Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the Motorola Moto G35. It’s always fun when we get to pit two solid contenders against each other, each with their unique strengths and quirks. As always, we’ll be focusing on what these specs mean for you, the user, and not just the numbers on a spec sheet.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key specifications, along with how they translate to real-world use:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | G35 is taller and wider, Note 11 is slightly thicker; Consider hand size and pocket fit. |
| Weight | 179g | 188g | Note 11 is a bit lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.72" | Moto G35 offers more screen real estate for immersive viewing, Note 11 more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharpness is identical; both provide a detailed visual experience. |
| PPI | 409 | 392 | Both displays are sharp, with no significant difference in pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, plus superior power efficiency for dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G35 delivers smoother scrolling and animations thanks to the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1000 nits | Both are bright enough for outdoor visibility in most conditions |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 (6nm) | Unisoc T760 (6nm) | Moto G35’s chipset edges out the Note 11 with higher benchmark scores, resulting in snappier performance in apps and games |
| AnTuTu Score | 314,000 | 423,297 | Moto G35 generally performs better in everyday tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 | Different GPUs; Moto G35’s Mali-G57 scores higher in benchmarks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both perform similarly in good light; Same sensor for both phones. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Moto G35 offers higher resolution selfies but Note 11 has a slightly wider aperture, but negligible in practice |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both have the same wide angle; Performance should be identical. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP | - | Note 11 has an extra lens for depth information for better portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | - | Note 11 has an extra lens for macro shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps & 1080p@30fps | Moto G35 can record in 4K, providing more detail and flexibility in editing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity means similar daily endurance; both will generally last a full day of use for most users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Note 11 charges much faster, reducing downtime; significantly better for quick top-ups. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Moto G35 comes with a more modern version of Android, often offering better security, performance, and features |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, MiMO | 802.11ac, No MiMO | Both offer solid Wi-Fi but Note 11 has Wi-Fi MiMO, which can improve speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 (LE, EDR, HID, A2DP) | 5.0 (LE, A2DP, SBC, AAC) | Similar Bluetooth functionality, but they support different audio codecs, with Note 11 having more variety. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Moto G35 has better location accuracy with QZSS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Moto G35 supports eSIM for greater flexibility when switching carriers |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both provide ample storage, with similar max capacity. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 4/8GB | Similar multitasking ability in most use cases. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G35 offers a better audio experience due to the Dolby Atmos integration. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer convenient and reliable fingerprint authentication. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Both have the same screen protection; moderate level of scratch and impact resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Suite | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Both are comprehensive for daily use; Note 11 has more advanced virtual proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11:
- Strengths: The Redmi Note 11 boasts a stunning AMOLED display, which is a clear win for media consumption. It also has a much faster charging system at 33W, and additional camera sensors for portrait and macro shots. The device's slightly more compact dimensions may appeal to some users. The inclusion of features like reverse charging could be beneficial for sharing power with other devices.
- Trade-offs: It has an older processor and is slightly less powerful than the G35, and runs an older version of Android.
Motorola Moto G35:
- Strengths: The Moto G35 has a more modern processor, leading to higher benchmark scores, a higher refresh rate for smoother scrolling, and supports 4K video recording. It has the most recent version of Android 14. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and two microphones enhances the audio experience and call quality. Finally it has the addition of an eSIM and QZSS which enhance connectivity features.
- Trade-offs: The Moto G35 uses an IPS LCD display, which doesn’t offer the same vibrancy and deep blacks as an AMOLED. The charging speed is also slower, and lacks reverse charging, as well as the additional macro and depth sensors.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11:
- Ideal User: This phone is great for users who prioritize display quality for media consumption and speedy charging. It’s also suitable for photographers who like to experiment with macro and portrait shots, or for those that use their phone as a power bank.
- Use Case: Streaming videos, browsing social media, taking a variety of photos, and quickly topping up the battery.
Motorola Moto G35:
- Ideal User: Best for users who want a more responsive experience and are interested in content creation, or require the benefits of the latest version of Android. It will also benefit those who frequently use location-based apps.
- Use Case: Playing games, recording videos, navigating and multitasking between different apps, as well as making calls with better voice capture.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Do you prioritize screen quality or overall performance? If vibrant colors and deeper blacks matter most, choose the Note 11. If you want a more responsive phone, choose the G35.
- How much do you value fast charging and video recording quality? For super fast charging and more variety in camera, choose Note 11. Choose the G35 if you want to shoot in 4k.
- Do you prefer a compact phone or do you prefer a larger screen? For a more compact phone, choose Note 11. If you prefer more screen real estate, choose the G35.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Media Enthusiast: If you love watching movies and videos on your phone, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 will be your best bet thanks to its superior display.
- The Gamer/Power User: For smoother operation and more responsive performance, you should lean towards the Motorola Moto G35.
- The Everyday User: For a well-rounded device that balances screen quality and performance, with more camera variety, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is the better choice.
- The Photographer/Videographer: For 4k video recording, Motorola Moto G35. For more camera sensors, go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11.
- The Future-Proof User: The Motorola Moto G35, with Android 14, is more likely to be supported and receive updates over time.
My Choice:
If it were my money on the line, I'd probably choose the Motorola Moto G35, and here's why. While the AMOLED screen on the Redmi Note 11 is very enticing, the fact that the Moto G35 is newer, has a better performing chipset and features the latest version of Android, as well as 4K video recording, tips the scale in its favor for me. I also value the increased refresh rate for better overall user experience, and the inclusion of Dolby Atmos for an enhanced audio experience.
Ultimately, both are excellent phones and will serve the average user perfectly well, but for me, the Moto G35 hits all the right notes.
