Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S: Comparison

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S: Mid-Range Smartphone Comparison

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series of mid-range smartphones has grown in popularity over the last couple of years, and this year they have released two new models - the Redmi Note 11 and the Redmi Note 11S. Both phones offer a range of features at an affordable price, making them an attractive option for those who don’t want to spend too much money on their next phone. But which one is best for you?

Design & Materials

The two models have the same 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, with a resolution of 1080x2400, refresh rate of 90 Hz and a maximum brightness of 700 cd/m2. Both have Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection, however the Note 11S has a slightly higher usable surface area at 84.6%. The Note 11's design language is the familiar Redmi look, with a plastic back and side frame. On the other hand, the Note 11S has a more premium feel thanks to its glass back and metal frame. In terms of audio, both phones feature stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio on the Note 11S.

Hardware

The two handsets differ in their processors: the Note 11 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (SM6225) while the Note 11S is powered by the MediaTek Helio G96. The Note 11 comes in two RAM and storage variants - 4GB RAM + 64GB storage, 6GB RAM + 128GB storage, and 8GB RAM + 256GB storage - whereas the Note 11S offers 6GB RAM + 64GB storage and 8GB RAM + 128GB storage. Both phones support external storage via microSD card and feature a fingerprint scanner on the side. The Note 11S has the upper hand when it comes to benchmark performance, scoring 302877 on AnTuTu v9 compared to the Note 11's 248639.

Camera

On the back, both phones feature a quad-camera setup but the sensors differ. The Note 11 has a 50MP Samsung main camera, while the Note 11S has a 108MP Samsung main camera. The Note 11 has an 8MP wide angle sensor, a 2MP macro lens and a 2MP portrait lens, while the Note 11S has an 8MP wide angle sensor, a 2MP macro lens, a 2MP portrait lens and an additional ultra wide angle lens. On the front, the Note 11 has a 13MP selfie camera while the Note 11s has a 16MP selfie camera. Both phones can record 4K video.

Connectivity and Battery

Both phones offer Bluetooth 5.0, Dual SIM, NFC, audio jack and infrared connectivity. In terms of battery capacity, both phones have a 5000mAh battery and support 33W fast charging. The Note 11S also supports reverse charging.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and Note 11S are both great phones for their respective price points. The Note 11 has a plastic body, slightly lower performing hardware and a lower quality camera setup compared to the Note 11S. However, the Note 11 is cheaper and can still deliver a great user experience. The Note 11S is more expensive, but it offers better build quality and performance, alongside a more capable camera setup. Ultimately, it depends on your budget and what you need from your phone.