The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro is a popular mid-range contender, but there's a subtle distinction: the China version boasts a different chipset. This review dives deep into the differences between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro (China) and the global Redmi Note 11 Pro, helping you choose the right one for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 11 Pro (China) takes the lead thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 920 chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost. While both offer excellent value, the China variant's superior processing power makes it the better choice for demanding users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 28 | 2022, January 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2022, February 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm (6.44 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 700 nits, 1200 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 700 nits, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 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
Tuned by JBL | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 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 | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 43 min | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 51% in 15 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5160 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mysterious Black, Forest Green, Timeless Purple, Milky Way Blue | Graphite Gray (Stealth Black), Polar White (Phantom White), Star Blue |
| Models | 21091116C | 2201116TG, 2201116TI |
| Price | About 220 EUR | € 121.46 / £ 169.57 |
| SAR | - | 1.08 W/kg (head) 1.08 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.58 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 100h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-24.4 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 261309 (v8), 319093 (v9)
GeekBench: 1729 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro (China)
- Significantly faster chipset (Dimensity 920)
- Slightly brighter display
- Faster charging (43 min)
- Excellent value for performance
- Availability may be limited
- Potential software differences
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro
- Excellent battery life (100h endurance rating)
- Globally available
- Reliable camera performance
- Good value for everyday use
- Slower chipset (Helio G96)
- Less powerful for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a vibrant AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and immersive viewing experience. The China version's measured 746 nits max brightness gives it a slight edge in outdoor visibility, though the global version's 'infinite' contrast ratio (likely a marketing term) suggests excellent blacks and color depth. Overall, display performance is very similar.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is expected to be largely similar, both featuring a primary 108MP sensor. However, the China version's more powerful chipset may allow for slightly better image processing and video stabilization. Low-light performance and overall image quality should be comparable, though real-world testing would be needed for a definitive conclusion.
Performance
This is where the biggest difference lies. The Dimensity 920 in the China version is considerably faster than the Helio G96 in the global model. Expect smoother app launches, faster gaming frame rates, and better overall responsiveness on the China variant. The G96 is still capable for everyday tasks, but it will struggle more with demanding games and heavy multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones offer a large 5000mAh battery and 67W fast charging. The global version boasts an impressive endurance rating of 100h, suggesting excellent battery life. The China version's 43-minute charging time is slightly faster than the global version's 15% in 15 minutes, but both offer rapid replenishment.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro (China) is ideal for gamers, power users, and those who prioritize smooth multitasking. The global Redmi Note 11 Pro remains a solid choice for everyday users who value long battery life and a reliable camera experience, especially if the China version isn't readily available or priced competitively.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 11 Pro (China) worth the extra cost?
If you prioritize performance and gaming, the China version's Dimensity 920 chipset makes it worth the investment. However, if you're on a tighter budget and primarily use your phone for everyday tasks, the global version remains a solid choice.
❓ Are there any software differences between the two versions?
Yes, the China version may have MIUI features specific to the Chinese market and potentially different pre-installed apps. Ensure you're comfortable with any potential software differences before purchasing.
