Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison. We've got the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S, a solid mid-ranger from early 2022, squaring off against the newer Motorola Edge 50 Fusion from mid-2024. It's a bit of a generational clash, and the specs tell an interesting story. Let's break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the core specifications of each phone, along with what these specs mean in real-world terms:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-09 | 2024-05-15 | Motorola is significantly newer, meaning potentially longer software support and updated features. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | 161.9 × 73.1 × 7.9 mm | Motorola is slightly taller and thinner, but overall similar size and feel. |
| Weight | 179g | 174.9g | Virtually identical weights; both should feel similar in the hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | Motorola has a slightly larger display, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals with the same resolution. |
| PPI | 409 | 393 | Both have very similar pixel density, resulting in comparable sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both use vibrant OLED-based tech; subtle differences in color accuracy and power efficiency exist, but not drastically different. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Motorola's display is smoother, making scrolling and animations feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1600 nits | Motorola is significantly brighter, offering far superior outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Motorola's chipset is more modern and significantly more powerful, offering faster performance and better energy efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 776,541 | Motorola boasts over double the performance in benchmarks, translating to snappier apps, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 710 | Motorola’s GPU will handle graphically intensive tasks with ease and better overall performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 68W fast charging | Motorola charges significantly faster, reducing downtime considerably. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" sensor | Redmi has higher megapixels, Motorola has a wider aperture and larger pixel size for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" sensor | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/3.14" sensor | Motorola has a higher-resolution front camera, but Redmi has a slightly larger sensor and wider aperture.. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | Redmi has a dedicated wide angle lens, Motorola combines a wide angle and macro sensor into a single 13MP lens. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP | None | Redmi has a dedicated depth sensor for enhanced portrait photography. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Redmi has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3" | Motorola offers a combined wide angle/macro lens, while the Redmi has separate lenses for this functionality. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Motorola captures sharper, more detailed video with 4K capabilities and higher frame rates at 1080p. |
| OIS | No | Yes | Motorola's main camera has Optical image stabilization to reduce blur. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Motorola runs a much newer version of Android, with enhanced features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E | Motorola supports faster, more reliable Wi-Fi with lower latency and access to 6GHz band. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Motorola’s Bluetooth is newer, offering better connection stability and audio codec support (aptX, LDAC) |
| GPS | Standard GPS | Advanced GPS (L1+L5) | Motorola offers more precise GPS with dual-band support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Motorola supports an eSIM, offering more flexibility for switching carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256/512GB | Motorola offers more storage options, especially for users needing ample space. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/12GB | Motorola has more RAM, improving multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers | Motorola offers a more enhanced spatial sound. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic fingerprint sensor | Redmi has a more convenient side mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Motorola has a tougher screen protection against scratches and drops. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion: The Clear Winner
- Performance Leap: The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion blows the Helio G96 in the Xiaomi out of the water. The benchmark scores don't lie, and this translates directly to a faster and smoother daily experience.
- Superior Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and 1600 nits of brightness on the Motorola are a significant upgrade. Scrolling is buttery smooth, and outdoor visibility is excellent.
- Advanced Camera System: While the megapixel count is lower, the Sony sensor in the Motorola captures more detail, especially in low-light conditions. The 4k video recording and OIS are icing on the cake.
- Software Advantage: Android 14 is a huge step up from Android 11 on the Xiaomi, offering better security, performance, and features.
- Faster Charging: Motorola’s 68W charging will top you up much faster than Xiaomi's 33W.
- Connectivity: Motorola has the upper hand with better WiFi and Bluetooth standards.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S: Still a Contender?
- Dedicated Cameras: It does offer dedicated macro, and portrait lenses that are absent from the Motorola.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: This is a nice touch for convenience that is absent from the Motorola.
- Hi-Res Audio: If you are an audio enthusiast, this is something to consider, that is absent on the Motorola.
- Affordability: The Redmi Note 11S is likely cheaper, making it a good budget option for basic usage and it can still be a decent choice for casual users.
Trade-offs
- Xiaomi sacrifices Performance and features: Redmi users will be missing out on crucial features like a high refresh rate, OIS, updated connectivity standards, and significant performance.
- Motorola Sacrifices dedicated macro and portrait lenses: Motorola users will be missing out on a dedicated portrait and macro lens and will have to rely on the combination lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Those who demand snappy performance for multitasking, gaming, and resource-intensive apps.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a great viewing experience with a large, bright, and smooth display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a capable camera system with good low-light performance and 4K video recording.
- Tech-Savvy Users: Those who value up-to-date software, fast charging, and advanced connectivity features.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an affordable smartphone with decent overall performance.
- Casual Users: Those with basic needs for calls, texts, browsing, and social media.
- Users who like dedicated lenses: Those who want a camera that includes dedicated macro, and portrait lenses.
- Users who prefer a side mounted fingerprint sensor: Those who value the convenience of a side mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Users who prefer Hi-Res Audio: Users who want that feature are better off with the Redmi.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How Important is Performance to You? If you need smooth, fast performance for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive apps, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is the clear winner.
- What do you value most in a camera? If you value low-light capabilities and 4K video, the Motorola shines. If you value a dedicated macro and depth lens, the Xiaomi will serve you better.
- Are you on a tight budget or do you want the latest tech? If you prioritize getting the newest specs and a higher performing device, the Motorola will likely meet your needs, but if you want to spend less, the Xiaomi will serve you fine.
Alex's Pick
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would definitely go for the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. The performance difference is simply too massive to ignore, and the upgraded display, camera, and software make for a much more enjoyable user experience. While the Xiaomi is a budget option, the Motorola is a much better value for money in the long run, as the device is superior in almost all important categories.
The Motorola offers a smoother display with better visibility, significantly better performance thanks to the modern Qualcomm chipset, and it has updated connectivity standards, an upgraded camera, much faster charging, and it runs a much newer version of Android. For me, this is an easy choice.
