Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Asus ROG Phone 8. I'll approach this as if we're sitting down for a chat about what these phones are really like, beyond just the spec sheets.
Smartphone Showdown: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S vs. Asus ROG Phone 8
Here’s a breakdown of these two very different phones, focusing on what matters most to you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at their specs, with a focus on how these numbers impact your daily experience:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9mm | The ROG Phone 8 is noticeably larger and thicker, which can impact one-handed usability and pocket comfort. |
| Weight | 179g | 225g | The Redmi is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.78" | The ROG Phone 8 offers a more immersive viewing experience with its larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp visuals, but the pixel density is slightly higher on the Redmi Note 11S. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 388 | The Redmi Note 11S will look marginally sharper, but both will be quite crisp to the eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 165Hz | The ROG Phone 8 will feel dramatically smoother, especially in gaming and fast scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 2500 nits | The ROG Phone 8 is far better for outdoor use in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G96 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | The ROG Phone 8 has a massively more powerful chipset; it will handle anything you throw at it. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 2,020,000 | The ROG Phone 8 will perform 567% faster than the Redmi, making a noticeable difference in every task. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 750 | The Adreno 750 in the ROG Phone 8 is a high-performance graphics powerhouse for demanding games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.9 | The Redmi Note 11S captures higher resolution images, but the ROG Phone 8 has larger pixel size for better low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 32MP | The ROG Phone 8 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | The Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated wide-angle lens for landscape and group shots. |
| Portrait | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | The ROG Phone 8 has a better macro camera. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | The ROG Phone 8 has a wide angle + Macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | The ROG Phone 8 records dramatically better quality video with more stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | The ROG Phone 8 has a larger battery, which should translate to better battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | The ROG Phone 8 charges much faster, so less time waiting for your phone to power up. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Redmi can be used to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | The ROG Phone 8 provides a more recent Android experience, and it’s expected to receive further updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | The ROG Phone 8 features the latest Wi-Fi technology for significantly faster internet speeds. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | The ROG Phone 8 features newer Bluetooth and provides better quality and more reliable connections. |
| GPS | Basic GPS | Advanced GPS | ROG Phone 8 will have better location accuracy due to more supported satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 256GB | The ROG Phone 8 offers a larger internal storage capacity. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 12GB/16GB | The ROG Phone 8 is better for multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose the variant with enough space for your needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | DTS / DTS X | Both offer stereo speakers; Asus ROG Phone 8 has better surround sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-Mounted | Basic | Redmi Note 11S has a more convenient and faster side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | ROG Phone 8 provides superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Proximity | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S features an advanced Proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Strengths: This phone is designed to offer a good all-around experience at an affordable price point. It has a lighter build, a high-resolution main camera, a dedicated wide-angle lens, and reverse charging. The inclusion of an side-mounted fingerprint scanner is a plus.
- Competitive Advantages: The Redmi Note 11S excels in its price-to-feature balance, it will be significantly cheaper. Its lighter build is a real plus if you prioritize comfort, and the 108MP main camera is capable of taking very detailed pictures.
- Trade-offs: Its processing power is far below that of the ROG phone, its video capabilities are limited, and the screen brightness may not be sufficient in direct sunlight.
Asus ROG Phone 8:
- Strengths: It’s a powerhouse built for high performance. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, 165Hz display, and high refresh rate are all optimized for gaming and heavy-duty tasks. Superior screen protection and impressive audio quality are also huge advantages.
- Competitive Advantages: The ROG Phone 8 is in a different league regarding performance and features, boasting a much more powerful processor, significantly brighter screen, and fast charging. Its advanced video capabilities are a major draw.
- Trade-offs: It's heavier and bulkier, has a considerably higher price tag, and some features like a dedicated wide-angle camera and reverse charging are missing.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is best for:
- Budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks.
- Users who value a comfortable, lightweight design and good photography, specifically high resolution.
- People who need a secondary device that can offer reverse charging.
- Casual gamers or users who aren't too demanding in their performance needs.
Asus ROG Phone 8 is best for:
- Hardcore gamers who need the absolute best performance and smooth display.
- Users who prioritize video recording quality.
- Professionals who need a powerful device for multitasking, including media editing.
- Users who need superior outdoor visibility due to the high screen brightness.
- Users who need the latest in connectivity and software.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these phones:
- What's your budget? If money is a primary concern, the Redmi Note 11S is the far more economical choice. If you can spend more, the ROG Phone 8 is the superior device.
- How do you plan to use your phone? If your primary use is for calls, browsing, social media, and casual gaming, the Redmi Note 11S is sufficient. For heavy gaming, video editing, and demanding apps, the ROG Phone 8 is the clear winner.
- Do you prioritize screen quality? If brightness and refresh rates are critical, especially for outdoor usage or fast-paced gaming, the ROG Phone 8 is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Daily User: If you need a solid phone for daily tasks without breaking the bank, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is the more practical choice.
- Scenario 2: Hardcore Mobile Gamer: The Asus ROG Phone 8 is the only choice if you are serious about mobile gaming. Its gaming-focused features and top-tier performance make it the go-to option.
- Scenario 3: Media Creator/Professional: The Asus ROG Phone 8, with its advanced video capabilities, enhanced display, and processing power, is far better suited for professionals who need top-tier performance.
My Choice:
If it were me choosing, I'd go with the Asus ROG Phone 8. While the price difference is significant, the leap in performance and overall capability is just too much to ignore. As someone who appreciates cutting-edge tech, the ROG Phone 8's blazing-fast processor, buttery smooth display, and excellent video capabilities make it irresistible. The enhanced audio, latest connectivity standards, and impressive screen brightness are all huge draws for me. It might be overkill for some, but for someone who wants the best of the best and to future proof his device, it is the way to go. I also value the extra screen brightness when working in bright sunlight and find it crucial for being able to see details on the screen, and the Redmi doesn't really cut it here. While the Redmi has a few advantages such as a wider camera array and the side-mounted fingerprint sensor, they simply do not outweigh the raw power offered by the ROG Phone.
