Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Motorola Moto G72. Both of these phones are vying for your attention in the competitive mid-range market, and I'm here to break down which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two devices stack up, with a focus on what these specs actually mean for day-to-day use:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-09 | 2022-10-03 | The Moto G72 is newer, meaning it might have slightly longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 160.5 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm | Both are similar in size, with the Moto G72 being slightly taller and thinner; these differences are nearly imperceptible. |
| Weight | 179g | 166g | The Moto G72 is noticeably lighter, which is comfortable in hand for extended usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.6" | Moto G72 provides a slightly larger viewing area, great for watching videos and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, clear visuals; text and images will appear crisp on both screens. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 402 PPI | Both have excellent sharpness, a tiny difference that is unlikely to be noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, with minor nuances in color reproduction |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G72's higher refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 11S's screen will be much easier to view in bright sunlight due to its 1000 nits brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) | The G99 chip in the Moto G72 is more efficient and powerful, leading to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 415,300 | The Moto G72 provides significantly better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both offer similar gaming performance, though the Moto G72's chipset and better benchmark should lead to a better experience |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 33W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | Both offer fast charging to quickly top up your battery. |
| Features | Reverse charging | None | Redmi Note 11S can charge other devices, a convenient feature. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9 | 108MP, f/1.7 | Moto G72's slightly wider aperture should result in better low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 16MP | Both offer similar quality for selfies and video calls. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/1.9 | Moto G72’s wider aperture will take better low-light photos. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP | None | Redmi Note 11S can capture photos with background blur |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both phones feature the same Macro sensor |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps | Moto G72 offers slightly better video recording capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Quad Camera, Night Mode | Triple Camera, PDAF, LAF | Both have a range of shooting modes, the Moto G72 has slightly faster focus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Moto G72 ships with a newer OS; this could mean better security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi MIMO | None | Redmi Note 11S can achieve faster WiFi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | EDR, HID | None | Redmi Note 11S has more advanced bluetooth capabilities |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Moto G72 has better location capabilities, |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Moto G72 offers more internal storage options |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Sufficient for multitasking and smooth app usage. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | Both phones should provide great audio experience with slight difference in audio processing |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Side-mounted | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S has a slightly more convenient and advanced fingerprint sensor |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 11S offers better protection against scratches and minor drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Magnetometer | Both phones provide common sensors, with slight differences that won't affect the average user experience |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
Strengths:
- Brighter Display: The 1000-nit AMOLED screen is a significant advantage in outdoor visibility.
- Reverse Charging: Allows you to charge other devices wirelessly, a convenient feature not found on the Moto G72.
- More advanced WiFi and Bluetooth: Offers advanced connectivity features such as WiFi MIMO, EDR and HID.
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
Competitive Advantages: Ideal for users who spend a lot of time outdoors or need a secondary battery pack, offering slightly better connectivity.
Trade-offs/Limitations: Slower processor, slightly less versatile camera system in terms of aperture and the older software.
Motorola Moto G72:
Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Helio G99 chipset provides faster app loading and smoother multitasking.
- Larger Display with Higher Refresh Rate: The 120Hz screen makes for a smoother visual experience.
- More Versatile Video Recording: The Moto G72 is capable of recording videos at 60fps which is great for video.
- More advanced Camera features: Features PDAF and LAF.
- More Internal Storage: You can get it with 256GB, versus only 128GB on the Redmi.
- Newer Operating System: Comes with Android 12 out of the box.
Competitive Advantages: Appeals to users who prioritize speed, smooth display, and a more up-to-date operating system.
Trade-offs/Limitations: The screen may struggle in bright sunlight and lack of reverse charging is a downside.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Best For:
- Users who frequently use their phones outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Those who occasionally need to reverse charge other devices.
- Those who prefer a slightly smaller form factor and great audio quality.
- Use Cases:
- Outdoor photography enthusiasts.
- Travelers needing a reliable secondary battery.
- Users who appreciate high-quality audio with Hi-Res audio support.
- Best For:
Motorola Moto G72:
- Best For:
- Users who want a phone that is fluid and fast.
- Those who value smooth scrolling and gaming on their phone.
- Users who need a phone with large internal storage.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers seeking smooth gameplay.
- Users who frequently multitask with many apps.
- Multimedia consumption, thanks to the larger screen.
- Best For:
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How often do you use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight? If you're often outdoors, the Redmi Note 11S is the better option due to its brightness. If not, the Moto G72 is the better choice.
- Do you prioritize smooth performance over other features? The Moto G72's Helio G99 provides smoother day-to-day usage.
- Is having more internal storage a high priority? The Moto G72 offers a 256GB variant, which is ideal if you have many photos, videos and apps.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Outdoor Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S for its high brightness and reverse charging.
- For the Performance Seeker: Opt for the Motorola Moto G72 for its faster chipset and smoother screen.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: Both offer great value; your choice depends on the specific features you prioritize.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd lean towards the Motorola Moto G72. Here's why: While the Redmi Note 11S offers a compelling display with better visibility outdoors, for me, the superior performance offered by the Helio G99, the smoother 120Hz screen, the more versatile video recording and the newer Android OS all combine to create a better overall experience.
