Alright, let's break down the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Samsung Galaxy M35. These are two solid contenders in the mid-range smartphone arena, but they cater to slightly different needs. Let's dive in!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the specs, focusing on what they mean for real-world usage:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-09 | 2024-05-24 | The M35 is newer, likely having more recent software and component optimizations. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm, 179g | 162.3 x 78.6 x 9.1 mm, 222g | The Redmi Note 11S is smaller and significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use. The M35 is bulkier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.6" | The M35 offers a slightly larger viewing area, good for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are FHD+, making text sharp and images crisp. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 390 | Both offer a good pixel density, but Redmi Note 11S is slightly sharper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both, great for media. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The M35 has a smoother scrolling experience, good for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | The Redmi Note 11S is much better for outdoor visibility and bright sunlight scenarios. Samsung needs to fix this spec, unlikely to be 0 nits. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Exynos 1380 (5nm) | The M35’s 5nm chip is more efficient, offering better performance and power management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 578,500 | The M35 is much faster, handling demanding apps and games more smoothly. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MP5 | The M35’s GPU is superior, making gaming and graphics-intensive tasks smoother. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | The M35 has significantly more battery capacity for extended usage without recharging. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The Redmi Note 11S charges faster despite its smaller battery. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging | None | The Redmi Note 11S can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Redmi Note 11S has higher resolution while Samsung has better aperture, sensor and pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 13MP, f/2.2 | The Redmi Note 11S offers slightly more megapixels and smaller aperture. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Similar performance in capturing wide landscapes. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer basic macro capabilities for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@60fps (EIS) | The M35 has much better video recording quality, offering 4K and smoother video with EIS. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera | 2x2 OCL, Pro Video Mode, 4K Video, Optical Stabilization (OIS) | The M35 includes advanced features like OIS and 4k video, significantly improving video quality and stability. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | The M35 has a newer OS, with the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The M35 supports the latest Wi-Fi standards for faster and more efficient connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | The M35’s latest Bluetooth offers better efficiency and broader codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The M35 has more accurate and faster positioning, especially in urban environments. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | The M35 has larger storage capacities, great for apps and media. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both have adequate RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD, which might be a limitation for some users. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The M35’s Dolby Atmos adds immersive spatial audio. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both offer quick and secure access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The M35 has superior scratch and drop resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Hall, Geomagnetic | The M35 has more sensors for additional functionalities and use cases such as gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Strengths:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle, great for users with smaller hands.
- Better Brightness: Excellent outdoor visibility in direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging: Quickly refuel the battery with its 33W charger.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Captures detailed photos with its 108MP sensor, although that's not the whole story in overall camera performance.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Strengths:
- Newer and More Powerful Chipset: The Exynos 1380 provides significant performance gains over the Helio G96, leading to smoother multitasking and better gaming.
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers considerably longer battery life.
- Superior Display: Smoother 120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Much Better Video: 4k recording with EIS and 60fps 1080p are significant upgrades.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 14, ensuring software support and updates.
- Better Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 offer faster and more stable connections.
- Advanced Audio: Dolby Atmos enhances the audio experience.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 11S has a more compact design and slightly better brightness but significantly lags in performance, video recording, battery life, connectivity and software.
- The Galaxy M35 is bulkier and more expensive, but its superior performance and features justify the extra expense.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Budget-conscious users: Who value a compact and lightweight design with basic features, but are not bothered by the weaker chipset, older OS and less capable video.
- Casual users: Who primarily use their phone for messaging, social media, and web browsing, and are not too concerned about demanding gaming or video recording.
- Users in very sunny climates: Who prioritize outdoor screen visibility.
Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Power Users: Who need a phone that can handle heavy multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Who value a high-quality display, excellent video recording, and great audio.
- Users who prioritize long-term software support: Benefit from a newer OS and future upgrades.
- Users who value stable video recording: OIS and EIS offer better results.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance and gaming to you? If you frequently play demanding games or use resource-intensive apps, the Galaxy M35 is the clear choice. If not, the Redmi Note 11S could suffice for lighter usage.
- Do you prioritize battery life or a compact design? If extended battery life is critical, the Galaxy M35 wins hands down, although it comes at the cost of being larger. If you value a smaller phone and are less reliant on heavy usage, the Redmi Note 11S is better.
- What's your budget? The Redmi Note 11S is likely the more affordable option. However, if you are willing to spend extra, the additional features of the Galaxy M35 offer significant improvements across various aspects of the smartphone experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The "Budget and Basics" user: If you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks and want to spend as little as possible, the Redmi Note 11S will serve you adequately.
- The "Performance and Media" user: If you want a smooth and powerful phone that can handle gaming, multimedia, and all-day usage, and don't mind paying extra for better features, the Galaxy M35 will offer a better experience.
My Pick
If I were choosing between the two, I would go for the Samsung Galaxy M35. Yes, it’s bulkier and likely more expensive, but the performance jump with the Exynos 1380 is too significant to ignore. As someone who runs multiple apps, takes a lot of videos and plays games on the move, the smoother performance, much better camera (especially the video), longer battery life, and superior display of the M35 make it a much better value for my needs. The faster Wi-Fi and newer Bluetooth are just icing on the cake. While the Redmi Note 11S has some advantages (and a lower price), the M35 is the clear winner in most critical areas, especially performance and video recording, making it the more future-proof choice.
