Alright, let's break down the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Motorola Moto G52. These two phones occupy a similar space in the mid-range market, but they offer distinctly different strengths. As always, I'm looking beyond just the spec sheet, thinking about what these differences actually mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Motorola Moto G52 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | 160.1 × 74.5 × 8 mm | Very similar sizes; both are comfortable to hold, but the Moto G52 is a hair taller and wider. |
| Weight | 179g | 169g | The Moto G52 is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable over long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.6" | The Moto G52 offers a marginally larger screen for a slightly more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide sharp and clear visuals. |
| PPI | 409 | 402 | Negligible difference in pixel density – both are sharp to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both devices. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Significant advantage for the Redmi Note 11S – much better visibility outdoors under bright sunlight due to the higher peak brightness |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Advantage for the Redmi Note 11S: Mediatek G96 tends to offer better raw performance than Snapdragon 680, translating to faster app loading and smoother operation, especially in gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 302,877 | 216,000 | The Redmi Note 11S benchmarks much higher, indicating a real-world performance gap. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 | Both are decent, but the Mali GPU in the Redmi Note 11S is usually slightly better suited for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Big win for the Redmi Note 11S: Higher resolution sensor, larger sensor and a comparable aperture will generally result in better detail and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.4) | 16MP (f/2.45) | Very similar performance, negligibly better aperture on the Redmi Note 11S. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Comparable wide-angle performance on both phones. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Advantage for the Redmi Note 11S: Dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode with background blur |
| Macro Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Comparable macro capabilities on both phones. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both capture crisp Full HD video. |
| Video Features | Slow-motion 120fps | No slow motion | Advantage for the Redmi Note 11S: Captures slow motion video |
| Other Features | Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Night Mode | Triple camera, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Panorama, 4K Video | Each has unique features - The Redmi Note 11S has digital image stabilization and a night mode while the Moto G52 has PDAF, continuous shooting and 4K video capability. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | The Redmi Note 11S charges slightly faster. |
| Battery Tech | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Both are fine, although Li-Polymer tends to be more durable and safer. |
| Other Features | Reverse charging | None | Advantage for the Redmi Note 11S: Can be used to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Advantage for Moto G52: Android 12 is more current and potentially offers new features, better privacy and security features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct | Advantage for the Redmi Note 11S: More comprehensive Wi-Fi features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE with A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | 5.0 LE with A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, LE, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP, APT-x | Both have BT 5.0 with LE, Motorola's implementation is more comprehensive with added features that enable better audio and other device connectivity |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | Advantage for the Redmi Note 11S: Redmi Note 11S offers more satellite positioning systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB | Advantage for the Motorola G52: Offers a 256 GB storage option, where the Xiaomi maxes out at 128 GB |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | Advantage for the Redmi Note 11S: Up to 8 GB of RAM is better for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Advantage for the Moto G52: Dolby Atmos and better voice capture along with Hi-Res Audio support in the Redmi make these close |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both use a reliable, quick side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Advantage for the Moto G52: More robust screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity | The Xiaomi has a virtual proximity sensor, where the Motorola features a standard proximity sensor |
| Other Features | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both phones offer similar sensors for advanced features and gaming |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Strengths:
- Performance: The MediaTek G96 chipset combined with higher RAM makes the Redmi Note 11S noticeably faster for daily tasks and gaming.
- Camera: It boasts a higher-resolution main camera, a dedicated depth sensor, and is better for slow-motion capture.
- Display: Higher peak brightness for superior outdoor visibility.
- Battery: Reverse charging capabilities.
Motorola Moto G52 Strengths:
- Software: Runs on a newer version of Android, which offers more updated features.
- Build Quality: Gorilla Glass 5 offers better screen protection.
- Storage: Offers a 256GB storage option for users who need more space for their media.
- Audio: Dolby Atmos and improved microphone setup.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 11S lacks the updated Android 12, and has a weaker glass display.
- The Moto G52, while having a more modern Android version, is noticeably slower and its camera is not as impressive in terms of pure specs.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Best For: Users who prioritize performance, gaming, and capturing great photos, and frequently use their phone outdoors in bright sunlight. Ideal for social media enthusiasts and mobile gamers who need a responsive device.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, social media content creation, outdoor photography, daily performance.
- Value: Offers the most processing power for the price with a focus on core performance.
- Motorola Moto G52:
- Best For: Users who value a more modern software experience, better audio quality for media consumption, and care more for screen durability. Suitable for media consumption and casual users.
- Use Cases: Streaming movies and music, general browsing, reliable daily use, long-term usability.
- Value: Focus on software, build, and audio at a good price point.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself when deciding between the Redmi Note 11S and the Moto G52:
- How important is raw performance and camera quality to you? If you’re a mobile gamer or someone who takes a lot of photos, the Redmi Note 11S is probably the better fit due to its better processing power and main camera sensor.
- Do you prioritize the latest Android version and better durability? If you want the latest software and a more robust screen, go for the Moto G52.
- How often do you use your phone outdoors, and do you listen to a lot of music? The Redmi Note 11S is better if outdoor use is frequent due to its brighter display; the Moto G52 offers Dolby Atmos and better audio processing.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: If you love to game, the Redmi Note 11S is your go-to device. It offers better performance, a smoother display, and a more robust GPU, making gaming more enjoyable.
- The Photographer: For those who care about taking great photos and videos, the Redmi Note 11S has a more versatile camera system and is better for taking photos in different lighting conditions, but also captures better slow-motion videos.
- The Media Consumer: The Moto G52 is a solid choice for those who spend a lot of time streaming and listening to music, thanks to its improved audio setup. The newer software is also an advantage if you want the latest Android features.
- The All-Rounder: If you’re looking for an all-around capable phone for everyday use, you’ll need to prioritize what's most important to you. Do you value screen quality, software and audio quality, or do you prefer performance? Depending on that, either of these will serve you well, the Redmi Note 11S leaning towards performance, the Moto G52 leaning towards software, durability, and audio.
My Pick:
After carefully weighing the pros and cons of each device, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S for my personal use. My reasons are as follows:
Reasons:
- Performance Matters: The Helio G96 chipset and the availability of up to 8GB of RAM in the Redmi Note 11S are big wins for me. As a daily driver, I value speed and responsiveness. I want a phone that can handle multitasking, run demanding apps, and deliver a smooth gaming experience, and the Redmi Note 11S is notably faster than the Moto G52 in these areas.
- Camera Versatility: I appreciate the high-resolution main camera (108MP), the dedicated depth sensor, and the slow-motion video capability. As a tech journalist, I often take photos and videos of products, so a versatile camera is crucial for my workflow.
- Brighter Display: As someone who also spends time outdoors and on the go, the superior peak brightness of 1000 nits of the Redmi Note 11S ensures the display is clear and readable in bright sunlight, which is a practical advantage.
- Battery Capabilities: The extra added benefit of reverse charging is a great addition to have when needed.
While the Moto G52 has its own merits, like the updated Android 12 and better screen protection, the performance and camera advantages of the Redmi Note 11S align more closely with my needs and preferences. This decision would be different depending on the priority of the user, where they can easily choose the Moto G52 for its audio quality and modern software. However, given my use case, the Redmi Note 11S is the better pick.
In the end, both devices offer compelling features for their respective price points, and it really comes down to understanding what's important to you. I hope this analysis gives you the clarity to make the right decision.
