The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value for money, and the Note 11 and Note 11S are no exception. Both offer compelling features at an affordable price, but subtle differences can make a big impact on your user experience. This comprehensive comparison will break down everything you need to know to choose the right phone for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 11S edges out the Note 11 thanks to its slightly faster charging, marginally brighter display, and generally more modern chipset. However, the Note 11 remains a strong contender, especially if you prioritize sheer battery endurance and find a better deal.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 26 | 2022, January 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 09 | Available. Released 2022, February 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 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 | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, HyperOS | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 60 min | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Gray, Twilight Blue, Star Blue | Graphite Gray, Pearl White, Twilight Blue |
| Models | 2201117TG, 2201117TI, 2201117TY, 2201117TL | 2201117SG, 2201117SI, 2201117SY, 2201117SL |
| Price | £ 95.00 / € 97.99 / ₹ 11,950 | € 136.99 |
| SAR | 0.97 W/kg (head) 0.93 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.59 W/kg (head) 0.88 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 126h
|
Endurance rating 133h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-25.8 LUFS (Very good)
|
-25.4 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 228044 (v8), 244526 (v9)
GeekBench: 1662 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 6.8fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 251201 (v8), 308741 (v9)
GeekBench: 1873 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
- Exceptional battery life
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Affordable price
- Slightly less powerful chipset
- Marginally dimmer display
- Older chipset technology
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S
- Slightly faster charging
- Marginally brighter display
- More modern chipset (Helio G96)
- Slightly shorter battery life than Note 11
- Potentially higher price
- 12nm process less efficient
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Note 11S boasts a slightly higher peak brightness of 744 nits compared to the Note 11's 736 nits, resulting in marginally better visibility in direct sunlight. Both have excellent contrast ratios (infinite nominal).
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a quad-camera setup, typically including a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. The Note 11S often has slightly improved image processing and potentially better low-light performance due to the chipset differences, but the differences are not drastic. Video recording capabilities are similar on both.
Performance
The Redmi Note 11 utilizes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G, a power-efficient chipset. The Note 11S, on the other hand, is powered by a Mediatek Helio G96. While both are octa-core processors, the Helio G96 generally offers a bit more processing power, particularly in gaming scenarios, though both are suitable for everyday tasks. The 12nm process on the 11S is less efficient than the 6nm on the 11.
Battery Life
Battery life is a strong point for both devices. The Redmi Note 11 boasts an impressive endurance rating of 126 hours, while the Note 11S achieves 133 hours. Both support 33W fast charging, but the Note 11S charges slightly faster (58 minutes vs. 60 minutes for a full charge).
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is ideal for users prioritizing maximum battery life and a reliable, everyday smartphone experience on a tight budget. The Redmi Note 11S is a better choice for those who want slightly faster performance, quicker charging, and a marginally improved camera system, even if it comes at a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 11S worth the extra money?
It depends on your priorities. If you value slightly faster performance, quicker charging, and a marginally brighter display, the Note 11S is worth the upgrade. However, if battery life is your top concern and you're on a tighter budget, the Note 11 remains an excellent choice.
❓ Which chipset is better, Snapdragon 680 or Helio G96?
The Helio G96 generally offers slightly better performance, especially in gaming. However, the Snapdragon 680 is known for its power efficiency, contributing to the Note 11's exceptional battery life.
