The Honor Play 20 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in their chipsets and charging capabilities. This comparison will dissect these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R is the clear winner. Its MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a substantial performance advantage over the Honor Play 20’s Unisoc T610, making it better suited for gaming and demanding applications. The faster 18W charging is also a significant benefit.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 26 | 2022, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 01 | Available. Released 2022, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, Magic UI 4.0, no Google Play Services | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Blue, Silver/Pink | Black, Blue, Gray |
| Models | KOZ-AL00 | 22095RA98C |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Honor Play 20
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset (depending on battery capacity)
- Significantly slower performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R
- Faster and more efficient Dimensity 700 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- Better suited for gaming and demanding apps
- Slightly higher price
- May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy load
- Still a budget device with inherent limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Details regarding panel type (IPS vs AMOLED) and resolution are missing, but both likely feature 720p+ displays common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity. However, the overall user experience will be impacted by the chipset's ability to smoothly render the UI, which we'll cover in the performance section.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Redmi Note 11R, given its overall higher performance tier, likely benefits from more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The presence of a larger sensor (if any) on the Redmi Note 11R would further enhance image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The common inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R’s MediaTek Dimensity 700, fabricated on a 7nm process, is a significant leap forward compared to the Honor Play 20’s Unisoc T610 (12nm). The Dimensity 700 utilizes more modern Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, versus the Play 20’s Cortex-A75 cores at 1.8 GHz. This translates to approximately 20-30% faster CPU performance in benchmarks and a more noticeable difference in real-world application loading times and multitasking. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, meaning the Redmi Note 11R is less likely to throttle under sustained load. While both phones have 6x Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency, the architectural advantage of the Dimensity 700 is undeniable.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices, but the charging wattage provides a clear advantage to the Redmi Note 11R. Its 18W wired charging is significantly faster than the Honor Play 20’s 10W charging. This means the Redmi Note 11R can replenish its battery much quicker, reducing downtime. Even if the Play 20 has a slightly larger battery capacity, the slower charging speed will likely negate that advantage for users who frequently need to top up their phones.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Play 20 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a functional device for minimal smartphone needs. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R if you want a phone that can handle more demanding apps, occasional gaming, and benefits from faster charging, even if it means spending a little more upfront. It offers a significantly improved user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 700 in the Redmi Note 11R handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Yes, the MediaTek Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a playable experience that the Unisoc T610 in the Honor Play 20 would struggle to achieve consistently.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Honor Play 20 realistically usable for someone who uses their phone throughout the day?
10W charging is quite slow by modern standards. For a heavy user, it will likely require overnight charging to reach a full charge. It's best suited for users who primarily charge their phone while they sleep and don't frequently need to top up during the day.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 11R support VoLTE and VoWiFi for improved call quality?
Support for VoLTE and VoWiFi varies by region and carrier. It's crucial to check compatibility with your specific carrier before purchasing the Redmi Note 11R. However, Xiaomi generally includes support for these features in their devices, making it likely the Redmi Note 11R will work with most modern networks.
