The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value, and the Note 11 and Note 11S are no exception. But with subtle differences, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down every aspect to help you make the right decision for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 11S edges out the Note 11 thanks to its slightly faster charging, brighter display, and generally improved camera capabilities. However, the Note 11's Dimensity 810 chipset offers a performance advantage in some scenarios, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 28 | 2022, January 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2022, February 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, 119˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1) | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 62 min | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mysterious Black, Milky Way Blue, Mint Green | Graphite Gray, Pearl White, Twilight Blue |
| Models | 21091116AC | 2201117SG, 2201117SI, 2201117SY, 2201117SL |
| Price | About 140 EUR | € 136.99 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 0.88 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 133h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.4 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 251201 (v8), 308741 (v9)
GeekBench: 1873 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (China)
- More powerful chipset (Dimensity 810)
- Slightly more affordable
- Good value for money
- Less bright display
- Slightly slower charging
- Potentially less impressive camera
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S
- Brighter display (744 nits)
- Faster charging (PD3.0, QC3)
- Improved camera performance
- Sleeker design (generally)
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G96)
- Slightly more expensive
- 12nm process less efficient
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 11S boasts a measured peak brightness of 744 nits, significantly brighter than the Note 11. While both feature AMOLED displays with a 90Hz refresh rate, the increased brightness on the 11S makes it more visible in direct sunlight. The 'infinite' contrast ratio claim on the 11S is nominal and doesn't provide concrete data, but AMOLED panels inherently offer excellent contrast.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 11S is expected to have a slightly better camera system overall, likely featuring improved image processing and potentially a higher resolution main sensor (though specific sensor details are often not publicly available). Both phones offer versatile camera setups, but the 11S's improvements are noticeable in image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
The Redmi Note 11's Dimensity 810 chipset (6nm) generally outperforms the Helio G96 (12nm) in the Note 11S, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks. The Dimensity 810's more modern manufacturing process and architecture contribute to better efficiency and performance. However, day-to-day usage will likely feel similar on both devices.
Battery Life
Both phones offer excellent battery life, with an endurance rating of 133 hours. The Redmi Note 11S charges slightly faster, completing a full charge in 58 minutes compared to the Note 11's 62 minutes, thanks to its support for PD3.0, QC3 charging standards.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (China) is ideal for users prioritizing raw processing power and a slightly more affordable price point. The Redmi Note 11S is a better choice for those who value a brighter display, improved camera quality, and faster charging, even if it comes at a slightly higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 11S worth the extra money?
If you prioritize a brighter display, faster charging, and slightly better camera quality, then the Redmi Note 11S is worth the extra investment. However, if you're on a tight budget and value raw performance, the Note 11 remains a compelling option.
❓ Which chipset is better, Dimensity 810 or Helio G96?
The Dimensity 810 generally offers better performance, especially in graphics-intensive tasks, due to its more modern 6nm manufacturing process and architecture. The Helio G96 is still capable, but the Dimensity 810 holds a performance edge.
