Alright, let's break down the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. I've got my engineering hat on, ready to dive into the nitty-gritty and, more importantly, translate these specs into what they mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table outlining the key specs and their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-09 | 2024-04-14 | The Zenfone 11 Ultra is significantly newer, meaning more up-to-date tech and software. |
| Size | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Zenfone is larger, could be less comfortable in small hands or pockets. |
| Weight | 179g | 224g | Redmi is much lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.78" | Zenfone has a larger screen, great for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same resolution, so sharpness should be similar despite different sizes. |
| PPI | 409 | 388 | Redmi has a slightly higher pixel density, which might translate to slightly sharper text and images on a smaller screen. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant AMOLED displays, great for colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone's higher refresh rate means smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in games. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 2500 nits | Zenfone is dramatically brighter, making it much better for outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Zenfone uses a much more powerful, more modern, and energy-efficient chip, leading to much faster performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone is more than 4x faster than the Redmi, translating to much smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 750 | Zenfone's GPU is significantly more capable, offering much better graphics for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.70µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | Redmi has a higher resolution sensor. Zenfone has larger pixel size for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.00µm | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2", 0.70µm | Zenfone has a higher resolution sensor. Redmi has a wider aperture and larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.70µm | Zenfone includes a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots, something Redmi lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Zenfone offers a higher-resolution wide-angle lens for better landscape and group shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP Depth Sensor | N/A | Redmi has a depth sensor for portraits, which can help with better bokeh effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP Macro Lens | N/A | Redmi has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, something the Zenfone lacks. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, etc. | Zenfone offers significantly superior video capabilities, including 8K recording, HDR, and better stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 125 (Mobile) | The Zenfone has a respectable DXOMark score, indicating a good overall camera experience. |
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom, Quadruple Camera, DIS | Digital Zoom, Triple Camera, OIS, Gimbal | Zenfone has more advanced features like OIS and Gimbal, enhancing image and video quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | Zenfone has a slightly larger battery for extended use. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 65W fast charging | Zenfone charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Charging Features | Reverse Charging | 15W Wireless, 10W Reverse wired | Zenfone offers more modern charging options with wireless charging, although Redmi has reverse wired charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Zenfone uses a much more up-to-date version of Android, with likely a longer support lifecycle |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | Zenfone has a much more modern and faster Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.4 | Zenfone has more modern features, codecs and stability for connecting wireless devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | Zenfone has more satellite system support, offering greater accuracy. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB | Zenfone offers significantly more internal storage, crucial for media and apps. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 12GB/16GB | Zenfone offers significantly more RAM, greatly improving multitasking and gaming performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via MicroSD, so choose storage wisely |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 2 microphones | Zenfone offers more advanced audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Redmi features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner which tends to be more convenient to access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Zenfone uses the latest screen protection, which is much more durable |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Both have similar sensor suites for core features. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S: This phone is a solid mid-range contender, offering a good balance of features for the price. Its AMOLED screen is vibrant, and the 108MP camera is excellent for photography enthusiasts. It's lighter and more compact than the Asus. The inclusion of a dedicated macro lens and depth sensor also gives it some unique camera capabilities that the Zenfone lacks.
- Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra: The Zenfone is a powerhouse device designed for users who demand the best performance and cutting-edge features. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and higher refresh rate display make it ideal for gaming, multitasking, and high-intensity applications. The significantly brighter display, superior video capabilities, and wireless charging also make it a premium option. It's a bigger and heavier phone, so those preferring smaller devices may find it less comfortable.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious buyers, everyday users who want a reliable phone with a good camera and a vibrant screen.
- Use Cases: Casual photography, social media browsing, streaming videos, daily communication, and light gaming.
- Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, content creators, and anyone who needs top-tier performance and features.
- Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, professional photography and videography, multitasking with demanding apps, graphic-intensive tasks, and heavy media consumption.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance? If you need top-tier performance, especially for gaming or heavy multitasking, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is the clear winner. For basic usage, the Redmi Note 11S will suffice.
- What are your camera priorities? The Redmi has the high-resolution main sensor, but the Zenfone has a dedicated telephoto lens, more advanced video features, and a higher overall DXOMark score. If you're into detailed photography, or have a preference for macro or depth based photos, the Redmi may be more suited to you. Otherwise, the Zenfone is a far more versatile option.
- What is your budget? The Redmi Note 11S is a mid-range device, while the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is a premium phone. Consider how much you're willing to spend.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Budget-conscious casual user: If you want a reliable device for everyday use with a good screen and camera at a reasonable price, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is a great option.
- Enthusiastic mobile photographer: If you prioritize taking photos and want a high resolution sensor with some additional depth and macro options, go with the Redmi Note 11S, otherwise for the most well-rounded camera setup, pick the Zenfone.
- High-end gamer: If you need the best performance for mobile gaming, multitasking, and want all the bells and whistles, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is the clear choice.
- Professional content creator: If you're recording lots of videos and want high quality, modern features like 8k recording, Gimbal and OIS stabilization, the Zenfone is an easy choice.
My Choice
If I had to pick between these two phones, I'd go with the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra.
While I appreciate the Redmi Note 11S's lighter build, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and high resolution main camera, the Zenfone 11 Ultra's advantages are too compelling. As a tech journalist and smartphone enthusiast, the performance difference alone, with its state-of-the-art Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, is a game-changer. Coupled with the higher refresh rate display, massively improved brightness, better video capabilities, the additional telephoto lens, and much faster charging, the Zenfone offers a significantly better experience. It’s a phone built for those of us who push our devices to their limits and demand the best. It doesn't hurt that the software is 3 generations ahead too, ensuring that this phone will continue to be capable in the years to come. I'm also an avid mobile gamer and photography enthusiast, and I really value the video capabilities that the Zenfone brings to the table. I would rather a more premium, higher quality experience from a phone, especially when I rely on my phone for pretty much everything.
