Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Motorola Moto G35. These two mid-range contenders offer a mix of specs that cater to slightly different user needs. Buckle up, we're going deep into the tech!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, focusing on what they actually mean for everyday users:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | The G35 is noticeably taller and wider, while the 11S is a tad thicker. This affects hand feel and pocketability; the 11S might be a bit more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 179g | 188g | The 11S is a bit lighter, which may be preferable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.72" | The G35 offers a larger screen for more immersive media consumption and better readability, while the 11S is a bit more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharp FHD+ resolution, providing clear visuals, though the G35's larger size leads to a slightly lower PPI. |
| PPI | 409 | 392 | While similar, the 11S offers slightly sharper details due to higher pixel density. Not something most users will notice on an everyday basis. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The 11S’s AMOLED screen delivers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, resulting in a more vibrant display experience, especially for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The G35 boasts a smoother display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations feel more fluid, great for gamers and those who appreciate silky smooth visuals. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1000 nits | Both offer similar peak brightness, ensuring decent outdoor visibility in most scenarios. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Unisoc T760 (6nm) | The G35's Unisoc chip, built on a 6nm process, is more efficient. The benchmark scores show it being faster in everyday tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 302,877 | 423,297 | The G35 outscores the 11S by a significant margin in benchmarks, indicating snappier performance and better multitasking capabilities. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP4 | The G35’s GPU configuration might give it a slight edge in gaming and graphics processing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.52") | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | The 11S features a higher-resolution sensor and larger sensor size, promising more detail, but it's not the only factor. The G35 has a wider aperture for better low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.4, 1/3.13") | 16MP (f/2.45) | Both offer similar selfie cameras, but the 11S has a slightly wider aperture on paper. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | 8MP (f/2.2) | Both are similar. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5") | None | The 11S includes a dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5") | None | The 11S also features a macro lens for close-up shots, while the G35 has no dedicated macro camera. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | The G35 is capable of recording 4K video, offering higher video quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, expected to offer similar endurance. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | The 11S charges much faster with its 33W adapter, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging | None | The 11S allows reverse charging, which is handy for topping up other devices. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 14 | The G35 ships with a newer version of Android, offering more features and improved security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both have Wi-Fi 5, the 11S has the addition of Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both are similar. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The G35 has support for more satellites which could mean a more accurate location. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The G35 offers the convenience of eSIM along with a physical SIM, whereas the 11S only provides dual physical SIM slots. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | The G35 offers more storage options, which is important for users with lots of media and apps. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 4GB or 8GB | Both offer up to 8GB of RAM; the 11S has a 6GB RAM variant that could be a nice middle ground. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so selecting the right capacity is essential. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The 11S offers Hi-Res Audio, while the G35 has Dolby Atmos and 2 mics for enhanced audio performance. Both have stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones have a convenient and reliable side-mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both phones offer a degree of scratch protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity | The 11S has the addition of an Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor while the G35 has the normal Proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
Strengths:
- Vibrant Display: The AMOLED display provides better contrast, color accuracy, and deeper blacks than the G35's IPS LCD.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, keeping you on the go.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 108MP camera aims for higher levels of detail and resolution.
- Additional Camera Features: Inclusion of Depth and Macro sensors to the camera system provides additional possibilities.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better suited for audiophiles due to the Hi-Res Audio compatibility.
Trade-offs:
- Older Chipset: Slower performance than the G35 in benchmarks due to the older, less efficient chipset.
- Older OS: Ships with Android 11, potentially missing out on newer features and security updates.
- Larger sensor Doesn't necessarily equate to better results.
Motorola Moto G35:
Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel smoother.
- Faster Performance: The Unisoc chipset offers better performance, resulting in quicker app loading, less stuttering, and better multitasking.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14 out of the box, ensuring better software support and the latest features.
- 4K Video Recording: Offers 4K video recording capabilities for higher quality videos.
- More Storage Options: 128GB or 256GB gives more options to store files.
- Enhanced Audio: Equipped with Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones, and stereo speakers which can enhance the audio experience.
Trade-offs:
- LCD Display: Its IPS LCD display, while good, lacks the contrast and vibrancy of AMOLED.
- Slower Charging: The 18W charging is slower compared to the Redmi Note 11S.
- Less Camera Features: Doesn't have depth and macro lenses for a wide set of possibilities.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Best For: Users who prioritize a high-quality display experience, especially for watching videos and browsing photos and are on a budget.
- Use Cases: Casual gaming, media consumption, social media, and users who prefer a vibrant AMOLED screen for their visuals.
- Value: If budget is a consideration, the price to value can be enticing, if you are willing to make concessions in other areas such as processing power.
- Motorola Moto G35:
- Best For: Users who value smoother performance, longer software support, and 4K video recording.
- Use Cases: Regular multitasking, gaming, productivity tasks, and users who prefer the most up-to-date software experience.
- Value: More powerful and future-proofed with its new chipset and operating system, for those willing to spend slightly more for performance and functionality.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize vibrant colors and deep blacks (AMOLED) or a smoother refresh rate (120Hz LCD)?
- Performance Needs: Are you looking for better overall speed and multitasking (G35) or is a decent performance and camera enough (11S)?
- Software Longevity: Do you need the latest Android version and future updates (G35) or is a slightly older OS acceptable (11S)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Budget-Conscious Media Buff: If you're looking for a good display for media and are on a tighter budget, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is a solid choice. You'll get that rich AMOLED display at a potentially lower price point.
- Scenario 2: The Performance-Oriented User: If you need the best overall performance for everyday tasks and gaming, the Motorola Moto G35 is the better option. The 120Hz screen is a bonus for smooth interactions.
- Scenario 3: The Future-Proofed User: If you prefer the latest OS and longer software support, the Motorola Moto G35 with Android 14 is the go to.
My Choice and Why
For me, it would be the Motorola Moto G35. Here's why:
- Performance Matters: I value smooth, responsive performance for everyday tasks and the occasional gaming session. The Unisoc chipset and higher Antutu score give the G35 a noticeable edge.
- Long-Term Software: Having the latest Android 14 ensures I'll have access to the newest features and security updates, keeping my phone relevant for longer.
- Future-Proof Video: The 4K video recording is a nice addition for creating higher-quality content, even if I don't use it every day.
While I appreciate the AMOLED display of the Redmi Note 11S, the G35's blend of smooth performance, modern software, and long-term value makes it the more appealing choice for my needs.
In the end, it's all about what you value most. Both phones have their strengths, and the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. This deep-dive should have given you a good foundation for making your decision!
