The Realme V11 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G represent the increasingly competitive sub-$200 5G smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver 5G connectivity without breaking the bank, but achieve this with nearly identical core hardware. This comparison dives deep into the nuances to determine which phone offers the best overall experience for the price-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones share the same Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset and 18W charging, the Redmi Note 10 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 492 nits and an endurance rating of 121 hours, providing a tangible advantage in real-world usability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 05 | 2021, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, February 05 | Available. Released 2021, April 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 8.4 mm thickness | 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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 | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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 proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Chrome Silver, Graphite Gray, Nighttime Blue, Aurora Green |
| Models | RMX3121, RMX3122 | M2103K19G, M2103K19C |
| Price | About 160 EUR | € 96.62 / £ 107.59 |
| SAR | - | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 121h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1795:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.0 LUFS (Good)
|
Realme V11 5G
- Potentially newer software updates
- Similar performance to Redmi Note 10 5G
- Competitive price point
- Lack of detailed display specifications
- No endurance rating provided
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G
- Measured 492 nits peak brightness
- 121-hour endurance rating
- Proven battery efficiency
- Similar performance to Realme V11 5G
- Basic camera specifications
Display Comparison
Both the Realme V11 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G feature displays with a 1795:1 contrast ratio, but the Redmi Note 10 5G distinguishes itself with a measured peak brightness of 492 nits. This is a significant advantage for outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. While Realme doesn't provide a measured brightness figure, the Redmi's higher output suggests a more pleasant viewing experience in bright conditions. The nominal contrast ratio indicates similar black levels and color depth, but the lack of detailed display specs for the Realme V11 5G makes a definitive comparison difficult.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing algorithms. This suggests a similar level of camera performance, likely focused on providing acceptable results in good lighting conditions. The absence of information regarding Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) implies that low-light photography will be a challenge for both devices. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both is likely a marketing feature with limited practical utility, given the small sensor size and fixed focus.
Performance
At the heart of both devices lies the Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) chipset, paired with an Octa-core CPU configuration of 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means performance will be virtually identical for everyday tasks and even moderate gaming. The 7nm process node offers a good balance of power efficiency and performance, but neither phone is positioned as a gaming powerhouse. The absence of information regarding RAM type (LPDDR4X vs LPDDR5) or storage speed (UFS 2.1 vs UFS 2.2) prevents a deeper analysis of potential performance bottlenecks.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G boasts an impressive endurance rating of 121 hours, indicating excellent battery life and power management. Both phones share the same 18W wired charging capability, suggesting similar charging speeds. While the actual battery capacity isn't specified for either device, the Redmi Note 10 5G's endurance rating suggests a more efficient power draw, potentially allowing for longer usage on a single charge. The 18W charging, while adequate, isn't particularly fast by today's standards, requiring approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme V11 5G if you prioritize a potentially newer software experience and are comfortable with a device where display specifications are less detailed. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G if you value a demonstrably brighter display with a measured 492 nits and a proven 121-hour endurance rating, indicating optimized power management for longer usage between charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 700 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile on these phones?
The Mediatek Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Neither phone is optimized for high-end gaming, and prolonged gaming sessions may result in some thermal throttling. Lowering graphics settings will improve performance and reduce heat.
❓ Is the 18W charging speed sufficient for daily use, or will I be waiting a long time for a full charge?
18W charging is relatively slow compared to modern fast-charging standards. Expect a full charge to take approximately 2-3 hours. While sufficient for overnight charging, it's not ideal for quick top-ups. The Redmi Note 10 5G's better battery efficiency may mitigate the slower charging speed somewhat.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Realme UI and Xiaomi's MIUI?
Realme UI and MIUI are both based on Android, but offer distinct user interfaces and features. MIUI is known for its extensive customization options, while Realme UI aims for a cleaner, more streamlined experience. Software preference is subjective, but both offer regular updates and a wide range of features.
