Xiaomi Redmi 11 vs OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G: A Detailed Comparison

The Xiaomi Redmi 11 and OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G represent compelling options in the crowded sub-$250 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and a modern feature set without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches to chipset selection and charging technology. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best overall value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing faster charging and a slightly more refined software experience, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G emerges as the winner. Its 33W charging significantly reduces downtime, and the Snapdragon 695 offers a small but noticeable performance edge in sustained tasks. However, the Redmi 11 remains a strong contender for those on a tighter budget.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi 11 OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
AnnouncedNot announced yet2022, April 28
StatusCancelledAvailable. Released 2022, April 30
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions-164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight-195 g (6.88 oz)
Display
ProtectionUnspecified-
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size6.58 inches, 104.3 cm26.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 619
OSAndroid 11, MIUI 13Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single5 MP, f/2.016 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
Radio-Unspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired33W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray; other colorsBlack Dusk, Blue Tide
Models-CPH2381, CPH2409
PriceAbout 170 EURAbout 220 EUR
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.71 W/kg (body)

Xiaomi Redmi 11

  • More affordable price point
  • Potentially longer battery life due to efficient chipset
  • Reliable Mediatek Dimensity 700 performance for everyday tasks

  • Significantly slower 18W charging
  • Less advanced ISP for potentially lower image quality

OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G

  • Faster 33W wired charging
  • More efficient Snapdragon 695 chipset
  • Potentially better sustained performance and thermal management

  • Slightly higher price tag
  • May not offer a dramatically different camera experience

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood: processing power. While display specs aren't provided, the focus here is on the chipsets driving the UI. The Redmi 11's Dimensity 700 will handle basic display tasks adequately, but the Snapdragon 695 in the Nord CE 2 Lite may offer smoother scrolling and transitions, especially with more complex animations.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning suggests the Nord CE 2 Lite may prioritize camera features slightly more. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth/macro sensors. The Snapdragon 695’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally more advanced than the Dimensity 700’s, potentially leading to better image processing, especially in low-light conditions. Users should expect similar performance in good lighting, but the Nord CE 2 Lite may have an edge in challenging scenarios.

Performance

The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 (6nm) benefits from a more modern fabrication process compared to the Redmi 11’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm). This 6nm process generally translates to improved power efficiency and potentially better sustained performance. While both CPUs feature a 2x2.2 GHz core configuration, the Snapdragon utilizes Kryo 660 Gold cores, known for their efficiency, while the Redmi 11 uses Cortex-A76 cores. This means the Nord CE 2 Lite is likely to exhibit less thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions or demanding applications.

Battery Life

The Redmi 11’s 18W charging is a significant disadvantage compared to the Nord CE 2 Lite’s 33W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the Nord CE 2 Lite will dramatically reduce the time spent tethered to a wall outlet. A full charge on the Nord CE 2 Lite is likely to take under an hour, while the Redmi 11 could easily exceed 2 hours. This difference is crucial for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 11 if you need a reliable, affordable 5G phone and prioritize maximizing battery life over rapid charging. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and make occasional calls. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G if you prefer quicker charging speeds, a slightly more responsive user experience, and are willing to spend a bit more for those benefits. This phone suits users who frequently game, stream videos, or heavily multitask.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the Nord CE 2 Lite handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but expect to use medium graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience. The 6nm process and Kryo cores will help mitigate throttling, but it's not a gaming powerhouse. The Redmi 11's Dimensity 700 will likely require lower settings to achieve similar frame rates.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Nord CE 2 Lite compared to the Redmi 11's 18W charging in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The Nord CE 2 Lite can likely go from 0-100% in around 60-75 minutes, while the Redmi 11 will likely take over 2 hours. A quick 15-minute charge on the Nord CE 2 Lite can provide several hours of usage, something the Redmi 11 simply can't match.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the Snapdragon 695 and Dimensity 700 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For basic tasks, the difference will be minimal. Both chipsets are more than capable of handling everyday usage. However, the Snapdragon 695 will feel more responsive when multitasking or switching between apps, thanks to its more efficient architecture.