Alright, let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Honor Magic5 Lite. These two phones are battling it out in the mid-range arena, and while they share some similarities, some crucial differences could sway your decision. I'll break down the specs, highlight what really matters, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a deep dive into the specs, with an emphasis on what they mean for you, the user:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Honor Magic5 Lite | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 161.6 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm | Very similar size, the Honor Magic5 Lite is a tad taller and thinner, but these differences are negligible in practical terms. |
| Weight | 179g | 175g | Both feel light and comfortable to hold; a 4g difference is virtually imperceptible. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Honor Magic5 Lite provides a slightly larger screen, great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both deliver sharp visuals with the same resolution. |
| PPI | 409 | 395 | Very similar pixel density - both screens will look crisp and clear. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED screens. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Honor Magic5 Lite offers smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is significantly better in bright sunlight due to its higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Honor Magic5 Lite has a more efficient and powerful chipset, resulting in better performance and battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 431,000 | Honor Magic5 Lite is substantially faster, leading to smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 | Different GPUs, but the Snapdragon’s Adreno 619 generally performs better in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9 | 64MP, f/1.8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S has higher resolution; Honor has wider aperture for better low-light shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Very similar front-facing cameras. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S captures wider, more detailed landscape shots. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro capabilities for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, slow-mo: 120fps | 1080p@30fps, slow-mo: 120fps | Both record video at the same standard and same slow-motion. |
| Camera DXOMARK score | N/A | Overall score: 74, Photo score: 70, Video score: 77 | Honor Magic5 Lite is tested and is a good performing camera. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5100mAh | Both have similar battery capacities, both are going to be more than enough for daily usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | Honor Magic5 Lite charges faster, getting you back up and running quicker. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging | None | Xiaomi can act as a power bank for other devices; Honor doesn't have this feature. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Honor Magic5 Lite offers a more recent Android version with better performance and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, MiMO | 802.11ac | Both are up to date with modern WiFi standards. Xiaomi additionally features: Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 | Honor has the newest bluetooth standard; Xiaomi additionally supports: EDR, HID, LE |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128 GB | 128GB or 256GB | Honor Magic5 Lite offers more internal storage options with more space for your apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both are available with either 6GB or 8GB RAM for efficient multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows for expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res, Noise cancellation mic, 2 mic | Both offer high-quality audio. Redmi Note 11S features stereo speakers while Honor Magic5 Lite features noise cancellation for the mic. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S has a side mounted fingerprint sensor for faster unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S has better protection than Honor. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Proximity | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S additionally features: Ultrasonic proximity virtual; Honor Magic5 Lite additionally features: Proximity, Gravity. |
2. Key Insights
- Honor Magic5 Lite: This phone shines in performance, offering a more efficient and powerful chipset, leading to smoother overall use. The 120Hz refresh rate and faster charging are also significant pluses for everyday enjoyment. Its camera performance as well is good.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S: This device has its own strengths, particularly in outdoor visibility with its brighter screen. Additionally, having a dedicated depth sensor for more detailed portraits, a reverse charging feature, and a stronger screen protection, these little features can be very valuable to users. The 108MP main camera sensor is a resolution advantage as well.
- Trade-offs: The biggest trade-off here is between display brightness and overall performance. If you prioritize a vivid screen in bright conditions, the Xiaomi is better. However, if you want a more fluid and faster daily performance with good camera performance, the Honor is better. The newer Android version on the Honor is also more secure, as well as having more storage options.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Media Consumer: The Honor Magic5 Lite with its larger screen, 120Hz refresh rate, and stronger performance, is ideal for binge-watching videos and playing games. The larger storage is useful for people who download lots of media.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: If you want the highest possible resolution and best low-light pictures, the Xiaomi might suit you well. The wide angle is more detailed. If you want to take lots of portraits, the depth sensor helps.
- For the Everyday User: If you're looking for a reliable phone for daily use, both perform very well. However, the Honor has better future proofing due to the higher Android version.
- For the Budget-Conscious Buyer: The Xiaomi has the lowest price to value ratio.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are some practical questions to guide your decision:
- How much do you care about outdoor visibility? If you work outside or are often in bright sunlight, then the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S might be a better fit. If not, the slightly worse brightness of the Honor will not affect you.
- Is having fast charging important to you? The Honor Magic5 Lite will charge significantly faster, meaning less time plugged in.
- Do you prioritize gaming performance, future proofing and smooth performance? The Honor has the faster processor.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Gamer/Streamer: Go with the Honor Magic5 Lite for a smoother experience. The additional storage is also great for apps and content.
- For the Outdoor Photographer: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S with its higher brightness and superior camera lens is the best choice.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: The Xiaomi is likely to be the more affordable option, but the Honor is better in many areas. If a little more budget is available the Honor is the way to go.
What I Would Choose and Why
After carefully considering the specs and their implications, I would choose the Honor Magic5 Lite. Here's why:
Overall Performance and Experience: While the Xiaomi has some notable advantages, the Honor's superior chipset, 120Hz refresh rate, and faster charging offer a more fluid and enjoyable daily experience. In the real world, these factors are what matter most for daily smartphone usage.
Future-Proofing: The newer Android version on the Honor means it's likely to receive updates longer, adding an extra year or two of life. The additional storage is also useful for keeping apps and content.
Camera is Good Enough: While the Xiaomi boasts a higher resolution sensor, the Honor's camera performs well. The wider aperture will help with low-light photography and the DXOMARK score is impressive for this price point.
Day-to-Day Enjoyment: For me, a smoother user experience is more important than small advantages in other areas. The Honor's 120Hz refresh rate, faster charging, and more efficient performance, will give me more enjoyment. The slightly larger screen also helps when viewing media.
I believe that for the average smartphone user, the Honor Magic5 Lite will be more enjoyable, faster, and a better daily phone for most use cases. The better performance and future proofing is very attractive.
