The Honor Play6C and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive budget 5G smartphone market. Both aim to deliver 5G connectivity without breaking the bank, 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 value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and slightly faster charging, the Honor Play6C emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 480+ 5G, built on a more efficient 8nm process, offers a smoother experience than the Redmi Note 11R’s Dimensity 700, despite the latter’s slightly more powerful CPU cores.
| 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 | 2022, October 13 | 2022, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 15 | 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 |
|---|
| 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 | 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 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 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 | Unspecified | 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 | 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver | Black, Blue, Gray |
| Models | VNE-AN40 | 22095RA98C |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Honor Play6C
- More efficient Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset
- Faster 22.5W charging
- Potentially better image processing
- CPU core architecture slightly less powerful on paper
- Limited information on display specifications
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance
- Competitive price point
- MediaTek’s 5G modem
- Less efficient Dimensity 700 chipset
- Slower 18W charging
- Potential for thermal throttling
Display Comparison
Neither Honor nor Xiaomi provide display specifications beyond resolution in their marketing materials. However, given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of high refresh rates is expected. The real difference lies under the hood; the chipset’s display engine will impact color accuracy and responsiveness. Without detailed panel specs, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner, but the Snapdragon 480+’s ISP often provides better image signal processing for display output.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar camera setups geared towards basic photography. Without detailed sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 480+ generally offers superior image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance compared to the Dimensity 700’s ISP. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests they are largely marketing features and should not be a primary consideration.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor Play6C features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G, fabricated on an 8nm process. This translates to improved power efficiency compared to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R’s MediaTek Dimensity 700, which is built on a 7nm node. While the Dimensity 700 boasts Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz versus the Kryo 460 cores in the Snapdragon 480+, the 8nm process gives the Snapdragon an edge in sustained performance and thermal management. The Snapdragon’s integrated 5G modem is also known for its stability. The Redmi Note 11R’s Dimensity 700 may show a slight advantage in benchmark scores, but real-world usage will likely favor the Play6C’s more efficient architecture.
Battery Life
The Honor Play6C supports 22.5W wired charging, while the Redmi Note 11R is limited to 18W. This difference in charging speed is significant. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 480+’s efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery in the Play6C, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. The faster charging on the Play6C will also reduce downtime, making it more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Play6C if you need a reliably smooth experience for everyday tasks, streaming, and light gaming, and value a more efficient chipset for potentially better battery life. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R if you prioritize a potentially higher peak CPU performance for demanding applications, and are willing to accept slightly slower charging speeds and potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 700 in the Redmi Note 11R overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 700, while capable, is more prone to thermal throttling under sustained load compared to the Snapdragon 480+ due to its less efficient 7nm process. Expect performance to dip after extended gaming, potentially leading to a less smooth experience.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Honor Play6C with the 22.5W charger?
While a precise 0-100% charge time isn't available, the 22.5W charging should significantly reduce charging times compared to the Redmi Note 11R’s 18W. Expect a full charge in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on usage during charging.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on both phones compatible with all 5G networks?
Both phones support 5G, but compatibility depends on your carrier and region. The Snapdragon 480+’s modem is generally known for broader compatibility, but the Dimensity 700 also supports a wide range of 5G bands. Check with your carrier to ensure compatibility before purchasing.
