The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 series offers a range of configurations, leading to confusion. This review pits the Redmi Note 11 4G (widely available) against the China-exclusive Redmi Note 11 (with a Dimensity chipset) to help you decide which is the better buy.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The China version of the Redmi Note 11 is the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster Dimensity 810 chipset and much quicker 33W charging. While the 4G variant is more readily available, the performance boost and charging speed of the China model make it a more compelling choice if you can acquire it.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 25 | 2021, October 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 01 | Available. Released 2021, November 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.38 x 2.97 x 0.35 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 | 181 g (6.38 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| 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 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0”, 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0”, 1.12µm | 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, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1) |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
9W reverse wired | 33W wired, 100% in 62 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Gray, Pebble White, Sea Blue | Mysterious Black, Milky Way Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | 21121119SC | 21091116AC |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G
- Widely available
- Lower price point
- Decent battery life
- Good display
- Slower performance
- Slow charging (18W)
- Less powerful chipset
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (China)
- Faster performance (Dimensity 810)
- Faster charging (33W)
- More efficient chipset (6nm)
- Potentially better image processing
- Limited availability
- Potentially higher price (due to import)
- May require region-specific firmware
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature a 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. Differences in display calibration or brightness levels might exist, but overall, the display experience should be similar.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar camera setup: a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality should be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the China version's more powerful processor might offer slightly better image processing and low-light performance.
Performance
The Dimensity 810 in the China version provides a substantial performance advantage over the Helio G88 in the 4G variant. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the China model. The Cortex-A76 cores in the Dimensity 810 are significantly more powerful than the Cortex-A75 cores in the Helio G88.
Battery Life
While both devices have a 5000mAh battery, the China version's 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging time compared to the 4G variant's 18W charging. This means the China version can be fully charged in approximately 62 minutes, while the 4G variant takes considerably longer.
Buying Guide
Buy the Redmi Note 11 4G if you prioritize availability and a slightly lower price point. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (China) if you value performance, faster charging, and are willing to explore import options or grey market channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use the China version Redmi Note 11 with my carrier?
It depends on your carrier and region. The China version might not support all network bands. Research compatibility before purchasing.
❓ Is the Redmi Note 11 4G worth buying in 2024?
It's a budget-friendly option, but the performance is dated. Consider newer models if your budget allows.
