Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro. Both phones pack a punch for the price, but some key differences might sway you one way or the other. I'll break it down with a focus on real-world impact.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, with a focus on what they mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-09 | 2022-03-16 | The Poco M4 Pro is a slightly newer model. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | Identical size - both will feel the same in your hand. |
| Weight | 179g | 179.5g | Almost identical weight - no practical difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.43" | Same screen size - good for comfortable viewing and one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical sharpness - expect crisp visuals on both phones. |
| PPI | 409 | 409 | Similar pixel density - both will look equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vivid colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles on both devices. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations, feels responsive. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | The Redmi Note 11S gets significantly brighter, making it far better for outdoor use in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G96 | MediaTek Helio G96 | Same processor - expect comparable performance in day-to-day tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 438,700 | The Poco M4 Pro is significantly faster in benchmarks and is likely to handle demanding tasks better. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Same graphics processor - gaming performance will likely be similar, with a slight edge to the Poco due to higher AnTuTu score. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have large batteries - expect all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Similar fast charging - relatively quick top-ups. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | The Redmi Note 11S can act as a power bank for other devices, which is a handy bonus. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Redmi Note 11S boasts a much higher resolution main sensor, potentially better details in good light, while Poco M4 Pro has a slightly wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Very similar selfie camera performance overall, with small differences in sensor size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Identical ultrawide cameras - expect similar performance. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 120fps slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, 60fps slow-mo | Both record 1080p video but the Redmi has better slow motion frame rate. |
| Features | Quad camera, HDR, Night mode | Dual camera, Ultra Stable video, HDR, Night mode | The Redmi Note 11S has additional camera, while the Poco M4 Pro has additional features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both run on Android 11, which may affect user experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, MiMO | 802.11ac | Both support Wi-Fi standards; Redmi has better stability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Poco M4 Pro offers a newer version with better codecs for audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou (B1) | Poco M4 Pro supports more satellite systems for slightly better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM cards. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | - | The Redmi Note 11S offers more options for storage. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | - | Redmi Note 11S provides higher RAM options for better performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo, 2 mics | The Poco M4 Pro has better audio recording capabilities and Dolby Atmos for improved audio playback. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both have fingerprint sensors for easy unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Similar screen protection on both. |
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Both include a complete suite of sensors, including a virtual proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Strengths:
- Brighter Display: The 1000 nits brightness is a huge win for outdoor visibility.
- Versatile Camera Setup: The 108MP main camera, along with dedicated depth and macro sensors, gives you more photographic options.
- Reverse Charging: A handy feature for topping up other devices on the go.
- Higher storage and RAM: It offers more configuration options which could be useful to some users.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro Strengths:
- Significantly Better Performance: The higher AnTuTu score indicates a performance boost, making it smoother for gaming and demanding apps.
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos and dual microphones give it an edge in audio quality and recording.
- Newer Bluetooth: The Bluetooth 5.1 is better for audio quality and has lower latency.
- More accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 11S's camera advantage is slightly offset by its lower benchmark performance and lack of Dolby Atmos.
- The Poco M4 Pro, while having great performance, lacks the extra camera sensors, reverse charging, brighter display.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Ideal For: Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system without breaking the bank. Also people who need to use their phone in bright sunlight and need reverse charging.
- Use Case: Taking a variety of photos, from landscapes to close-ups, casual users that don't mind the small difference in performance in comparison to the Poco M4 Pro, those who need a brighter screen in broad daylight.
- Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro:
- Ideal For: Gamers and multimedia consumers who value performance and audio quality. Also for people that want a smoother experience and a more modern bluetooth.
- Use Case: Playing mobile games, watching videos and movies, enjoying podcasts and music, anyone who needs a faster experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is outdoor display visibility? If you spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight, the Redmi Note 11S is the clear winner due to its brighter display.
- Do you prioritize camera versatility or pure performance and audio quality? If you enjoy having more camera options, the Redmi Note 11S is suitable for you, but if you care more about gaming, smoother performance and audio experience, the Poco M4 Pro should be your go-to choice.
- Do you need reverse charging or a better GPS? The Redmi offers reverse charging and the Poco offers a better GPS, which can be essential to some users.
My Choice
If I were picking between these two, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro. While the Redmi Note 11S's camera system is tempting, the Poco's performance advantage is more significant to my day-to-day usage. I also value good audio and gaming experience. Even though the Redmi has a brighter display, I find myself inside the majority of the time and I can do with the screen brightness of the Poco. The reverse charging is also not as important to me as other factors. Also, the better audio quality and the more modern bluetooth of the Poco are better for me.
