Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Asus Zenfone 10. It's a classic case of budget-friendly versus premium compact, so let's see how these two stack up.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specs, focusing on how they translate into real-world usage:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Asus Zenfone 10 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.4 mm | The Zenfone 10 is significantly more compact, better for one-handed use. The Redmi Note 11S is taller and wider. |
| Weight | 179g | 172g | Both phones are lightweight but the Zenfone 10 is a bit lighter and that can be noticeable in long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 5.92" | Redmi Note 11S has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking, while Zenfone 10 is more compact and portable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp and crisp visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 409 ppi | 445 ppi | Zenfone 10 has slightly sharper text and images due to higher density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | The Zenfone 10 provides significantly smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1100 nits | Both phones have very bright screens that can be seen outside, but the Asus will be a bit better. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | The Zenfone 10’s flagship chipset offers significantly faster performance and better efficiency, ensuring smooth and snappy performance for any task. The Redmi Note 11S is aimed at general use, with the occasional hiccup when stressed. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 10 is dramatically faster, translating to quicker app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 740 | Zenfone 10 has a high-end GPU, ideal for advanced gaming and graphics-intensive apps. The Redmi Note 11S will run simpler games well. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | Redmi Note 11S has higher resolution, but Zenfone 10 has larger pixels, often resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" | Zenfone 10 has higher resolution front facing camera, but both will be good in a well-lit environment. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" (also serves as Macro lens) | The Zenfone 10 has one less lens, however the one wide angle has a higher pixel count and can also serve as a macro lens. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | N/A | The Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated depth sensor for portraits. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | N/A | The Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated macro lens, while the Zenfone 10 uses the wide-angle lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS | The Zenfone 10 offers significantly higher quality video recording, suitable for professional content creation. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Gimbal, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), PDAF Omnidericional, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Zenfone 10 camera features are more advanced, including OIS, gimbal and 8k recording capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | Redmi Note 11S has a larger battery, potentially leading to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse Wired | The Redmi Note 11S has slightly faster wired charging, while the Zenfone 10 has the added convenience of wireless charging. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W wireless charging, 5W reverse wired charging | Both have non-removable batteries, but the Asus Zenfone 10 has wireless charging and reverse wired charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Zenfone 10 ships with a newer version of Android, with confirmed updates through Android 15. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | Zenfone 10 has a newer Wi-Fi standard, ensuring faster speeds and better performance in busy networks, as well as access to the 6GHz band. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Zenfone 10 has newer Bluetooth with higher data throughput and lower latency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The Zenfone 10 has better location tracking. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | The Zenfone 10 provides more storage options and a higher ceiling. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/16GB | Zenfone 10 has more RAM, allowing for smoother multi tasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The Zenfone 10 has better audio recording and sound quality due to noise cancelling microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | side-mounted | side-mounted | Both feature side-mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Zenfone 10 offers significantly better scratch and shatter protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Gravity, Hall | The Zenfone 10 has a wider range of sensors, including Proximity, Gravity, and Hall. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Strengths: Large display, large battery capacity, lower price point, dedicated macro and depth cameras.
- Competitive Advantages: Ideal for users who prioritize a big screen, long battery life, and affordability. The added lenses can be attractive for users who want to experiment with the camera more.
- Trade-offs: The performance and camera technology are significantly less advanced compared to the Zenfone 10.
Asus Zenfone 10:
- Strengths: Top-tier performance, high refresh rate, more advanced camera tech, compact size, wireless charging.
- Competitive Advantages: Best suited for power users who value speed, performance, and a high-quality camera, all packed into a compact design.
- Trade-offs: Smaller battery, higher price point, may not be ideal for users who prefer a larger screen.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Ideal User: Students, budget-conscious consumers, and individuals who primarily use their phone for web browsing, social media, and basic apps. Those who like the larger screen for media consumption will find this phone to be a good choice.
- Use Cases: Everyday tasks, social media, occasional gaming, media consumption.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for users who prioritize affordability and a large screen.
Asus Zenfone 10:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, content creators, and anyone who values top-tier performance in a compact design.
- Use Cases: Demanding games, heavy multitasking, professional photography and videography, content creation, media consumption.
- Price-to-Value: Higher cost, but worth it for users who need flagship performance and a high-quality camera in a compact phone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is my primary use case?
- Redmi Note 11S: If you need a reliable device for daily tasks and media consumption.
- Zenfone 10: If you need top-tier performance for gaming, demanding apps, and professional photography.
- How important is portability?
- Redmi Note 11S: If you prefer a large display and don't mind a bigger phone.
- Zenfone 10: If you need a pocketable phone with flagship performance.
- What is my budget?
- Redmi Note 11S: If your budget is tighter and you're looking for the best value.
- Zenfone 10: If you are ready to invest more for top-tier performance, display, and camera technology.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Budget-Conscious Student: You primarily need a phone for social media, research, and occasional streaming. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is an excellent choice due to its larger screen and great battery life.
- Scenario 2: The Mobile Gamer: You want a phone that can handle demanding games with smooth graphics and fast performance. The Asus Zenfone 10 is the clear winner with its superior processor and GPU.
- Scenario 3: The Content Creator: You need a phone with a great camera, advanced video recording capabilities, and a fast processor for video editing. The Asus Zenfone 10 with its 8K recording, optical image stabilization, and flagship performance is the optimal pick.
- Scenario 4: The Daily User: You use your phone for basic daily tasks and occasional media consumption. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is the better option if price is a primary consideration and a larger display is preferred. If you do not mind the more compact phone, the Asus Zenfone 10 is the better option, as the more powerful components will result in a longer lasting phone.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones for myself, I would pick the Asus Zenfone 10. While I appreciate the larger screen and the bigger battery of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S for certain use cases, my focus is on performance. I value a snappy, responsive phone that can handle anything I throw at it and having the smaller size makes it easier to keep in my pocket. The Zenfone 10's flagship chipset, excellent camera features, and higher refresh rate would significantly enhance my daily workflow and enjoyment. The added wireless charging and superior build quality are also big pluses. The slightly higher price is a justified investment for the level of performance and capabilities this phone offers. It's a powerhouse in a compact package, which is exactly what I need.
