Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Motorola Edge 50 Neo. These two phones occupy a similar space in the market, but a closer look reveals some key differences that could sway your decision.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of their specifications, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Motorola Edge 50 Neo | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | 154.1 × 71.2 × 8.1 mm | Redmi is slightly larger; Edge 50 Neo may feel more compact and comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 179g | 171g | Edge 50 Neo is marginally lighter, which could make a difference during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.4" | Both are nearly identical in size, offering ample screen real estate for media. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1256x2760 | Edge 50 Neo's higher resolution results in a sharper, more detailed visual experience. |
| PPI | 409 | 474 | Edge 50 Neo has a noticeably sharper display due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but AMOLED generally has better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Edge 50 Neo's higher refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel smoother. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 3000 nits | Edge 50 Neo’s display is significantly brighter, making it much easier to view in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G96 (12nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 (4nm) | Dimensity 7300 offers significantly better performance and efficiency due to its advanced 4nm process. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 675,000 | Edge 50 Neo is significantly faster for gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Edge 50 Neo's GPU is more powerful for graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP f/1.9 | 50MP f/1.8 | Redmi's higher resolution doesn't automatically mean better photos; Edge 50 Neo's sensor has larger pixel size for potentially better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.4 | 32MP f/2.2 | Edge 50 Neo should capture more detailed selfies and offer slightly better low light due to aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP f/2.0 | Edge 50 Neo has a telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | None | Redmi Note 11S has a wide angle lens which may capture wider images than the main lens. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 11S has a depth lens, for better background blur |
| Macro Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 11S has a macro camera, for detailed close-ups |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 13MP f/2.2 | Edge 50 Neo has a Wide angle + Macro lens to take pictures of wide landscapes and detailed macro shots |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@120fps, 1080p@240fps | Edge 50 Neo records higher quality video at 4K and more stable 1080p with EIS. |
| DXOMark Mobile | Not tested | 115 (Photo: 118, Video: 107) | Edge 50 Neo has been benchmarked for camera quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4310mAh | Redmi Note 11S has a larger battery capacity for potentially longer usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | Edge 50 Neo charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging | 15W wireless charging | Redmi can charge other devices, while the Edge 50 Neo supports convenient wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 14 | Edge 50 Neo ships with newer OS and will likely receive further software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E | Edge 50 Neo supports faster Wi-Fi 6E speeds for better performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Similar Bluetooth functionality |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM / eSIM | Edge 50 Neo offers the option for eSIM. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 256/512GB | Edge 50 Neo has much more storage, beneficial for media and apps. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/12GB | Edge 50 Neo has more RAM, for better multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | Both have stereo speakers, but cater to different audio preferences. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S: Strengths
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery can offer longer battery life for those who need it.
- Reverse Charging: It can charge other devices.
- Dedicated Wide Angle and Macro Cameras: Captures wide angle and detailed macro images.
- Hi-Res Audio: A good option for music enthusiasts looking for a better audio experience.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S: Limitations
- Older Chipset: The MediaTek Helio G96 is not as powerful or efficient as the Dimensity 7300.
- Lower Resolution Display: The display is less sharp and may appear less vibrant.
- Older Android Version: Ships with an older version of Android which may not be update in the future
- Slower Charging: Slower charging speeds mean longer downtime while the phone charges.
Motorola Edge 50 Neo: Strengths
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 7300 is significantly faster, leading to a smoother user experience.
- Sharper and Brighter Display: Higher resolution and significantly brighter screen make it excellent for media and outdoor use.
- Faster Charging: 68W charging is significantly faster for shorter charging times.
- Advanced Camera Features: Records 4K video and offers multiple shooting options, like telephoto and wide-angle
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14 for better security and features.
- More Storage: Offers 256GB/512GB of storage compared to 64GB/128GB in the Redmi Note 11S
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenience to charge wirelessly.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos that is great for music and movies.
- eSIM support: Has eSIM support.
Motorola Edge 50 Neo: Limitations
- Smaller Battery: While it does have more efficient components, the battery capacity is smaller, which may impact endurance.
- No Reverse Charging: Can't be used to charge other devices.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S: Best for...
- Budget-Conscious Users: If you need a reliable phone at a lower price, it can still be a good option.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: For those who need a phone that lasts all day without needing a charge.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who are looking to take macro and wide-angle images.
Motorola Edge 50 Neo: Best for...
- Power Users: People who need fast performance, smoother multitasking and better gaming.
- Media Lovers: Those who consume a lot of videos, movies, or play games will appreciate the vibrant, high-resolution display.
- Photography & Videography: People who want quality video and diverse camera features, like telephoto for optical zoom.
- Future-Proofing: Users looking for a phone with a newer OS, better performance and faster data speeds.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
How important is performance to you? If you need fast, responsive performance for gaming and everyday tasks, the Edge 50 Neo is the clear winner. If you're a light user, the Redmi Note 11S may suffice.
What kind of camera features do you prioritize? If you need diverse photography, telephoto, and the ability to capture 4K footage, the Edge 50 Neo offers better options. The Redmi Note 11S however, offers more diverse options for macro and wide-angle shots.
How much do you value display quality? The Edge 50 Neo’s brighter and higher-resolution display is a significant upgrade over the Redmi Note 11S. If visuals matter to you, the Edge 50 Neo will impress.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Budget User: If your main priority is budget, go for the Redmi Note 11S.
Daily User: If you use your phone for everyday tasks, social media, and light media consumption, the Edge 50 Neo offers better performance and software experience.
Multimedia Enthusiast: If your consumption mostly includes streaming, movies and gaming, and want a high-quality display and overall smoother experience, the Edge 50 Neo is the better choice.
Content Creators: If you're someone who does a lot of video recording or you want to have the ability to take telephoto photos, or you need more storage, the Edge 50 Neo is the clear winner.
My Choice and Why
If I were in the market for a new phone, I would choose the Motorola Edge 50 Neo. The significant performance boost from the Dimensity 7300 chipset is a game-changer. I often multitask and play games on my phone, so the extra power would be a noticeable benefit. Also, as someone who is often out and about, the significantly brighter display would be a huge plus. I appreciate the flexibility of 4k video recording and the better overall camera system. Lastly, the fast 68W charging is a great convenience, as is the wireless charging option.
While the Redmi Note 11S is a capable budget phone, the Motorola Edge 50 Neo's better performance, display, software and faster charging make it the clear winner in my book.
