The Realme Q and Infinix Note 11 Pro represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. Both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Realme Q leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 712, while the Infinix Note 11 Pro opts for MediaTek’s Helio G96. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and a slightly more refined chipset, the Realme Q emerges as the better choice. While the Infinix Note 11 Pro boasts faster 33W charging, the Snapdragon 712’s architecture provides a smoother experience in demanding tasks, offsetting the charging advantage.
| 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 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, September | 2021, October 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, November 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3+), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 157 x 74.2 x 8.9 mm (6.18 x 2.92 x 0.35 in) | 173.1 x 78.4 x 8.7 mm (6.81 x 3.09 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 209 (7.37 oz) |
| | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3+ | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~387 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.95 inches, 114.7 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM712 Snapdragon 712 (10 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 616 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6 | Android 11, XOS 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 16 MP |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
13 MP, f/2.5, 50mm (telephoto), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired, 50% in 30 min | 33W wired |
| Type | 4035 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Green, Light Blue | Mithril Grey, Haze Green, Mist Blue |
| Models | CPN-AL00, CPN-W09, CPN-L09 | X697 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 128h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1610:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-23.0 LUFS (Excellent)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 290797 (v8), 343527 (v9)
GeekBench: 1800 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 11fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme Q
- More efficient Snapdragon 712 chipset
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Stable chipset architecture
- Slower 20W charging
- Display specs are unknown
Infinix Note 11 Pro
- Faster 33W charging
- Measured display brightness available
- Long battery endurance
- Less efficient Helio G96 chipset
- Potential for thermal throttling
- Display brightness may struggle in direct sunlight
Display Comparison
The Infinix Note 11 Pro features a display with a measured peak brightness of 470 nits and a 1610:1 contrast ratio. While the Realme Q’s display specifications aren’t provided, the Note 11 Pro’s brightness is adequate for indoor use but may struggle in direct sunlight. Both displays share the same 1610:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar color reproduction capabilities. Without knowing the Realme Q’s panel type or brightness, the Note 11 Pro has a slight edge due to its measured brightness data.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but lack specific details. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing information, a direct comparison is impossible. However, given the price bracket, it’s reasonable to assume both rely on similar-tier sensors. The absence of details suggests neither phone is a standout performer in photography. We can assume both will offer acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Note 11 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G96 (12nm) utilizes a dual-core Cortex-A76 setup alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, clocked at 2.05 GHz and 2.0 GHz respectively. The Realme Q’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 (10nm) employs a Kryo 360 Gold/Silver configuration with higher peak clock speeds (2.3 GHz/1.7 GHz). The 10nm process of the Snapdragon 712 generally translates to better power efficiency and thermal management compared to the 12nm Helio G96. This means the Realme Q is likely to sustain peak performance for longer periods, particularly during gaming. While the G96 offers a newer architecture, the SD712’s efficiency gives it an advantage.
Battery Life
Both the Realme Q and Infinix Note 11 Pro boast an endurance rating of 128 hours, indicating comparable battery life under typical usage. However, the Infinix Note 11 Pro’s 33W charging significantly outpaces the Realme Q’s 20W charging. The Note 11 Pro can reach 50% charge in approximately 30 minutes, while the Realme Q will take considerably longer. This faster charging is a significant convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. The equal endurance ratings suggest the Snapdragon 712’s efficiency offsets the Note 11 Pro’s potentially larger battery capacity (not specified).
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Q if you need a phone that handles multitasking and moderate gaming with greater consistency, and if you value a chipset known for its stability. Buy the Infinix Note 11 Pro if you prioritize rapid charging and are willing to accept potentially more noticeable thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, and if battery endurance is paramount.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G96 in the Infinix Note 11 Pro overheat during prolonged gaming sessions like PUBG?
The MediaTek Helio G96 is known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 712, especially under sustained load. While the Note 11 Pro likely has thermal management features, you may experience some throttling and reduced frame rates during extended gaming sessions. The Realme Q’s Snapdragon 712, with its 10nm process, is better equipped to handle heat and maintain consistent performance.
❓ How significant is the charging speed difference between 20W and 33W, and will I notice it in daily use?
The 33W charging on the Infinix Note 11 Pro is noticeably faster. While both phones offer similar battery endurance, the Note 11 Pro can gain a substantial charge in a short amount of time – reaching 50% in around 30 minutes. The Realme Q’s 20W charging will take considerably longer, making the Note 11 Pro more convenient for users who need quick top-ups.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs a concern, and should I expect good photo quality from either phone?
The absence of specific camera details is a drawback. In this price range, both phones likely utilize similar-tier sensors and image processing. Expect acceptable photo quality in good lighting conditions, but don't anticipate flagship-level performance, especially in low-light scenarios. The Realme Q and Infinix Note 11 Pro are not marketed as camera-centric devices.