The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Two popular contenders are the Realme Q5 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11. Both pack impressive features, but which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Q5 takes the lead thanks to its significantly faster charging and slightly more powerful chipset. While the Redmi Note 11 offers a good overall experience, the Q5's performance and charging speed provide a noticeable edge, making it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 20 | 2021, October 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 28 | Available. Released 2021, November 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, 119˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| 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, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1) |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| 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 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 65W wired, 100% in 48 min | 33W wired, 100% in 62 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Yellow | Mysterious Black, Milky Way Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | RMX3478 | 21091116AC |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Realme Q5
- Faster Charging (65W)
- Slightly Better Performance
- 5G Connectivity
- Modern Chipset
- Camera might not be as versatile as Redmi Note 11
- Software experience can be a bit more aggressive with ads
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (China)
- Potentially Better Camera Quality
- Refined Software Experience
- Good Value for Money
- Slightly better color accuracy on display
- Slower Charging (33W)
- Slightly Less Powerful Chipset
- May have bloatware
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. The Redmi Note 11 might have slightly better color accuracy due to Xiaomi's software tuning, but overall, the viewing experience is comparable. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 11 typically boasts a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor (likely 50MP vs Q5's 64MP) and potentially a dedicated ultrawide lens. While the Q5's camera is capable, the Redmi Note 11 often delivers slightly better image quality, especially in low light. Both likely have a front-facing camera around 16MP.
Performance
The Realme Q5's Snapdragon 695 5G generally outperforms the Redmi Note 11's Dimensity 810 in benchmarks and real-world usage. The Snapdragon 695 benefits from a more modern architecture and better GPU performance, making it better suited for gaming and demanding apps. However, both offer smooth everyday performance.
Battery Life
The Realme Q5's 65W charging is a major advantage, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. The Redmi Note 11's 33W charging is slower, taking considerably longer to reach a full charge. Battery capacity is likely similar, around 5000mAh on both devices.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme Q5? Gamers and power users who prioritize performance and fast charging will appreciate the Q5. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (China)? Users seeking a reliable, well-rounded phone with a good camera and a slightly more refined software experience, and who don't need the absolute fastest charging, will find the Redmi Note 11 appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme Q5 is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset and better GPU performance.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 11 have NFC?
Yes, the Redmi Note 11 typically includes NFC for contactless payments.
❓ What is the battery life like on each phone?
Both phones offer decent battery life, lasting a full day with moderate usage. However, the Realme Q5's faster charging makes it more convenient to top up.
