Xiaomi continues to expand its lineup of affordable mid-range smartphones, and the Redmi Note 11S is the latest addition to its popular Note 11 series. This model strikes a balance between the Redmi Note 11 and Note 11 Pro, combining features from both. Below are my thoughts on this phone after hands-on use.

What’s Inside the Box?

When you purchase the Redmi Note 11S, here’s what you’ll find inside the box:

• Transparent TPU case
• Pre-applied screen protector
• 33W fast charger
• Type-A to Type-C cable
• SIM ejector tool

The inclusion of these accessories provides a good out-of-the-box experience, ensuring you don’t have to purchase extras separately.

Design and Build

The Redmi Note 11S has a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080p and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. The Gorilla Glass 3 protection ensures durability against scratches and minor drops.

On the front, there’s a slim speaker grille that doubles as an earpiece, with an additional speaker at the top of the phone. Together, these dual outlets provide balanced audio, though the bottom speaker offers louder output.

The camera island on the back features:

• 108MP primary camera
• 8MP ultrawide camera
• 2MP macro camera
• 2MP depth sensor
• LED flash

At the top of the phone, you’ll find a 3.5mm headphone jack, an IR blaster, a secondary microphone, and one of the stereo speakers. The USB-C port, main microphone, and the second speaker are located at the bottom. On the left side is a tri-card slot that supports two nano-SIMs and microSD expansion, while the volume rocker and power button (with a fingerprint sensor) are on the right.

Measuring 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1mm and weighing 179 grams, the phone feels solid and comfortable to hold. Its graphite gray finish gives it a sleek, understated look.

Display Quality

The 6.43-inch AMOLED screen offers vibrant colors and crisp visuals, making it ideal for gaming, streaming, and browsing. It delivers a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels (409 ppi) and supports a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. The flat design with Gorilla Glass 3 ensures durability and reduces glare under sunlight.

Performance and Software

The Redmi Note 11S runs MIUI 13 on top of Android 11. While it lacks Android 12 features like advanced widgets, MIUI 13 offers a smoother and more secure experience with optimizations under the hood.

Powering the device is the MediaTek Helio G96 chipset, the same processor used in the Redmi Note 11 Pro. It offers solid performance for multitasking and light gaming. The phone is available in three configurations:

• 6GB RAM + 64GB storage
• 6GB RAM + 128GB storage
• 8GB RAM + 128GB storage (our review unit)

The LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage ensure quick app loading times and smooth performance. Although not a flagship chip, the Helio G96 handles everyday tasks efficiently without lag.

Camera Performance

The Redmi Note 11S boasts a quad-camera setup similar to the one on the Redmi Note 11 Pro models:

• 108MP main camera
• 8MP ultrawide camera
• 2MP macro camera
• 2MP depth sensor

The 16MP front camera takes decent selfies with accurate skin tones and good sharpness. The main camera saves 12MP photos by default through pixel-binning technology, which enhances detail and sharpness.

In daylight, photos from the main camera have excellent detail, accurate colors, and good dynamic range. However, the quality drops when you zoom in or take low-light shots. The ultrawide camera performs well in bright conditions, but the macro and depth sensors are limited in usefulness.

Audio and Multimedia

The dual speakers provide stereo sound for a pleasant audio experience, whether watching videos or listening to music. Although the top speaker is quieter than the bottom one, together they deliver a well-balanced sound. The 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome addition for those who prefer wired audio.

Battery and Charging

The Redmi Note 11S packs a 5,000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day with regular use. The included 33W fast charger can charge the phone from 0% to 100% in about an hour, ensuring you’re not tethered to the charger for long.

Verdict: A Great Mid-Range Option

The Redmi Note 11S is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly phone with solid performance, great battery life, and decent cameras. It offers many features found in more expensive models, including the 108MP camera, AMOLED display, and fast charging, making it a compelling option in the mid-range segment.

Pros:

• Stunning 108MP camera with good detail
• Bright AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate
• Reliable battery life with fast charging
• Smooth performance with multiple storage options
• Dual speakers and 3.5mm headphone jack

Cons:

• Performance could be better for demanding games
• Lacks Android 12 features
• Macro and depth cameras are underwhelming

Overall, the Redmi Note 11S delivers excellent value for the price. It strikes a good balance between performance, design, and usability, making it a solid option for those looking for a capable mid-range smartphone.