Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Poco X4 Pro 5G. Both are solid contenders in the mid-range market, but they cater to slightly different priorities. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and then give you my take on which one might be right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the technical specifications of each phone, and how they translate to your daily usage:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | Note 11S is slightly smaller, making it potentially more comfortable to hold for some. |
| Weight | 179g | 205g | Redmi Note 11S is noticeably lighter; easier for extended use and less tiring in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Poco X4 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area, great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both phones provide a crisp and sharp display for everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 395 PPI | Very similar levels of sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both devices. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Poco X4 Pro has smoother scrolling and animations; more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1200 nits | Poco X4 Pro offers better visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Poco X4 Pro’s 6nm chip offers better power efficiency and slightly more raw power. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 395,978 | Poco X4 Pro is noticeably faster for everyday tasks and some games. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 | Poco X4 Pro has a more capable GPU for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.9 | 108MP, f/1.9 | Both have excellent main cameras for capturing high detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Poco X4 Pro has a slightly larger sensor offering potentially slightly better image quality. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Similar capabilities for wide-angle shots on both phones. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 11S includes a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both include a basic macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both are limited to 1080p video, suitable for general usage. |
| Camera Features | Quad, DIS, HDR | Triple, DIS, HDR, Ultra Stable video, Manual focus, RAW | Poco X4 Pro has more advanced video capture options and a triple camera system, while the Redmi Note 11S has a quad-camera setup including a depth sensor. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer good all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Poco X4 Pro charges significantly faster, a very handy feature. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging | No reverse charging | Redmi Note 11S can be used to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both are running Android 11; potential for upgrades depending on Xiaomi's update cycle |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support modern WiFi standards for fast wireless internet. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Poco X4 Pro has a newer Bluetooth standard for better audio quality and battery efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Poco X4 Pro has more comprehensive GPS support, potentially for improved accuracy in some cases. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Standard dual SIM functionality on both devices. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Poco X4 Pro offers more storage option. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 6/8GB | Adequate memory for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | No option to add additional storage through microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Poco X4 Pro offers slightly enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos and 2 mics for improved voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Standard, convenient fingerprint sensor on both. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Poco X4 Pro has better scratch resistance with Gorilla Glass 5. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Similar sensor suites for both phones. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and higher AnTuTu score provide a smoother, more responsive experience.
- Better Display: A 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness make for a more pleasant viewing experience, particularly outdoors.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging is a significant time saver.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and dual microphones provide a slightly improved sound experience.
- More Advanced Video: With Ultra Stable video and the option for manual focus.
- Better Build: With Corning Gorilla Glass 5, the device is more protected against damage.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Advantages:
- Lighter Design: It is significantly lighter and slightly more compact making it easier to handle, especially for those with smaller hands or pockets.
- Reverse Charging: A nice-to-have feature that isn't common in this price range.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco X4 Pro sacrifices a dedicated depth sensor for a better chipset and display. This might be a minor loss if you do not use the depth sensor often.
- The Redmi Note 11S does not offer 5G connectivity, which is a notable limitation for future proofing your device.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize performance, media consumption, and smooth overall experience. Great for gamers, heavy social media users, and those who watch a lot of videos.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers who need a reliable and responsive device.
- Users who stream videos or browse social media frequently.
- Anyone who needs fast charging for convenience.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Ideal for: Users who value a lighter design and a well-rounded daily experience at a slightly lower price. Suitable for general use.
- Use Cases:
- Those who prefer a lighter and more compact device.
- Users who want a good general-purpose phone without the highest-end gaming needs.
- Anyone who wants reverse charging capability.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance? If you play games or multitask heavily, the Poco X4 Pro's better chipset is a significant advantage.
- How much do you value a larger, smoother display? If you watch a lot of videos or want the best possible outdoor visibility, the Poco X4 Pro wins with its 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness.
- Do you need 5G connectivity? If so, the Poco X4 Pro is your only option. The Redmi Note 11S is a 4G-only device.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the budget-conscious: The Redmi Note 11S offers good value, but the Poco X4 Pro might be worth the extra cost if you want better future proofing thanks to 5G connectivity.
- For the mobile gamer: The Poco X4 Pro's superior GPU and refresh rate make it the better choice.
- For the casual user: The Redmi Note 11S offers all the essentials but also check out the Poco X4 Pro because it might be worth the upgrade because of its faster performance and 5G connectivity for future proofing.
- For the media enthusiast: The Poco X4 Pro's larger, brighter 120Hz display and enhanced audio make it ideal for media consumption.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two, I would lean towards the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G. While the Redmi Note 11S is a decent phone, the Poco X4 Pro’s Snapdragon 695 chip offers a noticeably better experience in terms of performance and speed of apps. Furthermore, the 120Hz display, faster charging, and 5G connectivity are significant upgrades that make it a more compelling package. For those seeking a more future-proofed device, the Poco X4 Pro with its superior performance and 5G capabilities is the clear winner. The faster charging alone is a huge time-saver, and the smoother display makes for a better daily experience. Although I appreciate the lighter design and reverse charging capability of the Redmi Note 11S, the Poco X4 Pro feels like a more balanced choice with significant upgrades to the parts that matter most to me, such as display smoothness, performance, and overall speed, making it my top pick.
