Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. These two phones are targeted at different audiences, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses is key to making an informed choice. I'll break it down with my usual blend of technical precision and real-world insights.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these devices stack up, with a focus on how the specs translate to user experience:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm, 179g | 164 × 76.4 × 8.9 mm, 229g | The Redmi Note 11 is lighter and more compact, better for one-handed use. The Red Magic 9S Pro is bulkier and heavier, designed for gaming. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, neither are foldable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.8" | The Red Magic 9S Pro has a larger screen, ideal for immersive gaming and media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1116x2480 | The Red Magic 9S Pro has a slightly sharper display. |
| PPI | 409 | 400 | Both offer similar pixel density, resulting in a crisp display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Red Magic 9S Pro has a smoother display, enhancing the experience when scrolling or playing fast paced games. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | The Redmi Note 11 has better brightness, making it more visible in bright sunlight, while the Red Magic 9S Pro specs don't list this, which is very odd. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The Red Magic 9S Pro’s chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster performance across all tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 314,000 | 2,369,542 | The Red Magic 9S Pro is roughly 7.5x faster than the Redmi Note 11. Massive leap in performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 750 | The Red Magic 9S Pro's GPU is far more capable, providing better gaming experience and faster graphics rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.57", 1.00µm | The Red Magic 9S Pro has a larger sensor and larger pixel size leading to potentially better low-light performance and overall picture quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.0, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | The Red Magic 9S Pro offers a wider aperture and slightly higher resolution leading to better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | The Red Magic 9S Pro has a much higher resolution wide angle lens, which provides far more detail in wide shots. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | None | The Redmi Note 11 has a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Both devices have comparable macro lens cameras. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No stabilization | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, Yes stabilization | The Red Magic 9S Pro has significantly better video recording capabilities and stabilization, allowing for professional video content creation. |
| Features | Quadruple camera | Triple camera, 4K/8K Video, OIS, Gimbal, Under display camera | The Red Magic 9S Pro has higher-end video features like OIS, gimbal, and 8K recording. Redmi Note 11 has a depth sensor and is a quadruple setup. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6500mAh | The Red Magic 9S Pro offers a larger battery and theoretically better battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | The Red Magic 9S Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Non-removable | The Redmi Note 11 supports reverse charging, handy for powering other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (max 13) | Android 14 | The Red Magic 9S Pro has a newer operating system with better features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11be (WiFi 7) | The Red Magic 9S Pro has superior Wi-Fi supporting newer standards that are faster, more stable and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | The Red Magic 9S Pro has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The Red Magic 9S Pro has better location tracking thanks to more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | The Red Magic 9S Pro comes with more internal storage, ideal for gamers. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 12/16 GB | The Red Magic 9S Pro has significantly more RAM for better multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither of them supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | The Red Magic 9S Pro has better audio thanks to the implementation of DTS / DTS X and a three microphone setup. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | The Redmi Note 11 uses a side mounted sensor that tends to be faster and more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Red Magic 9S Pro has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 has an ultrasonic virtual proximity sensor. ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro has a normal proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Strengths:
- Lightweight and Compact: Easier to handle for one handed use and everyday tasks.
- Good Display Brightness: 1000 nits is a big plus for outdoor visibility, especially in sunlight.
- Reverse Charging: Handy for sharing power with other devices.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint: Typically faster and more convenient than a rear-mounted sensor.
- Budget-Friendly: Generally more affordable, representing better value for basic users.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro Strengths:
- Exceptional Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset blows the Redmi Note 11 out of the water, making it ideal for gaming.
- High Refresh Rate Display: 120Hz is superior for gaming, leading to a much smoother visual experience.
- Advanced Camera Features: 8K video recording, optical image stabilization and wide-angle lens.
- Large Battery and Fast Charging: 6500 mAh battery paired with 80W charging, minimizing down time and maximizing up time.
- Superior Connectivity: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.2 offer much faster and stable connections.
- More Storage and RAM: Ideal for gaming, running multiple apps and storing tons of media.
- Premium Audio: Enhanced sound for better gaming and media consumption.
Trade-Offs and Limitations:
- Redmi Note 11: Significantly weaker performance, weaker camera and standard connectivity, not suitable for resource-intensive tasks, gaming or professional content creation.
- Red Magic 9S Pro: Bulkier and heavier than the Redmi Note 11, missing some convenient features like reverse charging, and no brightness stated. It is not budget friendly.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is Best For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a reliable, everyday smartphone at a lower price point.
- Basic Users: Individuals who prioritize web browsing, social media, and casual photography.
- Users Preferring Lighter Phones: People who value a comfortable, compact design.
Use Cases: Everyday web browsing, social media, casual photography, basic productivity tasks.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro is Best For:
- Gamers: Those who need top-tier performance, fast refresh rate displays, advanced connectivity and long lasting batteries.
- Power Users: Individuals who require maximum performance for multitasking and resource-intensive applications.
- Content Creators: Those who prioritize high-quality video recording and advanced camera features.
Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, professional content creation, intensive multitasking, multimedia consumption.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
How important is performance for you?
- If basic tasks suffice: The Redmi Note 11 is a good budget-friendly option.
- If you're into gaming or power-intensive apps: The Red Magic 9S Pro is the only logical choice.
How much do you value a high-quality camera system?
- If you only take casual pictures: The Redmi Note 11 can get the job done.
- If you need high-quality photos and videos: The Red Magic 9S Pro is clearly superior.
What are your portability needs?
- If you value a lightweight and compact device: The Redmi Note 11 is more convenient.
- If you don't mind a larger phone for the advantages it offers: The Red Magic 9S Pro is the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You need a cheap smartphone that can handle basic daily tasks.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is the more logical choice.
- Scenario 2: You are an avid mobile gamer and need the absolute best performance and display.
- Recommendation: ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro, hands down.
- Scenario 3: You’re a content creator that needs to take high quality photos and videos and want a high-end smartphone with decent battery.
- Recommendation: ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro would provide the best quality and tools for your needs.
My Choice
If I were buying a phone today between these two, I'd absolutely go with the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. My needs generally lean towards high performance for running demanding apps and occasional gaming. While I appreciate the practical aspects of the Redmi Note 11, like its lighter weight and reverse charging, the sheer power and the significantly better screen, camera and battery of the Red Magic 9S Pro are just too compelling to ignore. The difference in overall performance and future proofing is huge, the camera is significantly better and I can see my own personal requirements better fulfilled by this device.
