stereo speakers for more immersive audio, while the Moto G04s has Dolby Atmos audio enhancement. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both provide convenient and secure fingerprint authentication. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Both devices use Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection, providing good scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | The Redmi Note 11 offers a slightly more comprehensive sensor suite, including a compass, and virtual ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
- Strengths: Superior display quality (AMOLED, higher resolution, and brightness), better performance thanks to the Snapdragon chip, faster charging, more versatile camera system (with wide angle and macro), better audio with stereo speakers, and more RAM options (up to 8GB) for smoother multitasking.
- Competitive Advantages: The AMOLED screen is a significant win for vibrant visuals and great outdoor visibility. The processing power makes this phone faster and more responsive in day to day usage.
- Trade-offs: It runs an older Android version out of the box (11), although it can be upgraded to 13.
Motorola Moto G04s
- Strengths: Ships with a newer Android OS (14), offers a slightly larger screen, has video stabilization, and good audio enhancement with Dolby Atmos.
- Competitive Advantages: The newer Android version provides a more up-to-date user interface and potential for longer software support.
- Trade-offs: The display is lower resolution and brightness, the performance is not as snappy, the camera system is less versatile and lacks multiple lenses, and the charging is significantly slower.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
- Best for: Users who prioritize display quality (better outdoor visibility is a big plus!), performance, and faster charging. This is a great option for media consumption, gaming, and users who juggle multiple apps. The added wide-angle and macro cameras can be a big win for people who enjoy experimenting with phone photography.
- Use Cases: Ideal for daily multimedia consumption (movies, social media), moderate gaming, and photography. Great for people who want a fast and smooth experience.
Motorola Moto G04s
- Best for: Users who want a more affordable option with the latest Android software and value video stabilization for capturing videos. The larger screen is good for basic media consumption.
- Use Cases: A solid choice for users focused on basic smartphone tasks (calls, social media, email), casual media consumption, and good software support. It's a budget-friendly phone, and will suit someone who wants to save money without making too many compromises.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is display quality and brightness to you? If you regularly watch videos, play games, or use your phone outdoors, the Redmi Note 11’s AMOLED panel is worth the investment.
- Do you need a fast and responsive phone? If you value snappy performance and multitasking capabilities, the Redmi Note 11's Snapdragon 680 chip is the clear winner.
- How important is camera versatility? The Redmi Note 11's additional wide-angle and macro lenses give you more creative freedom.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Mobile Gamer/Media Enthusiast: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is the better choice because of its superior display, better performance, and faster charging.
- The Budget-Conscious User: The Motorola Moto G04s is a solid choice if you prioritize a modern Android OS and video stabilization at a more affordable price point.
- The Everyday User: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 provides a more well-rounded experience, with better features in every category, offering more value for the money.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11. The superior AMOLED display is a game-changer for me – the contrast, vibrant colors, and excellent outdoor visibility make a big difference in daily use. Combine that with faster performance due to the Snapdragon chip and significantly faster charging, and it easily wins. Although the Motorola ships with a newer Android version, the Redmi Note 11's overall advantages in display, performance, and camera versatility make it the better option for my personal use. While the Motorola G04s has merits for its lower price and newer software, the Redmi Note 11 delivers a more premium, and all around better experience which is what I value most in a phone.
