Alright, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and Redmi Note 11S 5G, two closely related yet distinctly different smartphones. I'll break down the specs, translate them into real-world experiences, and help you decide which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive table comparing the key specs of these two devices, with a focus on how they translate into your daily usage:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | 163.6 × 75.8 × 8.8 mm | The 11S 5G is noticeably larger and thicker, which might impact one-handed usability and pocket comfort. |
| Weight | 179g | 195g | The 11 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use; the 11S 5G is a bit heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.6" | 11S 5G offers slightly larger screen, better for media consumption, but it's a marginal difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed images. |
| PPI | 409 | 399 | Practically imperceptible difference in pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | 11’s AMOLED screen provides superior blacks, contrast, power efficiency for dark modes and more vivid colors. 11S 5G is an LCD display. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both are smooth, with no difference in scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | 11’s superior brightness makes the screen more readable in direct sunlight, but note the 11S 5G’s brightness data is incomplete. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | 11S 5G’s chipset offers significantly higher performance. Faster app loading, and smoother gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 314,000 | 438,700 | 11S 5G has a considerably higher AnTuTu score suggesting much better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 | 11S 5G’s GPU is more powerful for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity; you can expect similar all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Both charge quickly. |
| Features | Reverse charging | Non-removable | The 11 can be used to reverse charge other devices; the 11S 5G does not have reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Comparable main camera sensors for both. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.4 | 13MP f/2.4 | Similar selfie camera performance on both. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Comparable wide angle lens. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP f/2.4 | None | 11 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode; the 11S 5G does not. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Similar macro lens performance on both. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps | 11S 5G can record at 60fps making videos look smoother; Both support 120fps slow motion. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | 65 (Mobile), 50 (Photo), 83 (Video) | The 11S 5G has a mid range score for photo and video quality; no score is available for the 11. |
| Camera Features | Quad Camera | Triple Camera | The 11 uses a quad camera while the 11S 5G is a triple camera; The 11S 5G has the option of shooting 4K videos, ultra-stable videos and additional camera settings like manual focus, continuous shooting and Panorama. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 11 (No mention of upgrades) | Both have Android 11 with the 11 potentially getting an upgrade to 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, MIMO | 802.11ac | Both with similar Wi-Fi capabilities, 11 additionally supports Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | 11S 5G has the newer Bluetooth 5.1; 11S 5G has APT-x, LDAC and AAC codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | The 11 includes Beidou for location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | 11 offers a higher maximum storage capacity of 256GB. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/6 GB | The 11 offers a greater maximum RAM option of 8 GB. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phones has expandable storage; you're locked to your internal storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | 11S 5G has a superior audio setup, with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio for better sound quality. 11S 5G also has 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both use a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Both have similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity | 11 has an additional gyroscope sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11:
Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen is a major win, offering richer colors, better contrast, and superior visibility under sunlight. This translates to a more enjoyable experience when consuming media and browsing.
- Lighter Build: The lighter weight makes it more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Reverse Charging: This is a handy feature for charging other devices, something that 11S 5G doesn't offer.
- Gyroscope Sensor: This additional sensor is useful for advanced motion tracking and gaming features.
Limitations:
- Weaker Performance: The Snapdragon 680 is not as powerful as the Dimensity 810 found in the 11S 5G. This will be noticeable when playing demanding games or multitasking.
- No 5G Support: If 5G connectivity is essential for you, the 11 is not an option.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G:
Strengths:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Dimensity 810 chipset offers a significant performance boost, leading to smoother gameplay, snappier app loading times, and more efficient multitasking.
- 5G Connectivity: If you want faster mobile data speeds, the 11S 5G is the clear choice.
- Better Audio: Features like Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio provides much richer sound quality and 2 microphones for enhanced audio capturing.
- Camera Features: 11S 5G offers the capability of shooting 4k videos and ultra-stable videos with additional features like manual focus, continuous shooting and panorama.
Limitations:
- IPS LCD Screen: The IPS LCD display, while good, can't match the superior blacks and contrast of the AMOLED screen on the Note 11.
- Heavier and Larger: The larger size and heavier weight make it less comfortable to use for long periods compared to the Note 11.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11:
Best Suited For:
- Users who prioritize a great display quality for media consumption
- Those who prefer lighter phones and value portability.
- Users who are not heavy gamers, and don't require 5G.
Use Cases:
- Daily browsing, social media, and video streaming.
- Casual photography and content creation.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G:
Best Suited For:
- Users who need faster performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Those who want a future-proof 5G phone.
- Users who prioritize superior audio experience.
- Content creators looking for better video recording options.
Use Cases:
- Demanding gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Video recording in 4K or ultra-stable mode and content creation with more features.
- Streaming high-definition content and using data-intensive apps.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three crucial questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If you value vibrant colors, deep blacks and visibility under sunlight, the Redmi Note 11's AMOLED screen is a clear winner. If it's less of a priority, 11S 5G’s IPS LCD will do the job.
- How important is performance? If you're a mobile gamer or someone who needs snappy, efficient multitasking, the 11S 5G's Dimensity 810 chipset is the better choice. If you're mainly using basic apps, then the Redmi Note 11 is acceptable.
- Do you need 5G? If the answer is yes, the 11S 5G is your only choice. If 5G is not a requirement for you, the 11 offers a lighter design and better screen.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual User: If you're mainly browsing, using social media, and watching videos occasionally, and appreciate a good screen, the Redmi Note 11 is a great fit.
- The Mobile Gamer/Power User: If you need speed, enjoy mobile gaming, and want to use resource-intensive apps, the Redmi Note 11S 5G is the way to go.
- The On-the-Go User: If portability is a priority and you prefer a lighter, more comfortable phone, the Redmi Note 11 is preferable.
- The Content Creator: If your focus is on video creation, the 11S 5G is the better choice with 4k video recording options, ultra-stable mode and enhanced camera features.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G. While I appreciate the superior AMOLED screen on the Note 11, the performance jump offered by the Dimensity 810 is too significant to ignore. 5G connectivity is also becoming a must have, and the better audio quality and video recording settings on the 11S 5G make it a more complete package. While it may be slightly heavier and larger, the trade-off is worth it for a much smoother overall user experience. As a tech journalist, I tend to use my phone more intensely with a variety of use cases, so having the extra performance and additional features is crucial.
