The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value, and the Note 11S and Note 11S 5G are no exception. Both offer compelling features at an affordable price, but key differences exist. This comprehensive comparison will break down the nuances to help you pick the perfect phone for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 11S 5G edges out the standard 11S thanks to its more efficient chipset and 5G connectivity. While both offer great battery life and similar camera capabilities, the 5G version's performance and future-proofing make it the slightly better choice for most users.
| 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, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 26 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 09 | Available. Released 2022, April 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, glass back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 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 | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 195 g (6.88 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 (~399 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 13 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, 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 58 min | 33W wired, 100% in 59 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Gray, Pearl White, Twilight Blue | Midnight Black, Twilight Blue, Star Blue |
| Models | 2201117SG, 2201117SI, 2201117SY, 2201117SL | 22031116BG |
| Price | € 136.99 | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.59 W/kg (head) 0.88 W/kg (body) | 0.60 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 133h
|
Endurance rating 131h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1314:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-25.4 LUFS (Very good)
|
-26.8 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 251201 (v8), 308741 (v9)
GeekBench: 1873 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 360255 (v9)
GeekBench: 1820 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S
- Brighter Display (744 nits)
- Good Value
- Solid Camera Performance
- Less Efficient Chipset
- No 5G Connectivity
- Older Process Node (12nm)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- More Efficient Chipset (Dimensity 810)
- Future-Proofed Performance
- Dimmer Display (509 nits)
- Slightly Higher Price (potentially)
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 11S boasts a significantly brighter display at 744 nits compared to the 5G version's 509 nits. While both offer a good contrast ratio, the 11S's higher brightness makes it more comfortable to use outdoors. The 11S 5G's contrast ratio is listed as 1314:1, which is nominal and likely not accurately measured.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature similar camera setups, likely utilizing a 108MP main sensor. Image quality is expected to be comparable in most lighting conditions. However, the Dimensity 810's image signal processor (ISP) might offer slightly better processing and noise reduction in low light. Video recording capabilities are likely similar, supporting 1080p at 30fps.
Performance
The Redmi Note 11S 5G features the Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset, fabricated on a more efficient 6nm process, compared to the 11S's Helio G96 (12nm). This translates to better overall performance and improved power efficiency. While both have octa-core CPUs, the Dimensity 810 generally offers a smoother experience, especially for multitasking and gaming.
Battery Life
Both phones offer excellent battery life, with endurance ratings of 133h and 131h respectively. Charging speeds are identical at 33W, taking approximately 58-59 minutes to reach 100%. Real-world battery performance should be very close.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is ideal for users prioritizing a brighter display and don't need 5G. It's a solid choice for everyday tasks and media consumption. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G is best for those who want 5G connectivity, a slightly more powerful processor, and future-proofed performance, even if it means a slightly dimmer screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 11S 5G worth the extra money?
If you want 5G connectivity and slightly better performance, the 11S 5G is worth the investment. Otherwise, the standard 11S offers excellent value with its brighter display.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Redmi Note 11S 5G generally offers better gaming performance due to its more efficient chipset and improved GPU.
