Alright, let's dive into this head-to-head between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. This is a fascinating comparison because we're pitting a budget-friendly contender against a cutting-edge foldable. It’s like comparing a reliable sedan to a high-performance sports car – both serve a purpose, but in very different ways.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what these specs mean for you, the user:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-09 | 2022-08-25 | The Z Fold4 is newer by about 6 months, indicating more recent tech, software and potentially longer software support. |
| Foldable | Standard | Foldable | The Z Fold4's foldable design offers a larger screen that can be tucked away, while the Redmi Note 11S is a standard smartphone design |
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | 155.1 × 130.1 × 6.3 mm | The Redmi is taller and thicker, while the Z Fold4 is significantly wider when unfolded, affecting handling and portability. |
| Weight | 179g | 263g | The Redmi Note 11S is much lighter, more comfortable for long use and less tiring in the hand. The Z Fold4's weight adds to it's solid feel, and also the potential to be tiring. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 7.6" | The Z Fold4's larger screen is great for multitasking and media consumption, while the 11S is more compact and easier to use one-handed. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1812x2176 | The Z Fold4 offers a sharper display with higher pixel density and resolution making text and images appear clearer and more detailed. |
| PPI | 409 | 373 | The Redmi Note 11S has a slightly higher pixel density (409 vs 373), which could give it a slightly sharper appearance to the naked eye despite the lower resolution. |
| Technology | AMOLED | The AMOLED display on the Redmi Note 11S provides deeper blacks and better contrast compared to what is presumed to be an LCD on the Z Fold4's cover screen. | |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Z Fold4's 120Hz refresh rate offers smoother animations and a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 11S dramatically better outdoor visibility with 1000 nits higher brightness, making it significantly better for bright sunlight use. The lack of information from the Samsung implies poor outdoor brightness |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | The Z Fold4's chipset is far more powerful, leading to faster performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 1,232,800 | The Z Fold4's benchmark score is exponentially higher, showcasing its superior speed for demanding tasks and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 730 | The Adreno 730 in the Z Fold4 offers significantly better graphics performance for gaming and other graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP f/1.9 | 50MP f/1.8 | Redmi Note 11S has a larger sensor but the Z Fold4 has a wider aperture, making both suited for different lighting conditions |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.4 | 10MP f/2.2 | The Redmi Note 11S has a slightly higher-resolution selfie camera, but the Z Fold4's has a wider aperture, offering potentially better low-light performance and depth of field |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP f/2.4 | The Z Fold4's dedicated telephoto lens allows for better optical zoom capabilities, absent in the Redmi Note 11S. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | 13MP f/2.2 | The Z Fold4 has a slightly higher-resolution wide-angle lens, which translates to more detailed photos. The Redmi has a wider sensor that would help in low light conditions |
| Portrait mode | 2MP f/2.4 | None | The Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated depth sensor that helps with creating natural looking portrait pictures. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | The Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots of objects. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | The Z Fold4 offers significantly better video capabilities with higher resolution and frame rate, suitable for content creators. The Z Fold4 also has EIS stabilisation for much smoother videos |
| Camera Score | - | 124 | The Z Fold4 has an impressive DxoMark Score showing it's exceptional camera performance in real-world testing. |
| Camera Features | Quad, DIS, Autofocus | Triple, OIS, Laser AF | The Z Fold4’s optical zoom and stabilization make it a far more versatile camera. It also has additional features like 4k video, manual focus, RAW capture, making it suitable for professional work |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | The Redmi Note 11S has a larger battery, which should provide longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 33W | 25W | The Redmi Note 11S charges slightly faster, getting you back up and running sooner. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Bypass, Wireless | The Z Fold4 offers wireless charging and bypass charging, adding convenience, but neither device has removable batteries. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | The Z Fold4 ships with a more recent Android version, meaning better and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E | The Z Fold4 supports newer Wi-Fi standards, potentially offering faster and more reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | The Z Fold4 has the latest Bluetooth version offering improved speed, stability, and compatibility with audio devices. |
| GPS | Standard | Advanced | The Z Fold4 supports more satellite systems providing more accurate and faster location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | The Z Fold4 supports eSIM and will be more future proofed for carrier changes, while the Redmi has dual physical sim slots. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | The Z Fold4 offers significantly more storage, ideal for storing high-resolution photos, videos, and large files. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 12GB | The Z Fold4’s higher RAM is advantageous for heavy users who frequently multitask or play demanding games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; choose the storage option that best suits your needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | The Redmi Note 11S includes Hi-Res Audio while the Z Fold4 includes Dolby Atmos technology, providing more immersive and high-quality audio. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both have the same basic fingerprint security, no high end security features. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus+ | The Z Fold4 features superior glass for better scratch and drop resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Basic | Advanced | The Z Fold4 has more environmental and motion sensors for much more accurate readings and more features |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S: This phone is a solid, budget-friendly option. It excels in these key areas:
- Battery Life: The larger 5000mAh battery and faster 33W charging mean less time tethered to a power outlet.
