Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the ZTE Blade A75 4G. Both phones aim for the budget-conscious market, but they have key differences that cater to different user needs. Here's a breakdown to help you decide which one might be right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | ZTE Blade A75 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 164.1 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm | The ZTE is slightly taller, wider, and thicker, making the Xiaomi more pocketable. The ZTE has a larger overall volume and feels bulkier |
| Weight | 179g | 189g | Xiaomi is 10g lighter, making it a bit more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.6" | ZTE provides slightly more screen real estate for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1612 | Xiaomi's display will be noticeably sharper with much better text clarity, video, and image quality compared to the ZTE. |
| PPI | 409 | 267 | Xiaomi's higher pixel density leads to clearer and more detailed visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi's AMOLED offers vibrant colors, deeper blacks, better contrast, and is more energy-efficient, especially with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi offers much better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight due to its significantly higher brightness capability. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 (6nm) | Unisoc T606 (12nm) | Xiaomi’s 6nm chip provides better performance and power efficiency compared to the 12nm Unisoc chipset in the ZTE. |
| AnTuTu Score | 314,000 | 240,000 | Xiaomi will have slightly faster app loading and smoother overall operation. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Xiaomi’s Adreno 610 offers slightly better graphics performance than ZTE's Mali-G57 for games and apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both should offer similar battery endurance for a full day of typical usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges faster, getting you back up and running more quickly. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Xiaomi can charge other devices wirelessly and it's very convenient. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Both offer good detail for daily photos, but the Xiaomi has better sensor data. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.4 | 8MP | Xiaomi takes higher-resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | None | Xiaomi offers more versatility for wider shots. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi has better portrait mode with depth sensing. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi has dedicated macro camera for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 120fps Slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, 30fps Slow-mo | Both phones record clear HD video but Xiaomi's slow-motion is capable of more frames. |
| Features | Quad Camera, Night Mode | Dual Camera, Panorama, PDAF | Xiaomi’s quad-camera system provides more photography options but ZTE has phase detection autofocus for faster focusing. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | ZTE offers a more recent Android version out of the box, but both will likely be very similar after upgrading Xiaomi's device to Android 13 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11ac | Both have great speeds but Xiaomi has slightly better coverage with Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 (LE, EDR, HID) | 5.0 (LE, A2DP) | Xiaomi has more features with Bluetooth for a richer set of connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Same | Both offer reliable location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both can use two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both have enough space, but Xiaomi has a lower storage option for users on a strict budget. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | 4GB or 8GB | Both offer good options for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, so it's important to choose the right internal size from the beginning |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | DTS/DTS X | Xiaomi has a better audio with separation of left and right channels for a more immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | Both provide fast and convenient biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi's screen is more resistant to scratches and minor damage. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Xiaomi has more sensors with a Compass and Virtual Proximity sensor while ZTE has a physical proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11:
- Strengths: Superior display with AMOLED technology, sharper resolution, and higher brightness, a more powerful Snapdragon processor for smoother performance, faster charging, versatile camera system with wide angle, depth, and macro lenses, and better audio with stereo speakers. It also has reverse charging and a more feature-rich Bluetooth connection.
- Competitive Advantages: The AMOLED display, better performance and faster charging.
- Trade-offs: Slightly older operating system out of the box (though it can be upgraded to Android 13).
ZTE Blade A75 4G:
- Strengths: More recent Android version out of the box, slightly larger display (though not as sharp or vibrant), and phase detection autofocus on the camera.
- Competitive Advantages: Newer Android OS out of the box.
- Trade-offs: Lower screen resolution and brightness, less powerful processor, and the lack of a versatile camera system, slower charging, and no reverse charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11: Ideal for users who prioritize a vibrant, high-quality display for media consumption, gamers seeking a smoother experience, and anyone who needs a versatile camera system. The faster charging and reverse charging are also useful for power users.
- ZTE Blade A75 4G: Suitable for users who need the latest Android out of the box and are okay with basic display and performance. It is a budget-friendly option that prioritizes the most recent software version.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If you watch a lot of videos or play mobile games, the Xiaomi's AMOLED display is a clear winner with sharper resolution, better colors, and brightness.
- Do you prefer a more powerful device or the latest OS? If your priority is smoother performance for everyday use and gaming, the Xiaomi's Snapdragon processor is the way to go. If you prefer a newer OS right out of the box with less focus on performance, the ZTE is better.
- How important are versatile camera options? If you value having a wide-angle lens, depth sensor, and macro lens, the Xiaomi will be better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
For the Casual User: If you're mainly browsing, checking social media, and using basic apps, the ZTE Blade A75 4G is a budget friendly option. However, keep in mind the difference in display quality.
For the Media Consumer: If you love watching videos or playing games, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11’s AMOLED display, faster chip, and better audio make it a much better choice.
For the Photography Enthusiast: The Xiaomi's versatile camera system with multiple lenses provides more creative freedom and a better picture quality.
What I Would Choose and Why
Given these differences, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11. While the ZTE Blade A75 4G has the appeal of a newer Android version, the practical user experience of the Redmi Note 11 is far superior. The vibrant AMOLED display, coupled with a much better performance and faster charging, makes a significant difference in daily usage. I also find the wide-angle, macro, and depth cameras provide more creative options. As someone who consumes a lot of media and appreciates smooth performance, the Xiaomi offers a more satisfying overall experience. Yes, it doesn't have the latest Android OS out of the box, but the upgrade is available, and the performance and quality of the screen are hard to overlook. In my opinion, the Xiaomi offers the better value for the money.
