The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is a popular budget smartphone, but there are slight variations depending on your region. This review dives deep into the differences between the China-specific model and the globally released version, helping you decide which one offers the best bang for your buck.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The global Redmi Note 11 boasts a Snapdragon 680, offering slightly better efficiency and 4G connectivity. The China version's Dimensity 810 provides a performance edge, especially in gaming. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities: performance or broader compatibility.
| 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, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 28 | 2022, January 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2022, February 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | 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 (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| 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 | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1) | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 62 min | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 60 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mysterious Black, Milky Way Blue, Mint Green | Graphite Gray, Twilight Blue, Star Blue |
| Models | 21091116AC | 2201117TG, 2201117TI, 2201117TY, 2201117TL |
| Price | About 140 EUR | £ 95.00 / € 97.99 / ₹ 11,950 |
| SAR | - | 0.97 W/kg (head) 0.93 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 126h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.8 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 228044 (v8), 244526 (v9)
GeekBench: 1662 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 6.8fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (China)
- Stronger Processor (Dimensity 810)
- Potentially better gaming performance
- Fast Charging (33W)
- Regional software limitations
- Potentially less global compatibility
- Brightness measurement not available
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
- Reliable 4G connectivity (Snapdragon 680)
- Wider global availability
- PD3.0, QC3 charging support
- Confirmed 736 nits brightness
- Slightly lower raw performance
- Potentially less impressive gaming
- Infinite contrast ratio is nominal
Display Comparison
Both devices feature a similar display, likely an AMOLED panel with a 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate (depending on the specific sub-variant). The global version's 736 nits max brightness is a confirmed measurement, while the China version's 'infinite' contrast ratio is a nominal value. Expect vibrant colors and smooth scrolling on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is expected to be largely similar, with both devices featuring a primary sensor and likely a combination of ultrawide, macro, and depth sensors. Image processing algorithms may differ slightly, leading to variations in color reproduction and dynamic range. Detailed camera tests are needed for a definitive comparison.
Performance
The China version's Mediatek Dimensity 810 generally offers superior raw processing power, particularly beneficial for gaming. The Snapdragon 680 in the global version prioritizes efficiency and offers reliable 4G connectivity. Real-world performance differences will be noticeable in demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both devices share a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh) and 33W charging. The endurance rating of 126h suggests excellent battery life for both models, though real-world usage will vary.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (China) is ideal for users prioritizing gaming performance and are comfortable with potential software limitations or regional restrictions. The global Redmi Note 11 is a safer bet for most users, offering broader compatibility and a more streamlined experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use the China Redmi Note 11 globally?
It's possible, but you may encounter issues with network compatibility and software updates. It's generally recommended to purchase the global version for broader support.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 680 good enough for everyday use?
Yes, the Snapdragon 680 is a capable chipset for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. It prioritizes efficiency over raw power.
