Okay, let's break down the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the OnePlus Nord 4. I'll try to make this as clear and practical as possible, as if we were chatting over coffee about these two phones.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what these specs actually mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | OnePlus Nord 4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 162.6 x 75 x 8 mm | The Nord 4 is a touch taller and wider, but both are about the same thickness. Nord 4 is slightly less pocketable but not dramatically so. |
| Weight | 179g | 199.5g | The Redmi Note 11S is notably lighter, which makes it more comfortable for long-term use. The Nord 4 feels more substantial in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.74" | Nord 4’s larger screen is more immersive for videos, games, and reading. Redmi Note 11S is slightly more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1240 x 2772 | The Nord 4's display is noticeably sharper, leading to crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 450 | Nord 4's sharper display looks more detailed and less pixelated. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use the same great display tech, with vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Nord 4 has a smoother scrolling experience and animations. Redmi Note 11S is still good, but not as fluid. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 2200 nits | Nord 4 is much easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight. Redmi Note 11S is adequate but can struggle in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4nm) | Nord 4 uses a much more powerful and efficient chipset resulting in much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 1,366,982 | The Nord 4 is much faster, making everything feel more fluid and responsive. Redmi Note 11S will show its age much faster. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 732 | Nord 4’s GPU is significantly more powerful, resulting in much better gaming performance and smoother graphics-heavy apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | Redmi Note 11S has higher resolution but smaller sensor, leading to detailed but less light-sensitive images. Nord 4's sensor captures more light, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | Both have very similar selfie cameras, with comparable performance. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Identical wide-angle lenses offer the same perspective and quality. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Not Available | The Redmi Note 11S can achieve better depth effects by using the extra sensor; not present on the Nord 4 |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Not Available | The Redmi Note 11S can achieve better macro shots; not present on the Nord 4 |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps | Nord 4 has far superior video capabilities, with 4K recording and excellent stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Quad, No stabilization | Dual, OIS, PDAF | The Nord 4’s OIS provides much better video and image stabilization, improving low-light shots. Redmi Note 11S does not provide OIS. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | Nord 4 will likely last longer on a single charge due to its larger battery. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Nord 4 charges much faster, going from zero to full in a fraction of the time compared to the Redmi Note 11S. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Redmi Note 11S can reverse charge another phone via cable, Nord 4 does not offer this feature |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Nord 4 has a much newer and updated OS with more features and security. Redmi Note 11S is much older. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Nord 4 supports the newest standard, resulting in much faster speeds and lower latency. Redmi note 11S is missing this feature. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | Nord 4 has the latest Bluetooth version, leading to better stability and power efficiency, and supports superior audio codecs. |
| GPS | Standard | Advanced | Nord 4 has better accuracy when using maps or tracking. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256/512GB | Nord 4 offers much more built-in storage, especially if you choose one of the more expansive versions. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/12/16GB | Nord 4 has more RAM available, allowing for smoother multitasking, especially if you choose a higher capacity. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Strengths: Lighter weight, side mounted fingerprint sensor, microSD card slot for expandable storage, and a slightly more aggressive price. It also has the unique option of reverse charging.
- Competitive Advantages: Offers a higher resolution 108 MP camera.
- Trade-offs: The significantly weaker chipset, much older operating system, weaker display in bright conditions, and slower charging significantly impact performance and usability. The 108MP camera, although having higher resolution, isn't better than the Nord 4's in practice.
OnePlus Nord 4:
- Strengths: Much faster performance due to its powerful processor, a brighter and smoother display, significantly better video recording capabilities, faster charging, and newer operating system.
- Competitive Advantages: It offers a premium user experience with much more responsive and capable hardware and features.
- Trade-offs: Heavier, lacks a microSD card slot, and slightly more expensive.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those primarily concerned with cost who don’t require top-tier performance, but a large megapixel camera for social media photos.
- Casual users: Individuals who use their phones for basic tasks like browsing, social media, calls, and texting.
- Users seeking specific features: People who value the ability to charge other devices using reverse charging or a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
OnePlus Nord 4 is best for:
- Performance enthusiasts: Gamers and power users who need a smooth and snappy experience for demanding apps and games.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts: Those who value a high-quality camera system for both photos and videos.
- Users wanting a modern experience: Individuals who prefer the latest Android software and the benefits that come with that.
- Anyone who uses their phone a lot in sunny outdoor conditions.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you?
- If high speed and smooth multitasking are a priority, the Nord 4 is a clear winner. If basic tasks are all you do, the Redmi Note 11S is sufficient.
- Do you value photography and video quality?
- If yes, the Nord 4's camera and video capabilities are much better. If your main concern is selfies and quick photos, the Redmi Note 11S could be fine.
- What’s your budget, and how long do you plan to use the phone?
- If your budget is extremely tight and you plan on upgrading frequently, the Redmi Note 11S could be an option. If you intend to use your phone for a long time, it’s worth the extra investment for the performance and features the Nord 4 provides.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: A casual user on a strict budget.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S. It offers basic features at a lower price point.
- Scenario 2: A user who plays games and uses graphics intensive apps.
- Recommendation: OnePlus Nord 4. It delivers a much smoother experience.
- Scenario 3: A user who takes a lot of photos and videos.
- Recommendation: OnePlus Nord 4. The camera performance and video stabilization are vastly superior.
- Scenario 4: A user that needs to charge their device infrequently
- Recommendation: OnePlus Nord 4. The much faster charging will drastically cut charging time, even though the battery capacity isn't dramatically different.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would definitely go with the OnePlus Nord 4. The performance difference is simply too massive to ignore. The much faster chipset, smoother screen, superior video recording capabilities, better display brightness, and the newer OS make it a much better phone. While the Redmi Note 11S has some unique features like reverse charging, they're not enough to offset the massive gap in performance, display, and overall user experience. The Nord 4 offers a significantly more future-proofed experience, which is important if I'm looking to use the device for a long time. The faster charging is also a major plus for me.
