The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value for money. The Redmi Note 11 and Note 11S 5G are two compelling options, but which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison breaks down their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 11S 5G offers 5G connectivity and a slightly improved charging time, alongside a potentially better display. However, the standard Redmi Note 11 remains a strong contender, especially if 5G isn't a priority and you value a slightly lower price point. It's a close call!
| 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, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 28 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2022, April 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 195 g (6.88 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 (~399 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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 |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| 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 | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1) | GPS, GLONASS, 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, 100% in 59 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mysterious Black, Milky Way Blue, Mint Green | Midnight Black, Twilight Blue, Star Blue |
| Models | 21091116AC | 22031116BG |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 131h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1314:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.8 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 360255 (v9)
GeekBench: 1820 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (China)
- Excellent value for money
- Reliable performance
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Long battery life
- No 5G connectivity
- Camera less versatile than Note 11S 5G
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G
- 5G connectivity
- Potentially brighter display
- Slightly faster charging
- Versatile camera system
- Slightly higher price
- Performance largely identical to Note 11
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a similar 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Note 11S 5G boasts a slightly higher measured brightness (509 nits vs unspecified for the Note 11) and a nominal contrast ratio of 1314:1, suggesting a potentially more impactful visual experience. However, the difference is likely subtle for most users.
Camera Comparison
While both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Note 11S 5G generally features a more versatile camera system. It typically includes a higher resolution main sensor (often 108MP vs. 50MP on the Note 11), along with ultrawide and macro lenses. The Note 11 focuses on a more streamlined camera experience.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset, ensuring comparable performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Don't expect flagship-level speeds, but both phones handle multitasking and popular apps with ease. The 6nm process contributes to decent power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, providing excellent all-day battery life. The Note 11S 5G has an endurance rating of 131 hours, which is impressive. The Note 11 charges at 33W, completing a full charge in 62 minutes, while the Note 11S 5G completes it in 59 minutes, a marginal improvement.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (China) is ideal for users seeking a reliable, feature-rich phone without breaking the bank, and who don't need 5G. The Redmi Note 11S 5G is a better choice for those who want 5G connectivity, a potentially brighter display, and slightly faster charging, and are willing to pay a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 11S 5G worth the extra money?
If 5G connectivity and a potentially better camera are important to you, then yes. Otherwise, the standard Redmi Note 11 offers excellent value for money.
❓ What is the difference in performance between the two phones?
The performance is very similar as they both use the same Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset. You won't notice a significant difference in everyday usage.
