The Honor Play 30 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$200 5G smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features and connectivity at an accessible price point, but they achieve this through different approaches to chipset selection and feature prioritization. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and faster charging, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R emerges as the better choice. Its Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a noticeable edge in application responsiveness and sustained performance, while the 18W charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the Honor Play 30’s 10W charging.
| 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 | SA/NSA | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 10 | 2022, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 27 | Available. Released 2022, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.34 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 | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Aluminosilicate glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.9 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 5.0 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF | - |
| 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA | 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, Blue, Gold, Gradient | Black, Blue, Gray |
| Models | VNE-AN00 | 22095RA98C |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Honor Play 30
- Potential for longer software support from Honor.
- Integrated 5G modem for reliable connectivity.
- Likely a more conservative power draw in idle scenarios.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Less powerful Snapdragon 480+ chipset.
- 8nm process less efficient than the Redmi Note 11R's 7nm.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R
- Faster 18W charging for reduced downtime.
- More powerful and efficient Dimensity 700 chipset.
- 7nm process for better thermal management.
- Potentially smoother multitasking and app performance.
- Software support may be shorter compared to Honor.
- May experience slightly higher power consumption under load.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed specs like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The focus here is on the underlying performance. The absence of high refresh rates on either device suggests a focus on power efficiency rather than visual fluidity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature a primary camera alongside supporting lenses (likely depth and macro). Given the price point, image quality will likely be adequate in good lighting conditions but struggle in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests a reliance on software processing for stabilization. The Redmi Note 11R may benefit from MediaTek’s image signal processor (ISP) optimizations, but without specific sensor details, it’s hard to quantify.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R’s MediaTek Dimensity 700, fabricated on a 7nm process, offers a clear architectural advantage over the Honor Play 30’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm). While both CPUs feature a 2x2.2 GHz prime core configuration, the Dimensity 700 utilizes Cortex-A76 cores, which are demonstrably more efficient and powerful than the Kryo 460 cores found in the Snapdragon 480+. This translates to faster application launches and smoother multitasking. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal management, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The Snapdragon 480+’s strength lies in its integrated 5G modem, but the performance gap in CPU and GPU capabilities favors the Redmi Note 11R.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both phones likely house batteries in the 5000mAh range, common for this segment. The critical difference is charging speed. The Redmi Note 11R’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Honor Play 30’s 10W charging. This means the Redmi Note 11R will replenish its battery much faster, reducing downtime and improving usability for power users. While a larger battery capacity is beneficial, faster charging often has a greater impact on the user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Play 30 if you prioritize a potentially longer software support lifecycle from Honor and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s a solid option for basic smartphone tasks and light usage. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R if you value quicker app loading times, smoother multitasking, and faster charging, making it ideal for users who frequently stream videos, browse the web, or engage in casual gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 700 in the Redmi Note 11R overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 700’s 7nm process and efficient core design contribute to better thermal management compared to the Snapdragon 480+. While it won’t match the cooling performance of flagship devices, it’s less likely to experience significant throttling during moderate gaming sessions. However, demanding titles at maximum settings may still lead to some performance reduction over extended periods.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Honor Play 30 realistically usable for daily charging?
10W charging is quite slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take well over 3 hours, potentially closer to 4. This is best suited for overnight charging or topping up the battery when not in active use. Users who frequently need to quickly recharge their phone will find the 10W charging a significant inconvenience.
❓ How does the 5G performance compare between the Snapdragon 480+ and the Dimensity 700?
Both chipsets support 5G connectivity, but the Snapdragon 480+ is known for its robust 5G modem. However, real-world 5G speeds are heavily dependent on network conditions and carrier support. The difference in 5G performance between these two devices is likely to be minimal for most users.
