Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G. Both are solid contenders in the mid-range smartphone market, but they cater to slightly different needs. I'm going to break it down like I'm explaining it to a friend over coffee, focusing on how these specs translate to your everyday life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the specifications, with a focus on what they actually mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm | The Note 11S is more compact and pocketable, while the M4 5G is slightly larger and bulkier. You’ll notice a difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 179g | 200g | The Note 11S is noticeably lighter, which is great for long-term comfort. The M4 5G is heavier, and you'll feel that extra weight after holding it for a while. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.58" | The M4 5G has a slightly larger display, which is better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both are virtually identical, offering sharp visuals for daily use and media. |
| PPI | 409 | 401 | Both offer very similar pixel density, meaning they will both look crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Big difference here: The Note 11S's AMOLED display has much better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. It also handles dark mode more efficiently for battery life. The M4 5G's LCD is a step down in overall quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | The Note 11S is significantly brighter and is more suitable for outdoor usage under direct sunlight. The M4 5G's brightness is not specified which is a red flag. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G96 (12nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7nm) | The M4 5G's 7nm chip is newer and more efficient, leading to better performance and battery management. The G96 is fine, but not quite as fast or power-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 381,300 | The M4 5G has a higher AnTuTu score, showing it's faster for everyday tasks and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both have the same GPU, so graphics performance is similar. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP f/1.9 | 13MP f/2.2 | The Note 11S wins with a far superior main camera, offering far higher resolution photos with better light capture due to its wider aperture. The M4 5G’s main camera is basic. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.4 | 5MP f/2.2 | The Note 11S's front camera captures much sharper selfies with more detail. The M4 5G's front camera is quite low-resolution. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP f/2.2 | Not available | The Note 11S has a dedicated wide-angle lens for landscape shots, while the M4 5G lacks this. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both feature a 2MP depth sensor to enable bokeh effect. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | Not available | The Note 11S has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which is lacking in M4 5G |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion 120 fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion 30 fps | Both have a similar resolution for standard videos, although the 11S allows for a higher slow-motion recording frame rate. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer a similar battery capacity, meaning you can expect a full day of usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | The Note 11S charges significantly faster, getting you back up and running in less time. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Reverse Charging | Both offer the ability to reverse charge, making them a mobile power bank. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | The M4 5G has a more recent Android version out of the box, which will likely mean it receives more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both support the same WiFi standards, so you'll experience similar speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | The M4 5G has a more modern Bluetooth version, giving you slightly more efficient connections and more stable connections. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB | Both offer similar storage options which can be enough for many. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB | The Note 11S offers up to 8GB RAM, which is beneficial for heavy multitasking and gaming. The M4 5G is limited to 6GB. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so you will have to opt for the higher storage model if required. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | The Note 11S offers a better audio experience through stereo speakers with Hi-Res Audio, which is missing in M4 5G. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both devices offer the same side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both offer the same protection for the screen using Gorilla Glass 3. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | The Redmi Note 11S additionally features: Ultrasonic proximity virtual, while Poco M4 5G has Proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen is a clear win for visual quality, with deeper blacks, better contrast, and vibrant colors. It also handles outdoor brightness significantly better.
- Excellent Camera System: A much better main camera with a 108MP sensor, a dedicated ultrawide lens, a macro lens and a better selfie camera give it a massive advantage for photography enthusiasts.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging is a big convenience, getting you powered up quickly.
- Better Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers provide an enhanced audio experience.
- More RAM Options: 8 GB RAM makes it better for multitasking.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G Strengths:
- Newer, More Efficient Chipset: The Dimensity 700 is more efficient, translating to slightly better battery life and improved performance.
- Newer OS: The device comes with a newer OS version out of the box, which gives it a slight advantage in the updates department.
- Slightly larger screen: The M4 5G has a larger screen, making it better for consuming media.
- Lower price: The M4 5G is generally less expensive than the Note 11S.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Note 11S: It has an older chipset, an older OS and is slightly more expensive.
- Poco M4 5G: The display and camera are significantly inferior to that of the Redmi Note 11S.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is best for:
- Media Lovers: Those who enjoy watching videos and want a high-quality, vibrant screen.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, seeking detailed shots, ultrawide images, and better low-light performance.
- Multitaskers: Users who need higher RAM capacity to juggle between multiple apps.
- Audio Lovers: Users who care about the audio quality and want a better listening experience.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who prioritize cost-effectiveness and a good enough device for daily use.
- Everyday Users: People who focus on basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calls.
- Gamers on a Budget: Users looking for adequate gaming performance at a lower price point.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If you value vibrant colors and deep blacks, the Note 11S's AMOLED is a clear winner.
- How important is camera quality to you? If you value better quality photos, the Note 11S is a clear winner, providing vastly better results than the M4 5G.
- Are you on a tight budget? If you are looking for the most affordable option, the M4 5G may be a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario: You're a student who loves watching Netflix and taking photos.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S. The superior AMOLED display and camera will make your media consumption and photo sessions much more enjoyable.
Scenario: You’re a casual user focused on social media, browsing, and basic tasks.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M4 5G. It gets the job done at a lower price point.
Scenario: You're a heavy multitasker who plays a lot of games and listens to music.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S. The better display, more RAM, and better audio quality makes it better suited for those needs.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S. Here's why:
- Display is Key: As someone who spends a lot of time consuming media, I value a good screen above almost anything else. The AMOLED on the Note 11S is just so much better for viewing content.
- The Camera Matters: The 108MP sensor, ultrawide, and dedicated macro lens make the camera on the Note 11S much better than that of the M4 5G. It would allow me to take much better photos, which is something I highly value.
- Faster Charging: With my busy schedule, faster charging is a big convenience that would make my life easier.
- Better Audio: The enhanced audio quality on the Note 11S makes it far better for my music listening and movie watching experience.
While the Poco M4 5G is a solid budget device, the Redmi Note 11S justifies the slightly higher price with a much better display, a superior camera, and faster charging, making it a significantly more enjoyable phone to use on a daily basis.
