Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Motorola Moto G73. I've taken a good look at the specs, and I'll break down what they mean for you in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table comparing the key specifications of the two phones, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Motorola Moto G73 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 161.4 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm | The Moto G73 is slightly taller and thicker, but both phones have a similar width, making handling similar. |
| Weight | 179g | 181g | Both phones are light and have similar weight, making them comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.5" | Both phones offer a large screen, comfortable for multimedia consumption. The Moto G73 is slightly larger, but negligibly so. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical resolution means both will display sharp and detailed images and videos. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 405 PPI | Both offer great clarity, and the slight difference is practically unnoticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, particularly for dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G73's 120Hz refresh rate translates to smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the fluidity of the user interface. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 11S is significantly brighter, making it much easier to view the screen in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6nm) | The Dimensity 930 is a newer, more efficient chipset that will result in smoother performance and better battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 497,466 | Moto G73 scores much higher in benchmarks, indicating significantly faster performance for apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | IMG BXM-8-256 | Different GPUs, but the Moto G73's GPU is designed to handle more demanding graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | The Xiaomi has a higher megapixel count, which is good in theory. However, megapixels aren't everything - lens quality and processing matter more for real-world results. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.8 | The wider f/1.8 aperture on the Moto G73 lets in more light, which usually results in better performance in low-light conditions. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.52" | - | Larger sensor size on the Xiaomi might capture more light but the difference is not that high |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.70 µm | 1.00 µm | Larger pixels on the Moto G73 capture more light, potentially leading to better image quality in low-light scenarios. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 16MP | Both have similar selfie cameras, so the quality should be comparable. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.4 | No difference on the aperture for both front cameras |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 8MP | 8MP | Both phones have comparable wide-angle lens cameras. |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.2 | No difference on the aperture for both wide angle cameras |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP | None | Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated portrait camera for depth sensing. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps | Moto G73 can record video at 60fps. |
| Slow Motion Video | 120 fps | 240 fps | Moto G73 can record higher framerate slow-motion videos. |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | 4K Video, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Front Flash, Night Mode | Motorola has more software-based features like 4K recording, ultra-stable video, and manual focus while the Redmi Note 11S has a better camera setup. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both should provide all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 11S charges slightly faster. |
| Additional Battery Features | Reverse Charging | None | The Xiaomi can also charge other devices, a handy feature. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Moto G73 has the latest Android OS, likely offering a better user experience, newer features, and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Moto G73 supports the newer Wi-Fi standard for faster, more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Moto G73 features a newer Bluetooth version with higher speed, more stability, and new audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), NavIC System | Moto G73 has more GPS support for better accuracy, especially in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Moto G73 has double the maximum storage, beneficial for users with lots of apps and media. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB | Both phones offer enough RAM for a smooth experience. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows microSD card expansion, so you’re locked to onboard storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Motorola has Dolby Atmos, enhanced spatial audio, and better voice capture, while Xiaomi has Hi-Res Audio for audiophiles. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both have side-mounted fingerprint sensors for easy unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The Redmi Note 11S offers known screen protection, while the Moto G73's is not specified. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass | Both phones feature an adequate array of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S: Strengths & Advantages
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it great for media consumption. It also has very good sunlight visibility because of its 1000 nits brightness.
- Extra Cameras: The Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated portrait and macro lens, which is ideal for enthusiasts who love to experiment with their camera.
- Faster Charging and Reverse Charging: Slightly faster charging speed and the ability to reverse-charge other devices are great conveniences.
- Hi-Res Audio: While the Motorola has Dolby Atmos, the Hi-Res audio feature on the Redmi Note 11S is great for audiophiles.
- Known Screen Protection: The use of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides added peace of mind.
Motorola Moto G73: Strengths & Advantages
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 930 chipset offers much faster performance for gaming and demanding apps, making it more future-proof.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother user experience, particularly when scrolling.
- Newer Software: The phone runs on Android 13 out of the box which has new features, and will be supported with updates for a longer period of time, offering better security and features.
- Better Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 provide faster and more reliable connections.
- Improved Audio: The Dolby Atmos support and dual microphones enhance the audio experience.
- More Storage: The higher storage capacity (256 GB option) is beneficial for users who have a lot of data.
- Better GPS Support: The Moto G73 offers much better GPS support for more accuracy.
Trade-offs
- Display: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S uses AMOLED technology for superior quality compared to the IPS LCD on the Moto G73. However, Motorola has a smoother refresh rate of 120Hz
- Camera: Redmi Note 11S offers more cameras on the back which translates to more options while Motorola focuses on providing better performance from less cameras.
- Performance: The Motorola Moto G73 has a superior chipset when compared to the one on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S.
- Software: The Motorola Moto G73 uses a newer operating system than the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Users who love watching videos and playing games will appreciate the vibrant AMOLED display.
- Casual Photographers: The additional macro and portrait cameras offer extra versatility for creative shots.
- Users Who Value Sunlight Visibility: Those who spend time outdoors will benefit from the high brightness of the AMOLED screen.
Motorola Moto G73 is best for:
- Power Users: Users who demand smooth performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest features, from the newest Bluetooth to the latest OS, will like the Moto G73.
- Frequent Travelers: The enhanced GPS accuracy will be a significant advantage for navigation.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize display quality or raw performance? If you want the best screen, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is better. But, if you want a faster and smoother device, the Moto G73 is better.
- Do you need a more versatile camera setup or better software? If you like photography and using macro and portrait cameras, the Redmi Note 11S is better. If you want the most stable and feature-rich software experience, the Moto G73 is better.
- Is storage space crucial? If you store lots of files, the Moto G73's 256GB storage option is a significant advantage. If you need a device that offers reverse charging, the Xiaomi is a better choice.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: "I'm a student who watches a lot of videos and plays casual games."
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S for its excellent AMOLED screen and sufficient performance for casual use.
Scenario 2: "I'm a mobile gamer who needs fast performance for intensive games."
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G73, for its superior chipset, smooth 120Hz display, and improved Wi-Fi.
Scenario 3: "I like taking photos and trying new camera features but I value having a more polished and better software experience."
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G73, for the more up-to-date software, excellent overall experience, and a stable camera.
Scenario 4: "I want a device that is going to last long in the future and offer consistent performance."
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G73, for it's newer OS and better future proof chipset.
What I Would Choose
If I were making this choice for myself, I would lean towards the Motorola Moto G73. While the AMOLED display on the Redmi Note 11S is very appealing, the raw performance boost, smoother 120Hz display, more up-to-date OS, and the newer connectivity standards of the Moto G73 are too compelling to ignore. As a tech journalist and someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks, including resource-intensive ones, the Motorola offers a more future-proof and overall better experience. The newer chipset paired with the superior software and connectivity options, makes it the better choice.
