The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo iQOO U5x and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (India) represent two distinct approaches: a focus on affordability and efficiency versus a push for faster charging and slightly improved processing power. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a more future-proof 5G experience, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (India) is the clear winner. Its 67W charging dramatically reduces downtime, and the Snapdragon 695 offers a noticeable performance edge over the iQOO U5x's Snapdragon 680.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE-A (CA), 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 28 | 2022, March 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 28 | Available. Released 2022, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 700 nits, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS Ocean | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | - |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 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 | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 42 min (advertised) |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Light Blue | Mirage Blue, Phantom White, Stealth Black |
| Models | V2180GA | 2201116SI |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 250 EUR |
vivo iQOO U5x
- More affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to less power-hungry chipset
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Limited to 4G connectivity
- Extremely slow 10W charging
- Less powerful processor for demanding tasks
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (India)
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Significantly faster 67W charging
- More powerful Snapdragon 695 processor
- Higher price compared to the iQOO U5x
- Potentially slightly lower battery life under heavy load
- May include more pre-installed bloatware (typical of Xiaomi)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a flagship-level display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness in nits) are absent, the focus here is on processing power, not visual fidelity. Both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G's potential for a higher refresh rate (based on Xiaomi's typical offerings) would be a benefit, but this isn't confirmed in the provided data.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 695’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally more capable than the 680’s, potentially leading to better image processing, especially in low-light conditions. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G's potential for a higher-resolution main sensor (common in the 'Pro+' line) would further enhance its photographic capabilities, though this is speculative based on market trends.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (India) features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G, built on a 6nm process with a Kryo 660 CPU configuration (2x2.2 GHz Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Silver). This represents a step up from the iQOO U5x’s Snapdragon 680 4G (also 6nm) with its Kryo 265 configuration (4x2.4 GHz Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Silver). The 695’s architecture, while still mid-range, offers improved CPU and GPU performance, and crucially, 5G connectivity. The iQOO U5x is limited to 4G. This translates to faster download speeds and a smoother experience with 5G-dependent applications on the Redmi.
Battery Life
The iQOO U5x is hampered by its incredibly slow 10W wired charging. This will require significantly longer charging times compared to the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (India)’s advertised 67W charging, which promises a 50% charge in 15 minutes and a full charge in 42 minutes. While battery capacity isn't specified, the Redmi’s charging speed is a game-changer for users who value convenience and minimal downtime. The Snapdragon 695's efficiency also contributes to potentially better battery life under load.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U5x if you need a highly affordable 5G phone and prioritize battery life over raw speed, accepting slower charging as a trade-off. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (India) if you prefer significantly faster charging, a more capable processor for gaming and multitasking, and are willing to spend a bit more for those benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it's a significant step up from the Snapdragon 680 and will provide a more enjoyable gaming experience for casual gamers.
❓ How much slower is the 10W charging on the iQOO U5x compared to the 67W charging on the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The iQOO U5x will likely take several hours to fully charge, while the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G can reach 100% in approximately 42 minutes. This means you'll spend significantly less time tethered to a charger with the Redmi, making it ideal for users on the go.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G support carrier aggregation for improved 5G speeds?
While not explicitly stated, the Snapdragon 695 generally supports carrier aggregation, which can significantly improve 5G download speeds in areas with good network coverage. This is a key advantage over the iQOO U5x, which lacks 5G entirely.
