Xiaomi's Redmi Note series consistently delivers impressive value. The Redmi Note 11 and Note 10 5G are two popular contenders in the budget smartphone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 11 edges out the Note 10 5G thanks to its faster chipset, significantly quicker charging, and generally improved performance. While the Note 10 5G boasts excellent battery life, the Note 11's overall enhancements make it the slightly better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 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, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 78 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, October 28 | 2021, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2021, April 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 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 | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | 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 | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 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 | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1) | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 62 min | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mysterious Black, Milky Way Blue, Mint Green | Chrome Silver, Graphite Gray, Nighttime Blue, Aurora Green |
| Models | 21091116AC | M2103K19G, M2103K19C |
| Price | About 140 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)
|
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (China)
- Faster Chipset (Dimensity 810)
- 33W Fast Charging
- Improved Performance
- Slightly Brighter Display
- Shorter Battery Life than Note 10 5G
- China Variant - Software may vary
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G
- Exceptional Battery Life (121h Endurance Rating)
- 5G Connectivity
- Good Value
- Slower Charging (18W)
- Less Powerful Chipset (Dimensity 700)
- Lower Peak Brightness
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch display with a 1795:1 contrast ratio. However, the Redmi Note 11 boasts a slightly brighter screen with a measured peak brightness of around 492 nits, offering a marginally better viewing experience, especially outdoors. Both use IPS LCD panels, so don't expect OLED vibrancy.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is comparable, with both phones offering decent image quality in good lighting conditions. The Note 11 might have a slight edge in low-light scenarios due to the Dimensity 810's improved image processing capabilities. Both phones feature a primary camera, ultrawide, and macro lens setup, though specific megapixel counts may vary slightly depending on the region.
Performance
The Redmi Note 11's Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) provides a noticeable performance boost over the Note 10 5G's Dimensity 700 (7nm). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Note 11. The Dimensity 810's efficiency also contributes to better thermal management.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 10 5G shines in this category. Its endurance rating of 121h is exceptional, significantly outperforming the Note 11. However, the Note 11's 33W charging is a game-changer, allowing it to charge from 0% to 100% in just 62 minutes, a considerable advantage over the Note 10 5G's 18W charging.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (China) is ideal for users prioritizing performance and fast charging. It's a great option for those who enjoy gaming or multitasking. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is a solid pick for users who value exceptional battery life above all else and appreciate 5G connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 11 worth the upgrade from the Redmi Note 10 5G?
If performance and fast charging are important to you, then yes. The Note 11 offers a noticeable upgrade in these areas. However, if battery life is your absolute top priority, the Note 10 5G remains a compelling option.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 11 (China) have global ROM support?
The China variant may have limited global ROM support. Check online forums and communities for information on custom ROM availability and compatibility before purchasing.