The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers impressive value, and the Note 11S and Note 11S 5G are no exception. But with subtle differences, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will dissect their features, performance, and overall worth to help you make the right decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 11S edges out the 5G variant thanks to its brighter display and slightly faster charging. While the 5G model offers connectivity advantages, the Note 11S provides a more polished overall experience for most users, especially considering the chipset differences.
| 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, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 29 | 2022, January 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 23 | Available. Released 2022, February 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | 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 | 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, 450 nits (typ) | 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 13 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB 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 | - | 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) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, 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, 100% in 59 min | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Twilight Blue, Star Blue | Graphite Gray, Pearl White, Twilight Blue |
| Models | 22031116BG | 2201117SG, 2201117SI, 2201117SY, 2201117SL |
| Price | About 140 EUR | € 136.99 |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.60 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 0.59 W/kg (head) 0.88 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 131h
|
Endurance rating 133h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1314:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-26.8 LUFS (Good)
|
-25.4 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 360255 (v9)
GeekBench: 1820 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 251201 (v8), 308741 (v9)
GeekBench: 1873 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Modern Chipset (Dimensity 810)
- Decent Performance
- Good Battery Life
- Lower Display Brightness
- Slightly Lower Performance than Helio G96
- Potentially Less Efficient Chipset
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S
- Brighter Display
- Stronger Helio G96 Chipset (especially for gaming)
- Faster Charging (PD3.0, QC3)
- Excellent Battery Life
- No 5G Connectivity
- Slightly Older Chipset
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 11S boasts a significantly brighter display at 744 nits compared to the 5G model's 509 nits. While both offer a respectable 1314:1 contrast ratio (though the 11S claims 'infinite'), the increased brightness of the 11S makes it more comfortable to use outdoors. The 11S also generally exhibits better color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature similar camera setups, typically including a 108MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, a macro lens, and a depth sensor. Image quality is generally comparable, with both producing decent results in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is adequate but not exceptional. Software processing and color science are key differentiators here, and user preference will play a significant role.
Performance
The Redmi Note 11S utilizes the Mediatek Helio G96, known for its solid performance in gaming and everyday tasks. The Redmi Note 11S 5G's Dimensity 810, while 5G capable, generally offers slightly less raw processing power and can sometimes exhibit minor performance hiccups under heavy load. The Helio G96's GPU is typically stronger.
Battery Life
Both phones offer excellent battery life, achieving similar endurance ratings (131h vs 133h). Charging speeds are also comparable at 33W, with both reaching 100% in roughly 58-59 minutes. The 11S supports PD3.0 and QC3 charging standards, potentially offering broader compatibility with fast chargers.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G is ideal for users prioritizing 5G connectivity and a slightly more modern chipset. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is a better choice for those seeking a brighter display, slightly faster charging, and a more efficient processor for everyday tasks and gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 11S 5G worth the extra cost for 5G?
Only if 5G connectivity is a priority for you. Otherwise, the Redmi Note 11S offers a better overall experience with its brighter display and more efficient chipset.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi Note 11S is generally better for gaming due to the more powerful GPU in the Helio G96 chipset.
