Alright, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Huawei nova Y90. I've meticulously analyzed the provided specifications to give you a clear, practical comparison that goes beyond the usual spec sheet rundown.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table breaking down the key differences between these two smartphones, focusing on what these specs actually mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-09 | 2022-07-27 | The Huawei nova Y90 is a bit newer, which could mean slightly more up-to-date software features (but not in this case as its based on a custom OS and not Android). |
| Dimensions (mm) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 | The Huawei is slightly taller and thicker, making the Xiaomi more compact and a bit more comfortable in the pocket. |
| Weight (g) | 179 | 195 | The Xiaomi is noticeably lighter, enhancing comfort during long usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | The Huawei offers a bit more screen real estate, making it slightly better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2388 | Both have very similar resolutions; sharp image quality is comparable |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 391 | Both offer sharp image quality; minimal difference, won't be noticeable for the average user. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Xiaomi’s AMOLED screen offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Better for viewing in sunlight and overall image quality, more battery efficient with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | 90 | 90 | Both screens refresh smoothly, making scrolling and animations appear fluid. |
| Brightness (nits) | 1000 | 0 | The Xiaomi's high brightness means better outdoor visibility, especially under bright sunlight. The Huawei screen data was missing but it would generally fall behind this score due to the tech its using |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 680 (6nm) | The Xiaomi uses an older and less efficient chip, while the Huawei uses a newer chip offering better power efficiency but at a performance loss. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 249,000 | The Xiaomi should offer faster app loading and smoother performance in day-to-day tasks, this is mainly due to a stronger GPU |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 | The Xiaomi's GPU suggests slightly better graphics performance in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Xiaomi's higher resolution sensor should capture more detailed images and give more cropping options. Huawei has a slightly wider aperture, letting more light in at night. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.0 | The Xiaomi offers higher resolution selfies with more detail. Huawei has wider aperture and can perform better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | Xiaomi offers additional flexibility with a wide-angle lens, suitable for group photos and landscape. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP | None | Xiaomi allows you to take photos with a nice artificial bokeh effect to make your subjects stand out. |
| Macro lens | 2MP | None | Xiaomi is equipped to take detailed close-up photos |
| Additional Cameras | None | 2 x 2MP | Huawei has 2 additional cameras but these will have limited usability as they are mainly used for depth sensing to help the main camera |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both capture good videos for standard social media use but only Xiaomi has a Slow motion at 120 FPS. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity (mAh) | 5000 | 5000 | Both phones should offer comparable battery life, typically lasting a full day for moderate usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | The Huawei will charge faster, reducing wait time. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | The Xiaomi can act as a power bank for other devices if needed. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Custom OS | Xiaomi’s phone runs on Android 11 which is customizable, while the Huawei is using a custom OS which can be limiting. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi MiMO | None | Xiaomi provides better connection speeds with Wi-Fi MiMO technology. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Huawei has extra QZSS support which helps provide more accurate location. |
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB | Huawei offers only one option while the Xiaomi offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 4GB or 6 GB or 8GB | Both offer a range of RAM options that are good for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so picking the variant with enough storage is critical. |
| Audio | Hi-Res, Stereo | Basic | Xiaomi has superior quality and immersion thanks to stereo and Hi-Res. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The Xiaomi’s screen is more durable. |
| Sensors | Gyroscope | Gravity | Xiaomi offers better gaming and motion features. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S
- Strengths: The Redmi Note 11S stands out with its superior AMOLED display, higher resolution main and selfie cameras, and stronger performance. It also offers a wide-angle lens, macro lens, and additional features like reverse charging. The inclusion of stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio provides a better entertainment experience.
- Competitive Advantages: The AMOLED screen is a clear advantage. The higher pixel count in the main and selfie camera also translates to more detail in images. For users who care about display quality and photography, the Redmi Note 11S is a compelling choice.
- Trade-offs: The phone lacks expandable storage, and it uses an older chipset which could be a drawback for gamers and heavy users, also battery is good but not as good as its counterpart.
Huawei nova Y90
- Strengths: The Huawei shines with its larger display, faster charging, and more GPS support. The camera also has a wider aperture, making it better in low-light.
- Competitive Advantages: For users who consume a lot of media, the larger screen is an advantage. The faster charging is also convenient, getting you back up and running more quickly.
- Trade-offs: The IPS LCD display is not as vibrant and power-efficient as AMOLED. The performance and camera aren't as strong and the OS is not the greatest for customizability.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Best Suited For: Photo enthusiasts, media consumers who prioritize display quality, users who want better audio, and light to moderate gamers.
- Use Cases: Great for capturing photos, watching videos, enjoying music, and casual gaming.
- Price-to-Value: Offers exceptional value for those looking for the best display and camera quality in this segment.
Huawei nova Y90:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize a large screen, quick charging, and good location services, and light to moderate gaming.
- Use Cases: Excellent for media consumption, long browsing sessions, and travel where quick charging is beneficial.
- Price-to-Value: Appeals to those who want good performance and a large screen on a budget.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these three questions:
- How important is display quality to you? If you need vibrant colors and good outdoor visibility, the Xiaomi's AMOLED screen is superior.
- How often do you take pictures and what kind of photos do you take? If you want more detailed photos and versatility with a wide-angle lens, the Xiaomi is the better option. If you are more about capturing quick photos in low light then the Huawei is better.
- How important is charging speed and travel? If you are often on the move the Huawei is better suited for you due to better charging and additional GPS support.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Media Lover: If you frequently watch videos and movies, the Huawei nova Y90’s larger screen and faster charging might be more appealing but it will suffer in the display quality compared to the Xiaomi.
- The Casual Photographer: For users who enjoy taking photos and want good results, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S’s more versatile camera system will be more rewarding.
- The Everyday User: If you want a good display, better performance and more software customization, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is a great all-rounder, however if you want a larger screen with fast charging capabilities then the Huawei is best suited for this role.
- The Power User: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S offers better performance and will give a smoother experience across the OS, it also offers more useful software capabilities with Android.
Final Verdict: My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S. The AMOLED display is a game-changer, the camera capabilities are more versatile, and the additional features like the stereo speakers and reverse charging are all very useful. While the Huawei offers some benefits with faster charging and a bigger screen, the overall experience and quality of the display and camera system on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S make it a more compelling choice for my everyday needs. The software is more appealing to me due to having an Android base, and not a custom OS.
That being said, if your top priority is a larger display and faster charging, and aren't as interested in a fantastic camera system and display, then the Huawei nova Y90 will serve you well but it just doesn't have the same level of polish.
Hope this detailed analysis helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
