The Redmi Note 11S stands as a compelling offering in the competitive mid-range smartphone market, captivating users with its impressive 108-megapixel main camera and a compelling price point starting at just Rs. 16,499. However, navigating Xiaomi’s intricate smartphone portfolio can be a daunting task, especially with the constant influx of new devices. This first look delves into the Redmi Note 11S’s strengths, exploring its design, display, performance, and overall value proposition.
A Familiar Design with a Twist
Visually, the Redmi Note 11S sports a design reminiscent of its predecessor, the Redmi Note 11T 5G. While the overall aesthetics might be described as "safe," the black unit, particularly, appears rather dull. The matte finish, although generally fingerprint-resistant, succumbs easily to smudges and dust. While the phone’s body is entirely constructed from plastic, it feels surprisingly well-built and durable. Xiaomi retains the beloved headphone jack, a welcome addition, and even includes an IR emitter for convenient control of home appliances.
Display: A Step Up with AMOLED
The Redmi Note 11S boasts a 6.43-inch full-HD+ AMOLED display, a significant improvement over the LCD panel found on the Note 11T 5G. This upgrade translates to enhanced visuals, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a wider color gamut. The 90Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth and responsive user experience, particularly noticeable during scrolling and gaming. The inclusion of stereo speakers, a feature becoming standard on Redmi smartphones, further elevates the multimedia experience.
Performance: The Power of Helio G96
Under the hood, the Redmi Note 11S is powered by the MediaTek Helio G96 SoC, a processor familiar from devices like the Realme 8i and expected to grace the upcoming Realme Narzo 50. Although built on a comparatively older 12nm fabrication process, the Helio G96 delivers respectable performance, potentially falling short of the power efficiency offered by newer Dimensity SoCs from MediaTek or even Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 732G found in the Redmi Note 10 Pro. Despite this, the Helio G96 remains a capable processor for daily tasks, gaming, and multimedia consumption. A comprehensive performance evaluation will be provided in our full review.
Camera: A Focus on Resolution
The Redmi Note 11S boasts a prominent camera module, echoing the design of the Redmi Note 11T 5G, but with an actual quartet of camera sensors instead of a visual illusion. The standout feature is the 108-megapixel main camera, accompanied by an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and a 2-megapixel macro camera. The front-facing 16-megapixel selfie camera features a distinctive chrome ring, adding a touch of prominence to the hole-punch cutout. The quality of these cameras and their performance in various lighting conditions will be thoroughly assessed in our full review.
Storage, Battery, and Features
The Redmi Note 11S offers a variety of storage configurations:
- 6GB RAM + 64GB Storage: Rs. 16,499
- 6GB RAM + 128GB Storage: Rs. 17,499
- 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage: Rs. 18,499
Users can further expand storage through a dedicated microSD card slot.
Powering the device is a 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging, conveniently bundled with a compatible charger in the box. The inclusion of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and an IP53 rating for dust and water resistance adds to the phone’s practicality. The Redmi Note 11S runs MIUI 13 based on Android 11 out of the box.
Xiaomi’s Confusing Lineup
The addition of the Redmi Note 11S further complicates Xiaomi’s already expansive smartphone lineup. With the global launch of the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G and speculation of a rebranded Redmi Note 11E for the Indian market, choosing the right device becomes a challenging endeavor. For users seeking a 4G-only Redmi smartphone, the Redmi Note 10 Pro remains a compelling option, offering superior features over the Redmi Note 11S.
However, the Redmi Note 11S delivers a solid combination of features, performance, and price. Its impressive 108-megapixel camera, AMOLED display, and 90Hz refresh rate make it a tempting choice.
While the initial impressions of the Redmi Note 11S are positive, a thorough evaluation is required to determine its true value proposition. Stay tuned for our comprehensive review, where we will scrutinize its performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall user experience.
