Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and Redmi Note 11 Pro. We'll break down the specs, explore the implications for real users, and help you decide which phone might be the better fit.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S vs. Redmi Note 11 Pro: A Detailed Comparison
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, along with their practical implications:
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm | Pro is taller and wider, might feel less comfortable in smaller hands. Both are the same thickness. |
| Weight | 179g | 202g | 11S feels noticeably lighter, better for extended one-handed use. Pro feels heavier in the pocket |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 5 | 11 Pro has better protection against scratches and drops on the screen |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Pro offers more screen real estate for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both provide sharp and detailed images. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 395 PPI | Similar pixel density, both will look crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations, better for fast-paced games. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1200 nits | Pro is more visible under direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Same processor, both will handle daily tasks well, some slight bottleneck on the Pro due to it's higher refresh rate |
| Antutu Score | 302,877 | 405,259 | Pro has slightly faster app loading and overall smoother operation |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Same GPU, so similar graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.52") | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.52") | Similar camera sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.4, 1/3.13") | 16MP (f/2.4, 1/3.06") | 11S has a slight advantage here. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | Same wide-angle sensor, both will have similar results. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5") | None | 11S has an additional depth sensor for better portrait mode |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5") | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5") | Same macro lens on both. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, slow-motion 120fps | 1080p@30fps, slow-motion 120fps | Both record Full HD videos, Pro has 'ultra stable video' |
| Camera Features | Quadruple, Digital stabilization | Triple camera, Ultra stable video, Manual Focus, RAW | Pro has better manual controls, slightly better stabilisation |
| DXOMARK | n/a | Mobile: 78, Photo: 81, Video: 85 | Pro has a good camera for this price. |
Battery Life
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, both should last a full day. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Pro charges significantly faster (30 minutes vs 60 minutes) |
| Other | Reverse Charging | None | 11S can act as a power bank to charge other devices. |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both are on the same android version |
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support the same WiFi protocols. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Pro has a newer Bluetooth version with better audio support. |
| GPS | Standard | Enhanced | Pro has better GPS capabilities. |
| Storage | 64/128GB | 64/128/256GB | Pro has the option for more storage and generally comes with more storage. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 6/8GB | Same RAM options for both. |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | Pro has better sound quality and noise cancellation during calls. |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Similar fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Both have full set of sensors. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has a SD card slot |
2. Key Insights
Redmi Note 11 Pro Strengths:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother experience.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging is a significant time-saver.
- Brighter Screen: 1200 nits brightness makes it more usable outdoors.
- More Storage Options: Option for up to 256GB of storage, good if you take a lot of photos and videos.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos and two microphones provide a better overall audio experience.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass 5 provides a better protection.
- Better Bluetooth: Version 5.2 offers better audio codec support.
Redmi Note 11S Strengths:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for long periods of use.
- Reverse Charging: It can be used to charge other devices.
- Slightly better selfie camera: While the difference is marginal, 11S has a slightly better sensor on its selfie camera.
- Portrait Mode: Comes with a depth sensor for better portrait mode shots.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Both phones have the same processor, which might lead to bottleneck on the Pro.
- Neither phone supports expandable storage, which might be a limitation if you take a lot of photos and videos.
- Both record videos only up to 1080p, which might not be ideal for professional content creation.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize comfort and light weight for long hours of use.
- Users who like to charge other devices.
- Users who prefer a lighter device and a good quality camera for social media.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro is ideal for:
- Users who value a smooth and responsive display with a higher refresh rate.
- Users who need a fast charging phone.
- Users who spend a lot of time watching videos.
- Users who want better audio quality.
- Users who want more storage space for photos and videos
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these three questions:
- Is display smoothness a high priority? If so, the 120Hz display on the Note 11 Pro is a clear win.
- Do you value fast charging and better audio? If so, the 11 Pro is a better choice.
- Do you prefer a lighter phone with the ability to charge other devices? If so, the 11S is a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual User: If you’re primarily using your phone for browsing, social media, and basic tasks, both phones perform adequately. However, the faster charging and smoother display on the Pro is worth the extra price.
- Gamer: The Note 11 Pro with its 120Hz display is better for gaming.
- Photography Enthusiast: Both phones feature the same main sensor so there is not much difference. However, the Pro has better image processing software.
- Media Consumer: The Note 11 Pro with its larger, brighter display, better audio, is ideal for media consumption.
Final Thoughts and Personal Choice
Both the Redmi Note 11S and Note 11 Pro offer fantastic value. However, after carefully considering the specifications, user experience, and my own priorities as a tech journalist, I'd personally choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro.
Here's why:
- 120Hz Display: The smoother display is a huge quality of life improvement, especially for anyone who scrolls a lot. It's just more enjoyable to use.
- Faster Charging: The speed at which the 11 Pro charges is a huge benefit for anyone on the go, it also has a bigger battery than the 11S.
- Brighter screen: Makes the phone much more enjoyable to use outdoors.
- Better Audio: Improves sound quality and is very convenient for phone calls.
- Storage: The option to get a 256gb variant is also a plus, since neither phone has an SD card slot.
While the Redmi Note 11S is a great device, the Pro’s improvements in the display and charging speed are a bigger deal for me in my daily usage. The slightly heavier build is a worthwhile compromise for all the benefits, making it a more complete and future-proof smartphone. It feels like a more refined experience overall.
