Released around the same timeframe, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 and LG K11 Plus represent compelling options in the budget smartphone space. While both aimed for affordability, they took different approaches to achieving it, particularly in chipset selection. This comparison dissects those choices, revealing which phone delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing long-term performance and efficiency, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 625, built on a 14nm process, offers superior power efficiency and sustained performance compared to the LG K11 Plus’s Mediatek MT6750.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - LMX410YC | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40 - LMX410YC | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - LMX410ZCW | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, July. Released 2018, July | 2017, January. Released 2017, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, plastic frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 148.7 x 75.3 x 8.7 mm (5.85 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) | 151 x 76 x 8.5 mm (5.94 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 162 g (5.71 oz) | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~277 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.3 inches, 77.4 cm2 (~69.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~72.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6750 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T860MP2 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.1 (Oreo) | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat), MIUI 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", PDAF - LG K11+
8 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", PDAF - LG K11α | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 18mm, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moroccan Blue, Terra Gold, Black | Dark Gray, Gold, Black, Lake Blue |
| Models | LMX410, LMX410FC, LMX410YC, LMX410HC, LMX410EO, LMX410ZCW, LMX410BCW, LM-X410S | 2016100 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.81 W/kg (head) | 0.72 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -94.6dB / Crosstalk -94.3dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 119h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1503:1 (nominal), 2.714 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 67dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 81dB |
| Performance | - |
GFXBench: 3.4fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
LG K11 Plus
- Potentially lower initial cost
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks
- Similar battery endurance rating to Redmi Note 4
- Less efficient Mediatek MT6750 chipset
- Likely more prone to throttling under load
- Potentially inferior image processing
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4
- More efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset
- Sustained performance due to 14nm process
- Likely better image processing capabilities
- Potentially higher initial cost
- Similar battery endurance rating doesn't reflect efficiency gains
- Camera specs lack detail
Display Comparison
Both devices share a similar display contrast ratio of 1503:1 (nominal) and 2.714 (sunlight), suggesting comparable outdoor visibility. However, the context data lacks specifics on panel type (IPS, AMOLED) or resolution. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCDs. The Redmi Note 4’s display benefits from Xiaomi’s color calibration, potentially offering more accurate color reproduction, though this is speculative without further testing. Bezels are likely similar, reflecting the design trends of the era.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. Given the market segment, expect both to feature relatively basic camera setups. The Redmi Note 4 likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), which generally provides better noise reduction and dynamic range compared to Mediatek’s ISP in the MT6750. Without detailed specs, it’s difficult to definitively declare a camera winner, but the Redmi Note 4 has a slight edge due to the ISP advantage.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 (14nm) is a clear winner over the LG K11 Plus’s Mediatek MT6750 (28nm). The 14nm process node of the Snapdragon 625 translates to significantly better power efficiency, meaning less heat generation and sustained performance during prolonged use. While both CPUs feature octa-core Cortex-A53 architecture, the Redmi Note 4’s CPU is clocked higher at 2.0 GHz versus the K11 Plus’s 1.5 GHz and 1.0 GHz split configuration. This clock speed advantage, combined with the more efficient manufacturing process, results in a noticeably smoother experience in everyday tasks and gaming.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both devices share an endurance rating of 119 hours. This suggests similar real-world battery performance *despite* the chipset differences. However, this rating doesn’t tell the whole story. The Snapdragon 625’s superior efficiency means the Redmi Note 4 will likely maintain its performance longer under load, while the K11 Plus might experience more noticeable throttling. Charging speeds are not specified, but given the era, both likely supported relatively slow charging standards.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K11 Plus if you prioritize a potentially lower upfront cost and are comfortable with a chipset that may show its age more quickly with demanding tasks. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 if you value long-term performance, excellent battery life, and a more refined user experience, even if it means a slightly higher initial investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek MT6750 in the LG K11 Plus struggle with modern apps?
The Mediatek MT6750 was a capable chip in its time, but it will likely show its age with newer, more demanding applications. Expect slower loading times and potential lag when multitasking or running resource-intensive games. The Snapdragon 625 in the Redmi Note 4 is better equipped to handle these tasks.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 625 in the Redmi Note 4 offer any gaming benefits?
Yes, the Snapdragon 625 provides a smoother gaming experience compared to the MT6750. Its Adreno 506 GPU is more powerful and efficient, allowing for higher frame rates and less thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. While neither phone is a dedicated gaming device, the Redmi Note 4 offers a more enjoyable experience.
❓ How does the 28nm vs 14nm process affect the long-term usability of these phones?
The 14nm process used in the Snapdragon 625 is significantly more efficient than the 28nm process in the Mediatek MT6750. This means the Redmi Note 4 will generate less heat and consume less power, leading to better sustained performance and potentially a longer lifespan before battery degradation becomes noticeable.
