Realme Q3i 5G vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 SE (India): The Ultimate Showdown

The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and two contenders vying for your attention are the Realme Q3i 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 SE (India). Both offer compelling features at attractive price points, but which one truly comes out on top? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 SE (India) edges out the Realme Q3i 5G thanks to its faster charging, slightly better performance, and potentially improved camera capabilities. However, the Realme Q3i 5G remains a solid choice, especially if 5G connectivity is a priority.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme Q3i 5G	Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 SE (India)

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	LTE	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
5G bands	SA/NSA	-
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	CDMA2000 1x	-

Launch
Announced	2021, April 22	2022, August 24
Status	Available. Released 2021, April 22	Available. Released 2022, August 31

Body
Dimensions	162.5 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)	160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.33 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	185 g (6.53 oz)	178.8 g (6.31 oz)
	-	IP53, dust and splash resistant

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size	6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)	6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits	Super AMOLED, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 1100 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)	Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC2	Mali-G76 MC4
OS	Android 11, Realme UI 2.0	Android 11, MIUI 12.5

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM	64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
	UFS 2.1	UFS 2.2

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad	-	64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single	16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide)	-
Triple	48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	-
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide)	13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with stereo speakers
	24-bit/192kHz audio	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE	5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	-	Yes
NFC	No	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	Unspecified	FM radio
USB	USB Type-C 2.0	USB Type-C 2.0
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, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass
	-	Virtual proximity sensing

Battery
Charging	18W wired	33W wired, 54% in 30 min
Type	5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Supersonic Blue, Supersonic Black	Thunder Purple, Cosmic White, Shadow Black, Bifrost Blue
Models	RMX3042	22087RA4DI
Price	About 130 EUR	About 300 EUR

Realme Q3i 5G

5G Connectivity
Decent Performance for Everyday Tasks
Sleek Design (likely)
Competitive Price

Slower Charging
Potentially Lower Camera Quality
May lack features like a high refresh rate display

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 SE (India)

Faster Charging (33W)
Slightly Better Performance (Helio G95)
Potentially Improved Camera
Likely Higher Refresh Rate Display

No 5G (India variant)
Design may be less appealing to some
12nm process is less efficient than 7nm

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) with around 6.4-6.6 inch screens and Full HD+ resolution. The Redmi Note 11 SE might have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs potentially 60Hz on the Q3i), offering smoother scrolling. Brightness and color accuracy will need to be assessed in a full review.

Camera Comparison

While both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup, the Redmi Note 11 SE (India) is expected to have a slightly better main sensor and potentially improved image processing. Expect both to offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance may vary. The Redmi Note 11 SE may also have a dedicated macro lens.

Performance

The Dimensity 700 in the Realme Q3i 5G is a capable chipset, but the Helio G95 in the Redmi Note 11 SE (India) generally offers a slight performance advantage, particularly in gaming scenarios. Both have octa-core CPUs, but the G95's GPU is typically stronger. Expect both to handle everyday tasks without issue.

Battery Life

The Redmi Note 11 SE (India) clearly wins in this category with its 33W fast charging, allowing for a 54% charge in just 30 minutes. The Realme Q3i 5G's 18W charging is significantly slower. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh) on both devices, so the charging speed makes a big difference.

Buying Guide

The Realme Q3i 5G is ideal for users prioritizing 5G connectivity and a smooth, everyday experience. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 SE (India) is a better pick for those who value faster charging, potentially better camera quality, and a slightly more powerful processor for gaming and demanding tasks.