Alright, let's dive into this head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the vivo X100. We've got a clear clash of priorities here: the Redmi Note 11S aims for budget-friendly functionality, while the vivo X100 shoots for premium performance. It's like comparing a reliable daily driver with a high-performance sports car - both have their place, but they're built for different roads. Let's break down the details.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key differences, focusing on what they mean for your daily life:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | vivo X100 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 164.1 x 75.2 x 8.5 mm | The vivo X100 is noticeably larger in hand, and slightly thicker. The Redmi Note 11S is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 179g | 202g | The Redmi Note 11S is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.78" | The vivo X100 provides a more immersive viewing experience, ideal for media consumption and gaming. The Redmi is smaller, better for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2800 | The vivo X100 has a much sharper display; text is crisper and images appear more detailed. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 452 | The vivo X100 will show slightly clearer, more defined images |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; a great experience for media consumption and vivid colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The vivo X100 offers smoother scrolling and animations. The difference is noticeable when navigating the UI or playing games. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 3000 nits | The vivo X100 display is far brighter, dramatically improving visibility outdoors. The Redmi may struggle in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Dimensity 9300 (4nm) | The vivo X100 has a much newer and more powerful chipset, resulting in substantially better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 1,881,325 | The vivo X100 offers drastically faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance; it is much more future-proof. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | The vivo X100 has a much more powerful GPU, offering better graphics performance for demanding games. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer comparable all-day battery life. However the vivo's more demanding processor could impact this. |
| Charging | 33W | 120W | The vivo X100 charges much faster, getting you back up and running in a fraction of the time. |
| Charging Features | Reverse charging | Non-removable | The Redmi Note 11S can charge other devices; the vivo X100 cannot. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.7µm) | 50MP (f/1.57, 1/1.31", 1.2µm) | The Redmi has higher resolution on paper, but the vivo likely has better low-light performance because of a wider aperture and larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.0µm) | 32MP (f/2.0, 1/2.8", 0.8µm) | The vivo X100 will likely produce sharper, more detailed selfies, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP (f/2.6, 1/2", 0.7µm) | The vivo X100 offers optical zoom capabilities, enabling you to get closer to the action without loss of detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm) | 50MP (f/2.0, 1/2.76", 0.64µm) | The vivo X100 is capable of much more detailed wide-angle shots; better for landscapes. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm) | None | The Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, the vivo has to perform this with software. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm) | None | The Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; the vivo can perform this with software. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No Stabilization | Yes, Stabilization | The vivo X100 offers far more robust video recording capabilities and more stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 14 | The vivo X100 has a much newer operating system with the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | WiFi 7 (802.11be) | The vivo X100 supports newer WiFi standards for better speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | The vivo X100 has the latest Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, (L1+L5), (L1), (B1), (E1+E5a), (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The vivo X100 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy, this translates to better real world performance when using GPS systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | The vivo X100 has more storage, you'll be able to store more apps, photos, and videos, especially the 1TB model. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 12GB/16GB | The vivo X100 has more RAM for better multitasking and smoother app switching. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports a microSD card, this could be a constraint for users with larger libraries or media. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The vivo X100 has additional audio features that are great for media immersion and watching movies. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | The Redmi Note 11S offers a convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor; the vivo X100 is less detailed. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The Redmi Note 11S is protected with Gorilla Glass 3, it will be more scratch resistant. |
| Sensors | |||
| List | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have a comprehensive set of sensors; the Redmi Note 11S has a virtual sensor while the vivo X100 has a Proximity Sensor and a Gravity Sensor. |
2. Key Insights
- Redmi Note 11S Strengths:
- Affordability: Designed to be a budget-friendly option.
- Lightweight: More comfortable for long use, perfect for one handed users.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to charge other devices is useful.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and faster than the under-display sensor.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Sensors: For those that like taking close up shots.
- vivo X100 Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Dimensity 9300 chip makes this a performance beast; significantly faster.
- Superior Display: Larger, sharper, brighter display, perfect for multimedia and gaming.
- Photography Focus: Better main and selfie cameras, with a useful telephoto lens and ultrawide camera.
- Fast Charging: 120W charging is incredibly fast.
- Latest Software: Comes with Android 14 out of the box.
- Enhanced Audio: Offers an immersive experience with Dolby Atmos.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a reliable, affordable smartphone that covers the basics.
- Casual Users: People who prioritize affordability and battery life over advanced features.
- Those Needing Reverse Charging: This device can charge other devices via USB.
- vivo X100:
- Power Users: Gamers and multitaskers who need top-tier performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize a great camera system with versatile shooting modes.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos, movies, and other content.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who like the latest hardware features and software.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- Budget: Are you looking for the most affordable option, or are you willing to invest in premium features?
- Performance Needs: Do you need top-of-the-line performance for demanding tasks, or is basic performance sufficient?
- Priorities: Is camera quality, display quality, or battery charging speed more important to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Basic Users: If you mainly browse social media, text, and make calls, the Redmi Note 11S is likely more than adequate and is much more affordable.
- For Heavy Users: If you're a gamer, photographer, or multitasker, the vivo X100 is the superior choice, despite the extra cost.
- For Media Consumption: If you watch a lot of videos, the vivo X100 with its better display and audio is the way to go.
My Choice
If it were my money and I was choosing between these two, I would go with the vivo X100 without a doubt. The sheer difference in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities is too significant to ignore, despite the higher price tag. As a tech journalist and someone who is constantly using their phone to capture content, the better camera is much more important for my needs. Moreover, the faster charging would ensure I can always keep up with my workload. The Redmi Note 11S is certainly a good budget option, but the X100 is on a different playing field. I'd choose the X100 and happily deal with the higher initial outlay. The X100 would be a phone that will last me for a while to come.
