Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. This isn't just about specs; it's about how these phones fit into your daily life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key specs, highlighting their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-09 | 2022-08-25 | The Z Flip4 is a bit newer, potentially having the benefit of more recent software and hardware. |
| Foldable | Standard | Foldable | The Z Flip4 is a clamshell foldable, offering a unique design, compactness, and a small form factor. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm | Z Flip4 is taller and thinner, while Redmi is wider and thicker. Z Flip 4 is slightly more compact due to foldable nature when folded, less so when unfolded |
| Weight | 179g | 187g | Redmi Note 11S is slightly lighter, but the difference isn't major, and most users wouldn't notice that. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | Z Flip4 has a slightly larger display, which is better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2640 | The Z Flip4 is sharper due to higher pixel count, resulting in slightly clearer and more detailed images. |
| PPI | 409 | 426 | Both phones have similar pixel density, so sharpness is nearly identical to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Redmi Note 11S has better blacks, more vibrant colors, and power efficiency with dark themes. | |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Z Flip4 has smoother animations and scrolling, enhancing the user experience. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1200 nits | The Z Flip4 provides better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | The Z Flip4 is significantly more powerful, offering better app loading, multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 1,050,371 | The Z Flip4’s benchmark score is vastly higher, indicating vastly superior overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 730 | Z Flip4's GPU handles complex graphics tasks (like gaming) far better. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3700mAh | Redmi Note 11S has a larger battery, potentially offering better battery life (though processor efficiency plays a role). |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Redmi Note 11S charges slightly faster with the faster charger. |
| Features | Reverse charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, 25W Fast, 15W Wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | The Z Flip 4 offers more comprehensive and faster charging options, wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard Camera | 108MP f/1.9 | 12.2MP f/1.8 | Redmi Note 11S has much higher resolution but Z Flip4 might perform better in low light because of wider aperture and bigger pixel size. |
| Front Camera | 16MP f/2.4 | 10MP f/2.4 | Redmi Note 11S has higher resolution front camera, but the Z Flip4 has a bigger pixel size in the sensor. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP f/2.2 | 13MP f/2.2 | Z Flip4 has a higher resolution wide-angle camera. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated depth camera for portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps with HDR | Z Flip4 can record much higher quality video. |
| Camera Features | Digital image stabilization; Quad camera, Night Mode | Tracking AF, 4K Video, OIS | Z Flip4 has a more robust set of camera features including OIS and Tracking AF, whilst Redmi has a Quad camera. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | The Z Flip4 comes with a newer Android version, and is upgradable up to Android 14, which means better support and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Z Flip4 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Z Flip4 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, offering more profiles and functionality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | The Z Flip4 supports more satellite systems and has better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Z Flip4 supports eSIM for digital carrier switching, whilst Redmi Note 11S supports two physical SIM cards. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | The Z Flip4 offers more storage variants for users with higher needs. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB | The Z Flip4 has more RAM which ensures smooth performance and multitasking capabilities.. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 11S has a slight edge in audio features, including a Hi-Res Audio for a higher sound quality. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both devices have a side mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus | The Z Flip4 uses a stronger glass, offering better scratch and drop resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Z Flip4 offers a more comprehensive suite of sensors, with additional Barometer, which offers better functionality with some advanced features and gaming |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Strengths: A larger battery and faster charging, making it great for all-day use, a good quality AMOLED display, and a higher resolution rear and front facing camera, good for those who value a good selfie and photography. It also boasts Hi-Res Audio.
- Competitive Advantages: The price is where this phone really shines. It offers a solid experience at a lower price than the Z Flip 4. It’s also slightly lighter and has reverse charging capabilities.
- Trade-offs: The processor is not as powerful as the Z Flip 4, it uses older Wi-Fi standards, the display is less bright, and it lacks some of the advanced camera features found in the Z Flip4 (OIS).
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4:
- Strengths: The Z Flip4 boasts a unique foldable design, a more powerful processor, higher resolution and brighter display with 120Hz refresh rate, faster Wi-Fi, and a more robust camera system with better video capabilities, wireless charging, and better screen protection.
- Competitive Advantages: Its foldable nature provides portability and a unique user experience. It is also more premium and is a more powerful device. It also has a more up to date operating system and better security.
- Trade-offs: The battery is smaller than Redmi, It lacks the additional dedicated portrait and macro camera lens, It is significantly more expensive than Redmi Note 11S.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Best For: Budget-conscious users, students, and those who prioritize long battery life and good image quality at a low price.
- Use Cases: Everyday tasks, social media, media consumption, casual gaming, capturing high resolution photos, people who prefer a larger battery capacity.
- Price-to-Value: The Redmi Note 11S is great value for money, offering many features that are usually found in more expensive devices.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4:
- Best For: Tech enthusiasts who value innovation, a premium design, high performance, and advanced features.
- Use Cases: Mobile professionals, content creators, gamers, those who enjoy unique form factors, those who value a high refresh rate and a bright screen with good visibility.
- Price-to-Value: The Z Flip4 is more of a premium device, offering cutting-edge features and a unique user experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What's your budget? If budget is your primary concern, the Redmi Note 11S is your winner, however, the Z Flip 4 is premium, with a premium price tag.
- Do you value a unique design and the best possible performance? If so, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4's foldable design and powerful performance will be perfect for you.
- How important is battery life to you? The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S has a larger battery and faster charging which means it'll last you all day, while the Z Flip 4 comes with more versatile charging options and wireless charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Budget-Conscious User: If you need a reliable phone for daily use, with long battery life and good image quality at the lowest price, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is the clear choice.
- The Tech Enthusiast: If you crave innovation, top-tier performance, and the unique experience of a foldable phone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is your best bet.
- The Social Media Power User: If you take lots of selfies, need a good quality screen for media consumption and want to have all day battery, the Redmi Note 11S is the more logical choice.
- The Gamer: If you want the best possible performance, the highest quality screen and advanced video quality, the Z Flip 4 is going to be the better option.
My Choice
Personally, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. The allure of the foldable design, combined with the significantly better performance, the more modern software, brighter screen with 120Hz and a robust camera system, outweigh the benefits of a slightly bigger battery in the Redmi. As a tech journalist, I'm always drawn to the latest innovations, and the Z Flip4 embodies that. While it's more expensive, the overall experience would be more satisfying for my daily needs and would provide a more premium experience.