- Display Visibility: It has superior outdoor visibility thanks to it's 1000 nits brightness.
- Affordability: It is substantially more affordable than the Z Fold4, making it ideal for users on a budget.
- Camera Versatility: The inclusion of a macro lens, depth sensor and a higher resolution main sensor makes it a versatile shooter.
- Light Weight: It's light and easy to handle all day.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4: This is a top-tier, cutting-edge device with some serious advantages:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip and 12GB of RAM mean this phone can handle anything you throw at it, with speed and smoothness.
- Premium Display: The larger, higher-resolution display and 120Hz refresh rate make for an unmatched visual experience for movies, games, and multi-tasking.
- Professional Camera: The inclusion of a telephoto lens, 4K video capabilities, OIS, and much more make it great for professional and amateur photographers and videographers.
- Cutting-Edge Design: The foldable form factor sets it apart, offering a unique tablet-like experience that you can fold down to fit in your pocket.
- Connectivity: Newer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards offer much faster data speeds and more reliable connections.
- Superior Build Quality: Features Gorilla Glass Victus+ glass that is significantly more scratch resistant.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The Redmi Note 11S lacks the raw power, advanced features, and premium build quality of the Z Fold4. Its display, though decent, doesn't have the same sharpness or refresh rate.
- The Galaxy Z Fold4, while exceptional, comes with a hefty price tag and a somewhat bulky design. Its battery life isn't as strong as the Redmi Note 11S, and the unfolded device is less pocketable.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking a reliable smartphone at an affordable price point.
- Everyday users: Individuals who prioritize a balance of good battery life, a decent screen, and a functional camera for everyday tasks.
- Media Consumption: Good enough screen and stereo speakers make it a good media consumption device
- People who prefer lightweight phones: Due to its low weight, it's not tiring to use all day.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is best for:
- Power users: Those who need the best performance, multitasking capabilities, and graphics power for demanding tasks and games.
- Professional creatives: Individuals who value a top-tier camera with optical zoom, high-quality video recording, and professional editing tools.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the most innovative and cutting-edge smartphone technology.
- Multi-taskers: It's massive screen makes it excellent for multi-tasking on the go.
- Users who prefer larger screens: The tablet like unfolded screen is ideal for gaming, reading and entertainment.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Before making your choice, ask yourself these three key questions:
- What is my budget? The Z Fold4 is premium and is priced accordingly, while the Redmi Note 11S is budget-friendly.
- What are my daily use priorities? Do you need long battery life and a lightweight phone or cutting-edge technology and ultimate performance?
- Do I need a foldable device? The Z Fold4's foldable design provides a unique and larger display experience, which might be essential for specific use cases but may also not be worth the extra size, weight and cost.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious & Practical: If your primary concern is value for money and you need a reliable phone for daily tasks, choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S.
- Scenario 2: Power & Performance: If you need the best performance, a top-tier camera, and are willing to pay a premium for innovation, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Multimedia & Gaming: If you prioritize a large, immersive display with a good refresh rate for movies and games, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 excels. If all you need is a display for everyday entertainment and not gaming, then the Redmi Note 11S will be sufficient.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones for my personal use, I'd lean heavily towards the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. While the price difference is considerable, the sheer leap in performance, cutting edge design, superior display and camera system is simply too enticing for someone like me.
As a tech journalist, the ability to have access to these kinds of advanced features isn't just a luxury, it's a necessity. The Z Fold4's versatility as a creative tool, multi-tasking and it's ability to handle anything I throw at it, makes it worth the investment for my use case. The trade-offs in terms of weight and battery are drawbacks for sure, but the benefits vastly outweigh those for me. It's not just about having a phone, it's about having a powerful device that keeps up with a demanding workload and allows me to stay productive.
However, I recognize that the Redmi Note 11S is an excellent phone for its price, and would recommend it to someone who is prioritising value and long lasting battery over other features.
