Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 SE vs Redmi Note 11S: A Detailed Comparison

The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value for money. The Redmi Note 11 SE (India) and Redmi Note 11S are two popular contenders in this lineup, but which one offers the best experience? This comprehensive comparison will break down their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi Note 11S edges out the SE thanks to its slightly faster charging, brighter display, and potentially better camera performance. While the SE boasts the Helio G95, the 11S's overall package provides a more refined experience, especially for media consumption and photography. It's a close call, but the 11S is the slightly better choice.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 SE (India) Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2022, August 242022, January 26
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, August 31Available. Released 2022, February 09
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, glass back
Dimensions160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.33 in)159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight178.8 g (6.31 oz)179 g (6.31 oz)
 IP53, dust and splash resistantIP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 1100 nits (peak)AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G76 MC4Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 11, MIUI 12.5Android 11, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 Virtual proximity sensingVirtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging33W wired, 54% in 30 min33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 58 min
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsThunder Purple, Cosmic White, Shadow Black, Bifrost BlueGraphite Gray, Pearl White, Twilight Blue
Models22087RA4DI2201117SG, 2201117SI, 2201117SY, 2201117SL
PriceAbout 300 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 SE (India)

  • Slightly more powerful chipset (Helio G95)
  • Budget-friendly price
  • Large 5000mAh battery

  • Less bright display
  • Slower charging (potentially)
  • Potentially inferior camera performance

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S

  • Brighter AMOLED display (744 nits)
  • Faster charging (PD3.0, QC3)
  • Potentially better camera performance
  • Premium feel

  • Slightly more expensive
  • Helio G96 chipset (slightly less powerful)

Display Comparison

The Redmi Note 11S takes the lead here. While both phones feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, the 11S boasts a measured peak brightness of 744 nits, significantly brighter than the SE. This translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. The 11S also advertises an 'infinite' contrast ratio, indicating superior black levels and overall image quality. The SE's display is still good, but the 11S offers a noticeably more premium viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is a complex area. Both phones feature a quad-camera setup, but the 11S is expected to have slightly better image processing and overall camera quality. While specific megapixel counts are not provided, the 11S's chipset and software optimizations likely contribute to superior photo and video results. The SE's camera is still capable, but the 11S is the preferred choice for photography enthusiasts.

Performance

The Redmi Note 11 SE holds a slight advantage in raw processing power thanks to its Helio G95 chipset. This chipset is generally considered a step up from the Helio G96 in the 11S, potentially offering a small boost in gaming performance. However, in everyday tasks, the difference is likely to be minimal. Both phones are powered by an Octa-core CPU with similar core configurations, ensuring smooth multitasking and app usage.

Battery Life

Both phones offer a large 5000mAh battery, and Xiaomi claims an endurance rating of 133 hours for both. However, the Redmi Note 11S has a slight edge in charging speed. While both support 33W wired charging, the 11S also supports PD3.0 and QC3 charging standards, allowing for faster charging with compatible chargers. The 11S charges to 100% in 58 minutes, while the SE charges to 54% in 30 minutes, suggesting a slightly faster overall charging time for the 11S.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 SE (India) is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly more powerful chipset for gaming and those seeking a budget-friendly option. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is a better fit for users who value a brighter display, faster charging, and a potentially more versatile camera system, even if it comes at a slightly higher price.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Redmi Note 11 SE good for gaming?
The Redmi Note 11 SE's Helio G95 chipset provides decent gaming performance for most titles, but demanding games may require lower graphics settings.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer excellent battery life with a 5000mAh battery and a claimed endurance rating of 133 hours.