Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S review

introduction

The Redmi Note 11S is the fifth Note 11 model we’re reviewing, and just when we thought our review streak was finally complete, we got its 5G-enabled sibling too.

The Redmi Note 11S is a more powerful version of the vanilla Redmi Note 11. Borrowing hardware from the Redmi Note 11 Pro, the Note 11S has a snappier Helio G96 chipset (compared to the Snapdragon 680), which is coupled with more RAM and 108 MP main camera (up to 50 MP). Meanwhile, the 11S has a smaller display than the Note 11 Pro and a slower charging of 33W.

The Redmi Note 11S resembles the rest of the Redmi Note 11 phones: a flat design with an IP53 rating with a large rectangular camera island on the back. Its centerpiece is the 6.43-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate.

The Redmi Note 11S uses this year’s Xiaomi mid-range camera combination with a 108MP primary camera, an 8MP ultrawide and a 2MP macro, as well as a 2MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 16MP shooter and all cameras (except the macro) support 1080p video capture.

Finally, the Redmi Note 11S has a 5,000 mAh battery, a typical capacity for the Note series. It supports 33W fast charging and comes with matching power adapter. The Pro models, on the other hand, support fast charging at 67W.

Here is the complete technical sheet of the Redmi Note 11S.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S specifications at a glance:

• Body: 159.9×73.9×8.1mm, 179g; ; IP53, splash and dust resistant, Gorilla Glass 3 front, glass back, plastic frame.
• Screen: 6.43 “AMOLED, 90 Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak), 1080x2400px resolution, 20: 9 aspect ratio, 409ppi, Gorilla Glass 3.
• Chipset: Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm): Octa-core (2×2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G57 MC2.
• Memory: 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM; UFS 2.2; microSDXC (dedicated slot).
• Operating system / software: Android 11, MIUI 13.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 108 MP, f / 1.9, 26 mm, 1 / 1.52 “, 0.7 µm, PDAF; Ultra wide angle: 8 MP, f / 2.2, 118˚; Macro: 2 MP, f / 2.4; Depth: 2 MP, f / 2.4.
• Front Camera: 16 MP, f / 2.5, (wide angle), 1 / 3.06 “1.0µm.
• Video capture: Rear camera: 1080p @ 30fps; Front camera: 1080p @ 30fps.
• Drums: 5000 mAh; Fast charging 33W, 100% in 58 min (advertised), Power Delivery 3.0, Quick Charge 3+.
• Various: Fingerprint reader (side mounted); Infrared port; 3.5mm jack.

The Redmi Note 11S comes as a low-mid-range balanced offering with a good AMOLED screen, a versatile camera with a high-resolution primary, as well as stereo speakers, a large battery with fast charging, and a chipset that should suffice. for a smooth experience. All of these are wrapped in a cute shell with basic waterproofing.

It’s not all promising, though. The Redmi Note 11S GPU is inferior to that used on the previous Note 10S model. And there’s no 4K video capture, something the Note 10S could do. Finally, MIUI 13 is available immediately, but runs on older Android 11.

However, we are experiencing difficult times and we can imagine that manufacturers have to overcome many obstacles to push a new phone and keep the price as low as possible. That said, let’s open this Redmi Note 11S and see what happens.

Unboxing of the Redmi Note 11S

The Redmi Note 11S retail bundle is familiar enough. The package contains the phone, a 33W power supply and a 3A USB cable.

Just like other Xiaomi models, this one also comes with a clear soft case and a cheap looking protective film that you should apply yourself.