Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Realme 11 Pro+. I've poured over the specs, and I'm here to break down what it all means for you, the user.
Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a particular focus on what these technical differences mean in the real world:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Realme 11 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2022-02-09 | 2023-05-15 | Realme is significantly newer, benefiting from more recent tech advancements |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 161.6 x 73.9 x 8.2 mm | Similar in hand feel; Realme slightly taller; |
| Weight | 179g | 183g | Virtually identical, hardly noticeable |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Standard phones, not foldable |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Realme 11 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | Realme provides more screen real estate, ideal for media consumption and multitasking |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Very similar sharpness, both screens are crisp and detailed. |
| PPI | 409 | 394 | Both have similar pixel density, meaning visuals will be equally detailed and sharp |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks and good viewing angles |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme has smoother animations and scrolling, better for gaming |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 950 nits | Both offer bright and vibrant displays. Minimal difference, both easily viewable outdoors |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Realme 11 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6nm) | Realme uses a more efficient and faster chipset; Expect snappier performance and better power efficiency |
| Antutu Score | 302,877 | 540,800 | Realme is significantly faster, noticeable in demanding tasks and gaming |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Realme offers better graphics performance, ideal for gaming |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Realme 11 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.52") | 200MP (f/1.69, 1/1.4") | Realme takes more detailed photos, with better low-light performance; Higher dynamic range and overall quality |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.4, 1/3.13") | 32MP (f/2.45, 1/2.74") | Realme delivers more detailed selfies with sharper results |
| Wide Angle | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | Similar wide-angle quality. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5") | Not Present | Xiaomi is able to produce depth effects on photos |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5") | 2MP (f/2.3, 1/5") | Both devices have similar quality macro shooting capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | Realme offers much better video capabilities, higher resolution for detailed footage. |
Battery Life
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Realme 11 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have excellent battery life. Similar usage time for general tasks |
| Charging | 33W | 100W | Realme charges much faster. Fully charge in under 30 minutes! |
| Features | Reverse Charging | 2x2500mAh | Xiaomi can act as a power bank for other devices; Realme has a dual-cell battery setup for faster charging |
Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Strengths:
- Good Display: Excellent AMOLED panel with high peak brightness.
- Good Battery Life: All-day battery capacity.
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor included
- Reverse Charging: Has the ability to charge other devices.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Quicker access and more secure.
Realme 11 Pro+ Strengths:
- Superior Performance: Noticeably faster with the Dimensity 7050 chipset.
- Excellent Camera: High-resolution sensor with great image quality.
- Fast Charging: Lightning-fast 100W charging drastically reduces downtime.
- Better Software Support: Runs on Android 13 and will likely get more updates.
- Better Bluetooth: The Bluetooth 5.3 offers more codecs and newer technology for better compatibility and sound quality.
- Better Video: Records at 4k and much higher frame rates for greater quality videos
Significant Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S: Older chipset, slower charging, only 1080p video.
- Realme 11 Pro+: No expandable storage, and no depth sensor.
User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is best for:
- Budget-conscious users looking for a good-quality display and reliable performance.
- Users who want reverse charging functionality to charge their accessories on the go.
- Users with more limited use cases: Light gaming, browsing, and social media.
Realme 11 Pro+ is best for:
- Power users who need smooth performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts who want high-quality photos and videos.
- Users who need fast charging to maximize their productivity.
- Users who are looking for better software support and newer features.
Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these three crucial questions:
- Performance Requirements: How important is gaming and demanding apps for you?
- If you need the best performance, the Realme 11 Pro+ is the clear winner.
- If your needs are lighter, the Redmi Note 11S might be sufficient.
- Camera Quality: Are you a serious photography enthusiast or just an occasional user?
- If camera quality is a must-have, the Realme 11 Pro+’s 200MP sensor is superior.
- If camera quality is secondary, the Redmi Note 11S will do fine.
- Charging Speed: How much do you value fast charging?
- If fast charging is a priority, the Realme 11 Pro+ is unmatched.
- If you are okay with more moderate charging times, the Redmi Note 11S is acceptable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Gamer: If you are on a tight budget and want some gaming performance, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S could be suitable.
- Photography Enthusiast: If camera quality is a top priority, go for the Realme 11 Pro+.
- On-the-Go Professional: If you need quick charging and smoother performance, the Realme 11 Pro+ is ideal.
- Casual User: If you are primarily using a phone for social media and browsing, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S will serve you well.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two, I would go with the Realme 11 Pro+. While the Redmi Note 11S is a solid budget option, the Realme 11 Pro+ simply offers a better experience in key areas. The superior performance of the Dimensity 7050, combined with the fantastic 200MP camera and incredibly fast 100W charging, make it a compelling choice. I frequently use my phone for photography, video, and gaming, and the Realme 11 Pro+ is clearly better suited to handle these tasks. The newer software and better video capabilities are significant factors.
While I appreciate the reverse charging capability on the Xiaomi, the overall package offered by the Realme 11 Pro+ is more appealing for my personal needs, plus the lack of the depth sensor is not a concern as the realme device has better overall processing and software to achieve good bokeh effects.
