The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R and Huawei nova Y71 both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The Redmi Note 11R leverages MediaTek's Dimensity 700 5G chipset, while the nova Y71 relies on Huawei's older Kirin 710A. This comparison dives deep into the architectural differences and real-world implications of these choices, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R emerges as the stronger contender. Its Dimensity 700, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Kirin 710A's 14nm architecture, especially in sustained workloads. While the nova Y71 offers a slightly faster charging speed, the Redmi Note 11R’s overall efficiency and 5G connectivity make it the better value.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 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 / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 09 | 2022, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June | Available. Released 2022, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 77.7 x 9 mm (6.63 x 3.06 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.1% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | EMUI 12, no Google Play Services | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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 |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 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, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Black, Blue, Gray |
| Models | - | 22095RA98C |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Huawei nova Y71
- Faster 22.5W wired charging
- Potential Huawei ecosystem integration benefits
- Slightly more refined software experience (depending on user preference)
- Less powerful Kirin 710A chipset
- 14nm process leads to lower efficiency
- No 5G connectivity
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R
- More efficient Dimensity 700 chipset (7nm)
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Better sustained performance due to improved thermal management
- Slower 18W wired charging
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
- Potentially less refined build quality
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the absence of detailed display specs necessitates a focus on the chipsets. The display quality will likely be similar, with the chipset impacting the smoothness of animations and responsiveness. The Redmi Note 11R’s more powerful GPU could potentially drive a higher refresh rate display in future iterations, a feature absent in both current models.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely employ similar budget-oriented camera setups. The Redmi Note 11R’s chipset may offer slightly better image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially resulting in improved image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The Dimensity 700’s ISP is generally more advanced than the Kirin 710A’s. Expect both phones to struggle with dynamic range and detail in challenging lighting scenarios. The presence of a 2MP macro camera 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 (7nm) utilizes a more modern architecture with 2x Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, paired with 6x Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. This contrasts with the Huawei nova Y71’s Kirin 710A (14nm), featuring 4x Cortex-A73 cores at 2.0 GHz and 4x Cortex-A53 cores at 1.7 GHz. The 7nm process of the Dimensity 700 offers significantly improved power efficiency and transistor density, leading to better sustained performance and reduced thermal throttling. The A76 cores in the Redmi Note 11R also provide a performance uplift over the A73 cores in the nova Y71. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience.
Battery Life
The Huawei nova Y71 features 22.5W wired charging, slightly faster than the Redmi Note 11R’s 18W charging. However, the Dimensity 700’s superior power efficiency means the Redmi Note 11R is likely to achieve comparable, if not better, real-world battery life despite the slower charging speed. The 7nm process consumes less power during everyday tasks, extending the time between charges. While the nova Y71 might charge slightly faster from 0-100%, the Redmi Note 11R will likely last longer on a single charge with typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova Y71 if you prioritize a slightly faster charging experience and are deeply embedded within the Huawei ecosystem, potentially benefiting from seamless integration with other Huawei devices. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R if you value performance, 5G connectivity, and a more modern chipset architecture that translates to better efficiency and potentially longer software support. The Redmi Note 11R is the better choice for gamers and users who frequently multitask.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 11R’s Dimensity 700 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it offers a significantly better gaming performance than the Kirin 710A, thanks to its more powerful GPU and efficient architecture. Expect some frame drops during intense firefights, but overall, it provides a playable experience.
❓ Does the Huawei nova Y71 support Google Mobile Services (GMS)?
This is a critical consideration. Due to ongoing restrictions, the Huawei nova Y71 likely ships *without* Google Mobile Services (GMS). Instead, it relies on Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) and the AppGallery. This means you may not have direct access to popular apps like Google Maps, Gmail, and YouTube without workarounds. The Redmi Note 11R, however, fully supports GMS.
❓ How does the 7nm process of the Dimensity 700 impact real-world usage on the Redmi Note 11R?
The 7nm process is a key advantage. It means the Dimensity 700 consumes less power for the same level of performance compared to the Kirin 710A’s 14nm process. This translates to longer battery life during everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming. It also generates less heat, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use.
