Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. I’ll break down the specs, explore the implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with an emphasis on what these specs actually mean for your day-to-day usage:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Motorola Edge 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-09 | 2024-04-08 | The Edge 50 Pro is a much newer device, reflecting advancements in tech. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 161.2 x 72.4 x 8.2 mm | Similar size; Edge 50 Pro slightly taller, Redmi Note 11S slightly wider. The difference is minimal and won't drastically affect handling. |
| Weight | 179g | 186g | The Redmi Note 11S is a touch lighter, which could be more comfortable during long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | The Edge 50 Pro's larger screen offers a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | The Edge 50 Pro's higher resolution results in a sharper, more detailed picture, especially noticeable when reading text or viewing high-resolution media. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 446 PPI | Edge 50 Pro provides a slightly sharper image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. The difference is subtle, and you would be hard-pressed to notice a difference in most scenarios. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | The Edge 50 Pro's higher refresh rate translates to much smoother scrolling and animations, which can make the phone feel faster and more responsive. This is a clear visual advantage. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 2000 nits | The Edge 50 Pro has significantly better outdoor visibility, easily readable even in direct sunlight, whereas Redmi Note 11S will struggle more in such conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G96 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Edge 50 Pro’s chip is much more powerful and efficient, offering smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 866,863 | The Edge 50 Pro offers significantly better performance in benchmarks, ensuring smoother app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming experiences. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 720 | The Adreno 720 in the Edge 50 Pro will deliver significantly better graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh | Redmi Note 11S has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 125W Fast Charging | Edge 50 Pro has a massively faster charging speed, significantly reducing the time you spend tethered to the wall. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 50W wireless charging, 10W reverse wireless charging | The Edge 50 Pro has wireless charging and faster wireless reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Main Lens | 108MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.4 | Redmi Note 11S has a higher megapixel count. The Edge 50 Pro has a wider aperture, letting in more light, meaning better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 50MP, f/1.9 | Edge 50 Pro takes significantly higher resolution selfies with a wider aperture, for better detail and low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.0 | Edge 50 Pro includes a telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities, which is missing on the Redmi. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | The Edge 50 Pro has a wider angle lens for capturing more in a shot. |
| Portrait Mode Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Redmi has dedicated portrait (depth) and macro lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Redmi has a dedicated macro lens |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Edge 50 Pro supports much higher video resolution, with additional stabilization features. |
| Additional Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Time-Lapse, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Dual capture, RAW, Night Mode | Edge 50 Pro offers more advanced features for serious photographers. Redmi Note 11S offers better flexibility with a quad-camera setup, while the Edge 50 Pro provides better overall image quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Edge 50 Pro has a much newer Android version, with guaranteed OS upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | Edge 50 Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi standards, offering faster speeds and improved network performance, while Redmi Note 11S uses an older generation. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | Edge 50 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version with better audio codec support, offering improved wireless performance. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Edge 50 Pro has a significantly more accurate location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Edge 50 Pro supports both nano-SIMs and eSIM, providing more flexibility for carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1024 GB | The Edge 50 Pro has significantly more internal storage options, allowing users to store more apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | The Edge 50 Pro has more RAM, leading to better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Edge 50 Pro offers superior audio quality with Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Motorola Edge 50 Pro has the basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Edge 50 Pro has significantly better screen protection, which will be more resistant to scratches. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S has an ultrasonic proximity sensor; Motorola Edge 50 Pro has a proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
Strengths:
- Larger Battery: Provides longer battery life, which is great for users who prioritize endurance.
- Affordable: Likely more budget-friendly, making it a good option for price-conscious buyers.
- Quad-Camera Setup: More flexibility with dedicated macro and depth sensors.
Limitations:
- Older Chipset: Significantly less powerful than the Edge 50 Pro, resulting in slower performance.
- Older Software: Runs on an outdated version of Android, lacking access to the latest features.
- Lower Refresh Rate: 90Hz display, while smooth, isn't as fluid as the Edge 50 Pro’s 144Hz screen.
- Basic Camera: While 108MP sounds impressive, it often doesn't translate into real-world advantage over a well-optimized 50MP sensor.
Motorola Edge 50 Pro:
Strengths:
- Powerful Processor: The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip offers fast and smooth performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, brightness, and refresh rate for an enhanced visual experience.
- Faster Charging: 125W fast charging means less time waiting for the phone to power up.
- Better Camera Quality: Wide aperture lenses, optical image stabilization (OIS) and a telephoto lens lead to better photo and video quality, plus optical zoom.
- Modern Software: Runs the latest Android version, with future upgrades promised.
- More Storage and RAM: Has significantly more RAM and internal storage than the Redmi Note 11S.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- Premium Audio: Dolby Atmos provides a superior audio experience.
Limitations:
- Smaller Battery: While it has great charging, battery life may be slightly shorter than Redmi Note 11S.
- Higher Price: Expected to be more expensive, making it a less accessible option for some users.
- No dedicated macro or portrait lens: While it does have a better ultra-wide lens, the Redmi has dedicated lenses.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability and are not heavy users.
- Users focused on battery: Users who prioritize battery over performance and need a phone that will last all day.
- Casual Photographers: Users looking for a versatile camera without demanding professional-level results.
Motorola Edge 50 Pro is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality displays for video streaming and gaming.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want a versatile and capable camera system with excellent low-light capabilities and better video capabilities.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest features, including fast charging, Wi-Fi 7, and a modern operating system.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Before making a choice, ask yourself:
- What is my budget? The Redmi Note 11S will likely be more affordable, while the Edge 50 Pro is a premium device.
- How much do I value performance and features? The Edge 50 Pro is a clear winner in performance and features.
- How important is battery life, versus overall performance? The Redmi Note 11S has a larger battery, while the Edge 50 Pro has superior performance and much faster charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: "I need a reliable, affordable phone for basic tasks and some social media."
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S. It's more budget-friendly and will handle basic tasks well.
Scenario 2: "I enjoy mobile gaming, watching videos, and taking high-quality photos. I want the best possible performance and visual experience."
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 50 Pro. It has a superior display, much faster performance, and advanced camera capabilities.
Scenario 3: "I am on a budget, but I like photography, and I also need the phone to last for as long as possible before recharging."
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S. While it doesn't have the best camera compared to other phones, the larger battery will be beneficial. The multi-lens setup will offer some flexibility, but don't expect the same results as Edge 50 Pro.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. The significantly faster chipset, paired with the superior display, faster charging and better camera system, makes it a much more compelling choice for my needs. While the Redmi Note 11S is a solid phone, the performance gap is just too wide for me. I value performance and good quality pictures, and the Edge 50 Pro ticks all those boxes. The premium build and materials add to the overall user experience. Although the Edge 50 Pro might be pricier, I believe the overall value makes the investment worthwhile.
