Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S vs Redmi Note 11: The Ultimate Showdown

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 which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi Note 11S edges out the Note 11 thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and marginally brighter display. However, the Note 11's Snapdragon 680 offers improved efficiency. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities: performance or efficiency.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
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, January 262022, January 26
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, February 09Available. Released 2022, February 09
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, glass back-
Dimensions159.9 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)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight179 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 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak)AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 610
OSAndroid 11, MIUI 13Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens50 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
Single-13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
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, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB 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, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 58 min33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 60 min
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGraphite Gray, Pearl White, Twilight BlueGraphite Gray, Twilight Blue, Star Blue
Models2201117SG, 2201117SI, 2201117SY, 2201117SL2201117TG, 2201117TI, 2201117TY, 2201117TL
Price€ 136.99£ 95.00 / € 97.99 / ₹ 11,950
SAR1.09 W/kg (head)     1.05 W/kg (body)0.97 W/kg (head)     0.93 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.59 W/kg (head)     0.88 W/kg (body)0.60 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 133h Endurance rating 126h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -25.4 LUFS (Very good) -25.8 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 251201 (v8), 308741 (v9) GeekBench: 1873 (v5.1) GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 228044 (v8), 244526 (v9) GeekBench: 1662 (v5.1) GFXBench: 6.8fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S

  • Slightly brighter display
  • Potentially better camera detail
  • Generally more powerful chipset for gaming
  • Fast charging (58 mins)

  • Less efficient chipset
  • Slightly higher price

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11

  • More efficient chipset
  • Excellent battery life
  • Slightly lower price
  • Smooth daily performance

  • Slightly dimmer display
  • Potentially less detailed camera images
  • Slightly slower charging (60 mins)

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.

Camera Comparison

The Note 11S features a 108MP main camera, a 8MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. The Note 11 has a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. While megapixels aren't everything, the Note 11S's higher resolution main sensor *potentially* allows for more detailed images. Both phones record video up to 1080p at 30fps. Image processing and color science are similar across both devices.

Performance

The Redmi Note 11S utilizes a Mediatek Helio G96 chipset, while the Note 11 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680. While the Helio G96 generally offers better raw performance for gaming, the Snapdragon 680 is known for its efficiency and smoother overall operation in daily tasks. The Snapdragon 680's 6nm process also contributes to better power management.

Battery Life

Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery. The Note 11S achieves a full charge in 58 minutes with 33W charging, while the Note 11 takes 60 minutes. Endurance ratings are close, with the Note 11S at 133h and the Note 11 at 126h, suggesting similar real-world battery life.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is ideal for users who prioritize a smoother gaming experience and slightly better camera performance. The Redmi Note 11 is a great choice for those seeking excellent battery life and a more efficient, everyday smartphone experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Redmi Note 11S worth the extra money?
If you're a gamer or prioritize camera quality, the Note 11S's slightly better performance and higher resolution camera might justify the extra cost. Otherwise, the Note 11 offers excellent value.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, with similar endurance ratings. The Note 11's more efficient chipset *could* translate to slightly longer real-world usage, but the difference is minimal.