The Xiaomi Black Shark 4S and Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G are both compelling smartphones, but cater to different audiences. The Black Shark 4S is a dedicated gaming phone, while the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G aims for a broader appeal with a focus on camera and fast charging. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which one comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Black Shark 4S offers superior gaming performance thanks to its Snapdragon 870 and optimized cooling. However, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G boasts a potentially better camera, faster charging (advertised), and longer battery life, making it a more versatile choice for everyday users. It depends on your priorities!
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | - |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | - |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | - |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | - |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 13 | - |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 16 | - |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 76.2 x 9.9 mm (6.44 x 3.00 x 0.39 in) | - |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | - |
| Weight | 210 g (7.41 oz) | - |
| | Physical pop-up gaming triggers | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | - |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio) | - |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | - |
| | Always-on display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | - |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | - |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | - |
| OS | Android 11, Joy UI 12.8 | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | - |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | - |
| | UFS 3.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 0.8µm | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro), AF | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 1080p@960fps | - |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 0.8µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | -25.2 LUFS (Very good) |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | - |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 120W wired, 100% in 17 min | 120W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 15 min (advertised) |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Mysterious Black, Forest Green, Timeless Purple |
| Models | - | 21091116UG, 21091116UC |
| Price | About 360 EUR | € 329.00 / $ 320.00 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 106h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 375528 (v8), 437872 (v9)
GeekBench: 2225 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 22fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Black Shark 4S
- Exceptional gaming performance
- 120W fast charging
- Dedicated gaming features (shoulder triggers)
- Powerful Snapdragon 870
- Camera not as impressive as competitors
- Design may not appeal to everyone
- Battery life could be better
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G
- Excellent camera system
- 120W fast charging (advertised)
- Long battery life
- Versatile smartphone experience
- Potentially better display
- Gaming performance not as strong as Black Shark 4S
- Advertised charging speed may vary
- Software experience may be less optimized for gaming
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G likely features a slightly more modern display panel with potentially better color accuracy and brightness, though the Black Shark 4S's display is still very capable. Both offer high refresh rates for smooth visuals. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio claim for the Redmi is nominal and difficult to verify.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is expected to have a more advanced camera system, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. The Black Shark 4S's camera is decent, but not its primary focus. Expect better low-light performance and more versatile shooting options from the Redmi.
Performance
The Black Shark 4S's Snapdragon 870 is a powerhouse, specifically tuned for gaming. It consistently delivers smooth frame rates and handles demanding games with ease. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G's chipset (likely a Dimensity variant) is still powerful, but not quite on par for sustained, high-intensity gaming.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G's endurance rating of 106h suggests significantly better battery life than the Black Shark 4S. While the Black Shark 4S has incredibly fast 120W charging, the Redmi's 120W charging (advertised) could potentially be even faster, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Black Shark 4S? Gamers seeking top-tier performance and dedicated gaming features. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G? Users prioritizing camera quality, fast charging, and a well-rounded smartphone experience with excellent battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Black Shark 4S good for non-gamers?
While primarily a gaming phone, the Black Shark 4S is still a capable smartphone for everyday use. However, you might be better served by the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G if camera and battery life are your priorities.
❓ How does the charging speed of the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G compare to the Black Shark 4S?
Both offer 120W charging, but the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G's charging speed is advertised and may vary in real-world usage. The Black Shark 4S consistently charges to 100% in around 17 minutes.
