Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Motorola ThinkPhone. These two phones represent different philosophies in the smartphone world, and it's time to see how they stack up.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, broken down into categories with practical implications for you, the user:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Motorola ThinkPhone | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | 158.8 × 74.4 × 8.3 mm | The ThinkPhone is slightly shorter and wider, but a touch thicker. You'll feel a subtle difference in hand, but nothing drastic. |
| Weight | 179g | 188.5g | The Note 11S is a bit lighter, good for longer use. ThinkPhone is marginally heavier but feels robust. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus | ThinkPhone wins with significantly better screen protection, a much more durable phone, especially against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.6" | ThinkPhone offers a slightly larger display, more immersive for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both phones offer a sharp Full HD+ display. |
| PPI | 409 | 399 | Very similar sharpness; both look great. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both deliver vibrant colors and good contrast. AMOLED has slightly better blacks, but it's a minor difference for most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | ThinkPhone delivers much smoother scrolling and animations; big difference for gamers and fast-paced interfaces. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1200 nits | ThinkPhone is brighter, better outdoor visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | ThinkPhone is vastly more powerful; Expect much faster app loads, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 1,232,700 | ThinkPhone is over 4 times faster; a night-and-day difference in responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 730 | ThinkPhone's GPU is much more powerful, significantly better graphics performance for games and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Note 11S has a higher megapixel count, but ThinkPhone has a wider aperture and larger pixel size for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 32MP, f/2.45 | ThinkPhone has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | 13MP | Both have a wide angle camera. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP | 2MP | Both have comparable depth sensors. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | none | Note 11S has a dedicated macro camera; ThinkPhone uses its ultrawide lens for macro photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | ThinkPhone captures video at higher resolutions with more features; a big advantage for aspiring videographers. |
| Features | Quad camera, Digital Stabilization, Night Mode | Triple camera, Optical Stabilization, 8k video | Motorola has a better camera package, with 8k and OIS |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, expect similar endurance. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 68W fast charging | ThinkPhone charges much faster, getting you back up and running quicker. |
| Other Features | Reverse Charging | 15W Wireless charging | Motorola offers Wireless charging but no reverse charging; Xiaomi offer reverse but not wireless. |
| Software & Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 13 | ThinkPhone is more up-to-date with the latest Android OS. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | ThinkPhone supports newer Wi-Fi standard, resulting in faster speeds and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | ThinkPhone supports a newer Bluetooth standard. |
| Storage | 64/128GB | 256GB | ThinkPhone has much more storage and comes in one variant only. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8GB | ThinkPhone has a good ram for gaming and multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio Features | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos | Both phones have Stereo speakers. Thinkphone has Dolby Atmos, Xiaomi has Hi-Res Audio |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Xiaomi has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Sensors | Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Gyroscope, Proximity | Xiaomi has additional features: Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S
- Strengths: A more affordable device, a very light weight build, high-resolution main camera, macro lens and better security features.
- Competitive Advantages: Solid display for the price, a good main camera for photography.
- Trade-offs: Less powerful performance, older Android version, and slower charging.
Motorola ThinkPhone
- Strengths: Top-tier performance, excellent display with a high refresh rate, very capable cameras (video), much faster charging, and more durable build.
- Competitive Advantages: Flagship-level processor, premium design, and video recording capabilities.
- Trade-offs: Higher price point, and a slightly heavier weight.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S: Ideal for users on a budget who prioritize photography, watching content on the go, or those who need a reliable, all-round basic smartphone. It's a good choice for students, casual users, or anyone who isn't doing intensive tasks.
- Motorola ThinkPhone: Best for power users, gamers, professional photographers or videographers who demand the highest performance and are willing to pay a premium. It's also perfect for individuals who appreciate cutting-edge technology, a fluid experience, and a robust build.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your choice:
- Performance Needs: Do you primarily use your phone for basic tasks (browsing, social media, calls), or do you need it for heavy multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps? If it’s the former, the Redmi Note 11S is fine; for the latter, the ThinkPhone is the clear choice.
- Budget: Are you on a strict budget? The Redmi Note 11S is more affordable and may be sufficient if money is a big constraint.
- Features: Do you need high-end features like a high refresh rate, wireless charging, and 8K video recording? The ThinkPhone delivers in all those areas, while the Redmi Note 11S focuses on providing essential features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The Budget-Conscious Student: Go for the Redmi Note 11S for everyday tasks, social media and media consumption, at a very affordable price.
- The Mobile Gamer: The ThinkPhone is ideal for smooth and intensive gameplay.
- The Content Creator: The ThinkPhone, with its 8K video capability and robust performance, wins hands down.
- The Everyday User: It depends on your budget. The Redmi Note 11S can cover most bases, but if you value smoothness and responsiveness, the ThinkPhone is worth the splurge.
Which one would I choose?
Personally, I'd opt for the Motorola ThinkPhone. While it comes at a higher price, the sheer difference in performance, the much better display, and superior camera capabilities, all coupled with the latest version of Android, and better build quality, make it a worthwhile investment for me. As someone who uses their phone extensively for both work and play, the smooth multitasking, faster charging, and the future-proofing nature of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 are too compelling to ignore. It’s also a huge plus for the video quality, for high quality footage on the go. While I appreciate the Note 11S' affordability, the ThinkPhone aligns with my needs and provides a premium experience that's worth the added cost. It's not just a phone; it's a powerhouse that would fit seamlessly into my daily life.
