The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Honor Play 30 Plus and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at accessible prices, but cater to slightly different needs. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you choose the best fit.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 11 edges out the Play 30 Plus thanks to its faster charging, brighter display, and generally more refined software experience. While the Dimensity 700 offers decent performance, the Redmi Note 11's overall package provides better value for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 16 | 2022, January 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 02 | Available. Released 2022, February 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 167.6 x 77.2 x 8.6 mm (6.60 x 3.04 x 0.34 in) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 5.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 60 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver, Gold | Graphite Gray, Twilight Blue, Star Blue |
| Models | CMA-AN00 | 2201117TG, 2201117TI, 2201117TY, 2201117TL |
| Price | About 150 EUR | £ 95.00 / € 97.99 / ₹ 11,950 |
| SAR | - | 0.97 W/kg (head) 0.93 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 126h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.8 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 228044 (v8), 244526 (v9)
GeekBench: 1662 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 6.8fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Honor Play 30 Plus
- Potentially better gaming performance
- Decent chipset for the price
- Slower charging
- Likely less vibrant display
- Potentially weaker camera
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
- Faster charging (33W)
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Excellent battery life
- Generally better software experience
- Slightly less raw processing power than Play 30 Plus
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 11 boasts a significantly brighter display (736 nits) compared to the Play 30 Plus, offering better visibility in sunlight. While both likely use IPS LCD panels, the Redmi Note 11's contrast ratio (infinite nominal) suggests deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. The Play 30 Plus display is likely adequate but lacks the punch of the Redmi Note 11.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is a key differentiator. While both phones offer Photo/Video capabilities, the Redmi Note 11 is expected to have better image processing and potentially a more versatile camera setup. The Play 30 Plus camera is likely adequate but may struggle in low-light conditions. Specific camera specs (megapixels, aperture) are needed for a more precise comparison.
Performance
The Honor Play 30 Plus's Dimensity 700 chipset offers a slight edge in raw processing power, particularly in gaming, due to its 7nm manufacturing process. However, the Snapdragon 680 4G in the Redmi Note 11 is more than capable for everyday tasks and offers excellent power efficiency. Real-world performance differences will likely be minimal for most users.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 11 shines in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 126 hours. The Play 30 Plus's battery capacity is likely similar, but the Snapdragon 680's efficiency gives the Redmi Note 11 the advantage. Furthermore, the Redmi Note 11's 33W fast charging is a significant upgrade over the Play 30 Plus's 22.5W charging.
Buying Guide
The Honor Play 30 Plus is a good choice for users prioritizing raw processing power on a tight budget and who don't mind slower charging. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is ideal for those seeking a well-rounded experience with a vibrant display, fast charging, and a reliable camera, making it a better all-around pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Honor Play 30 Plus might offer a slight edge in gaming due to its Dimensity 700 chipset, but the difference is likely minimal for most games.
❓ Is the Redmi Note 11 worth the extra money?
Yes, for most users, the Redmi Note 11's faster charging, brighter display, and better battery life make it worth the slight price premium.
