Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Motorola Moto G04s. These two phones occupy a similar space in the market, but as we'll see, they target different user needs and priorities. Let's break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table highlighting the key technical specifications and their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | Moto G04s is slightly taller. Both are similar in width and thickness. |
| Weight | 179g | 178.8g | Virtually identical. Both phones are lightweight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.56" | Moto G04s offers a marginally larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | Redmi Note 11S has a significantly sharper display. |
| PPI | 409 | 269 | Redmi Note 11S: noticeably crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Redmi Note 11S: vibrant colors, deeper blacks, better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 11S: far better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 | Unisoc T606 | Different chipsets for different needs and capabilities. |
| Antutu Score | 302,877 | 220,000 | Redmi Note 11S: smoother everyday performance, slightly faster app loading. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Redmi Note 11S: better graphic performance |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Redmi Note 11S: more detailed photos in good light, larger sensor; Moto G04s: wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Redmi Note 11S: higher quality selfies; Moto G04s: slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle lens | 8MP | None | Redmi Note 11S: more flexibility with wider angle shots. |
| Portrait mode | 2MP | None | Redmi Note 11S: adds depth effects to photos. |
| Macro lens | 2MP | None | Redmi Note 11S: can capture very close up images. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both capture similar quality videos. Moto G04s has video stabilization. |
| Features | Quad Camera, Night Mode, etc. | Optical Zoom, OIS, PDAF, LAF, etc. | Each phone has different features that may suit different needs. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide similar all-day battery life for normal usage. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 15W fast charging | Redmi Note 11S: faster recharge times. |
| Features | Reverse charging | None | Redmi Note 11S: can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Moto G04s has a more recent Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both feature standard Wi-Fi connectivity; Redmi Note 11S has MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both have standard Bluetooth capabilities; Redmi Note 11S has EDR and HID. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | Standard GPS features; Moto G04s also has SUPL. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 64/128/256GB | Moto G04s offers higher max storage. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 4GB | Redmi Note 11S: better for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos | Redmi Note 11S: more immersive audio; Moto G04s: immersive audio with Dolby Atmos.. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both feature standard fingerprint biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both offer standard screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Both feature standard sensors for motion and orientation; Redmi Note 11S also has compass and ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution, better brightness, and vibrant colors makes it a clear winner for media consumption and general use.
- Performance Boost: The Mediatek Helio G96 chipset offers better processing power, resulting in smoother multitasking and quicker app launches. The Antutu score difference is noticeable.
- Enhanced Camera: The 108MP main camera, along with additional lenses, offers more flexibility and higher-quality images in various scenarios.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging is a significant advantage for quickly topping up the battery.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio with Stereo Speakers deliver a more immersive audio experience.
- More RAM: 6/8 GB for better multitasking.
Competitive Advantages:
- A better display for viewing content.
- Higher-resolution photos.
- Faster performance.
- Faster charging.
Motorola Moto G04s:
Strengths:
- More Modern OS: Ships with Android 14, providing access to the latest features and security updates out of the box.
- Video Stabilization: Yes in the camera features
- Larger Storage Option: Up to 256GB of internal storage is available, allowing users to store more media.
Competitive Advantages:
- More modern operating system out of the box.
- Larger storage.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G04s has a lower resolution display with less vibrant colors, which impacts the viewing experience.
- The less powerful Unisoc chipset results in a less fluid user experience.
- The 15W charging speed is slow by comparison.
- It has no extra camera lenses.
- It has less RAM
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Ideal for: Media consumers, photographers, mobile gamers, and users who need a fluid, snappy interface.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, capturing detailed photos, playing graphics-intensive games, and general everyday tasks. This phone shines in scenarios requiring high-quality visuals and performance.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a modern OS and more storage and do not need demanding features.
- Use Cases: Basic everyday tasks, browsing social media, casual photography. This phone is well suited for users who need a budget-friendly device with modern software.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide between these phones:
- How important is display quality to you? If you prioritize a sharp, vibrant screen for media consumption, the Redmi Note 11S is the better choice.
- How much storage do you need? If you need a lot of storage the Moto G04s offers a 256GB variant, while the Redmi Note 11S is limited to 128GB.
- How much do you value performance and camera quality? If performance and image quality are a priority, the Redmi Note 11S is the better performer.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Media Enthusiast: If you're frequently watching videos, playing games, or browsing social media, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is the clear winner with its AMOLED display and performance.
- Scenario 2: The Budget-Conscious User: If you need a phone for basic tasks and want to save money the Motorola Moto G04s would be the right choice.
- Scenario 3: The Photographer: If camera quality and versatility are important to you, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S, is the superior option due to its better lens and features.
- Scenario 4: The Multitasker: If you open and use many apps simultaneously, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S, with it's 8GB Ram variant, is the way to go.
Personal Choice:
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S. While the Motorola Moto G04s has a more modern OS, the overall user experience on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S, is superior, offering a more vibrant screen, better camera quality, and improved performance. I also prioritize a device that can handle my day-to-day usage, including watching videos and the additional RAM is key for that. The faster charging is also a huge plus.
The AMOLED display on the Xiaomi is the biggest draw for me, as it's hard to go back to an LCD once you've experienced the deep blacks and vivid colours of an AMOLED. Additionally, the faster processor and better RAM will make multitasking more enjoyable and help the phone feel more responsive.
