The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and Realme 9i 5G represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take fundamentally different approaches: the Redmi Note 11 prioritizes established 4G connectivity and a refined software experience, while the Realme 9i pushes for future-proofing with 5G and a more aggressive chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 9i 5G emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 810, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Redmi Note 11’s Helio G88, justifying the slight price premium and offering a path to 5G connectivity. However, users heavily reliant on consistent 4G coverage and a potentially smoother software experience might still find the Redmi Note 11 appealing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 25 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 01 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.38 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 181 g (6.38 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0”, 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Unspecified MP, 46mm (telephoto)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0”, 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
9W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Gray, Pebble White, Sea Blue | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | 21121119SC | RMX3612 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G
- Potentially more refined software experience (Xiaomi's MIUI is mature)
- Reliable 4G connectivity for areas with limited 5G coverage
- 9W reverse wired charging for accessory top-ups
- Less powerful processor (Helio G88)
- Less efficient 12nm fabrication process
- Lacks 5G connectivity
Realme 9i 5G
- Faster processor (Dimensity 810)
- More efficient 6nm fabrication process
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Software updates may be less frequent or polished
- Potential for slightly higher price
- May experience minor thermal throttling under extreme load
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood: display driver efficiency. While specific display specs are missing, the Realme 9i’s Dimensity 810 chipset, fabricated on a 6nm process, allows for more efficient power delivery to the display, potentially resulting in slightly better battery life during video playback. Bezels are expected to be comparable, and color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment – adequate but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar camera setup focused on a primary sensor, with supplementary lenses for macro and depth sensing. Without specific sensor size information, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. However, the Realme 9i’s more powerful chipset allows for more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction in challenging lighting conditions. The Redmi Note 11’s image processing will likely be more conservative, prioritizing accuracy over aggressive enhancements. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic and offers limited practical value.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Realme 9i 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the Redmi Note 11 4G’s Helio G88 (12nm). The Dimensity 810 features newer Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz, compared to the Redmi’s A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to approximately 15-20% faster CPU performance in benchmarks and a more responsive user experience, particularly when multitasking or running demanding applications. The 6nm fabrication process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, meaning the Realme 9i is less likely to throttle under sustained load. Gamers will see a tangible benefit on the Realme 9i, with smoother frame rates and reduced stuttering.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds (approximately 1.5-2 hours for a full charge). While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Realme 9i’s more efficient Dimensity 810 chipset will likely translate to longer battery life in real-world usage. The 6nm process consumes less power, allowing the Realme 9i to extract more usage from a comparable battery size. The Redmi Note 11’s 9W reverse wired charging is a niche feature, useful for topping up accessories but not a primary selling point.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G if you prioritize a stable, well-optimized software experience and consistently reliable 4G connectivity, especially if 5G isn't readily available in your area. Buy the Realme 9i 5G if you want a faster processor for gaming and demanding apps, and future-proof your purchase with 5G support, even if it means potentially dealing with slightly less refined software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 9i 5G's 5G connectivity actually make a difference in my daily use?
The benefit of 5G depends heavily on your location and carrier coverage. If 5G is readily available, you'll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds, especially for streaming and online gaming. However, if 5G coverage is limited, the Realme 9i will fall back to 4G, and the difference will be less noticeable. Purchasing the 9i provides future-proofing as 5G networks expand.
❓ Is the Mediatek Dimensity 810 in the Realme 9i prone to overheating during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 810 is a capable chipset, it's not a flagship-level processor. It may experience some thermal throttling during prolonged, graphically intensive gaming sessions. However, the 6nm fabrication process helps mitigate overheating compared to the Redmi Note 11's Helio G88. Expect playable frame rates, but not necessarily sustained peak performance for extended periods.
❓ How does Xiaomi's MIUI software compare to Realme UI in terms of bloatware and updates?
Historically, MIUI has been known for including more pre-installed apps (bloatware) than Realme UI. However, Xiaomi has been making efforts to reduce this. Realme UI generally offers a cleaner, more stock-Android-like experience. Update frequency can vary, but Realme has generally been quicker to roll out Android updates in recent years.
