Xiaomi Civi 1SvsXiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G

Xiaomi Civi 1S

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G

Xiaomi Civi 1S

The Xiaomi Civi 1S is an incremental upgrade to the original model, with the "S" denoting a subscription to new features rather than a significant hardware overhaul. The phone retains its predecessor's design and camera capabilities, with one notable exception - the addition of a 3.5mm headphone jack to type-c port adapter. The Civi 1S boasts improved selfie capabilities, thanks to its Native Beauty Portrait 2.0 feature. This uses Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) technology to create more natural and detailed photos. I found the results to be impressive, with better skin texture and fewer softening artifacts compared to the original model. Another touted upgrade is the CyberFocus human eye-tracking system, which seemed to falter when tested in various scenarios. However, the 4D Light Chasing Beauty Technology for makeup was a highlight, delivering natural and detailed results without the need for actual makeup. The phone's camera hardware remains unchanged from its predecessor, but the Civi 1S is powered by a more recent Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G Plus processor. This resulted in improved performance, as demonstrated by the Antutu benchmark test. While not a revolutionary update, the Xiaomi Civi 1S does offer some tangible improvements to its camera capabilities. Whether these upgrades are sufficient to justify an upgrade from the original model remains to be seen. Overall, the Civi 1S is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartphone with enhanced camera capabilities.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G is a device that has sparked two major questions: whether it's a worthy successor to the legendary Redmi Note 10 Pro or Pro Max, and if the 4G variant offers more value for money compared to its 5G counterpart, the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus. Design-wise, the Note 11 Pro 4G boasts a flat-edge design that may appeal to fans of this style, but personally, I prefer curves as they add grip to the device. The build quality is good, with glass on both front and back, and IP53 rating. However, the display is downgraded compared to its predecessor, lacking HDR support. The camera performance is also underwhelming, missing a 5MP sensor present in the Note 10 Pro series. Videos cannot be recorded in 4K resolution or even at 60fps, which is disappointing considering the device's price point. In terms of performance, the device runs on MIUI 13 based on Android 11, which is outdated for a phone priced at Rs. 20,000. The Helio G96 processor feels like a step down from the Snapdragon 732G, and while it handles day-to-day tasks well, it's not impressive in terms of gaming performance or battery life. The battery, however, is a highlight with a 5000mAh capacity and fast charging capabilities. The pricing starts at Rs. 18,000 for the base variant, but it's often out of stock. Considering its downsides, I wouldn't consider this device as a proper successor to the Note 10 Pro series. Xiaomi's decision to use an outdated Helio G96 processor in a phone priced at Rs. 20,000 may be understandable given chipset manufacturers' shift towards 5G processors. However, it still doesn't make this device a standout in its price segment.