Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G vs. Google Pixel 6a: A Deep Dive into Speed, AI, and Value

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G and Google Pixel 6a represent distinct philosophies in the mid-range smartphone market. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G aggressively targets charging speed and endurance, while the Pixel 6a prioritizes Google’s Tensor chip and computational photography. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing speed and battery longevity, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is the clear winner. Its 120W charging dramatically reduces downtime, and its 106-hour endurance rating surpasses the Pixel 6a’s 94 hours. However, the Pixel 6a’s Tensor chip offers a more refined software experience and superior image processing.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G Google Pixel 6a
Network
2G bands-GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands-HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada)
5G bands-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada)
Speed-HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology-GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International)
Launch
Announced-2022, May 11
Status-Available. Released 2022, July 21
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions-152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)
SIM-Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight-178 g (6.28 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution-1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size-6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type-OLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPU-Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset-Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPU-Mali-G78 MP20
OS-Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slot-No
Internal-128GB 6GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual-12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm
Features-Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video-4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video-1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jack-No
Loudspeaker -25.2 LUFS (Very good)Yes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLAN-Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging120W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 15 min (advertised)18W wired, PD3.0
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4410 mAh
Misc
ColorsMysterious Black, Forest Green, Timeless PurpleChalk, Charcoal, Sage
Models21091116UG, 21091116UCGX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
Price€ 329.00 / $ 320.00$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999
SAR1.09 W/kg (head)     1.09 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU0.60 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Battery lifeEndurance rating 106h Endurance rating 94h
CameraPhoto / Video-
DisplayContrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
PerformanceAnTuTu: 375528 (v8), 437872 (v9) GeekBench: 2225 (v5.1) GFXBench: 22fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G

  • Blazing-fast 120W charging
  • Excellent 106-hour battery endurance
  • Potentially lower price point

  • Chipset performance likely lags behind Pixel 6a
  • Camera details are limited, potentially lacking OIS

Google Pixel 6a

  • Powerful Google Tensor chipset
  • Exceptional camera software and image processing
  • Clean Android experience with guaranteed updates

  • Slow 18W charging
  • Shorter 94-hour battery endurance

Display Comparison

Both the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G and Pixel 6a feature displays with an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting typical AMOLED characteristics. However, the Pixel 6a boasts a measured peak brightness of 876 nits, a significant advantage for outdoor visibility. While the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G’s brightness isn’t specified, the Pixel 6a’s higher figure translates to a more usable screen under direct sunlight. The lack of high refresh rate information for the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is a notable omission, potentially impacting smoothness compared to other devices in its class.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 6a leverages Google’s renowned computational photography, powered by the Tensor chip. While sensor size isn’t specified, Google’s image processing algorithms excel at dynamic range and detail recovery. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G’s camera details are missing, but Xiaomi often emphasizes megapixel count. However, megapixel count alone doesn’t guarantee image quality; the Pixel 6a’s software optimization is a significant advantage. The absence of details regarding OIS on the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G suggests it may lack this feature, potentially resulting in less stable videos and blurry low-light photos.

Performance

The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) chipset is the performance centerpiece. Its octa-core configuration, featuring Cortex-X1 prime cores, delivers a substantial performance uplift over typical mid-range silicon. The 5nm fabrication process also contributes to improved thermal efficiency. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G’s chipset is not specified, but given its price point, it likely utilizes a MediaTek Dimensity chip. While capable, it won’t match the Tensor’s raw processing power or AI capabilities. This difference is most noticeable in demanding tasks like video editing or complex gaming.

Battery Life

The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G’s 120W wired charging is its standout feature, promising a full charge in just 15 minutes. This is a game-changer for users who frequently need to top up their battery. The Pixel 6a’s 18W charging is comparatively slow. While the Pixel 6a has a 94-hour endurance rating, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G’s 106-hour rating, combined with the ultra-fast charging, provides a more flexible and convenient user experience. The difference in charging speed significantly impacts usability, especially for those with demanding lifestyles.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G if you need consistently fast charging, extended battery life, and aren’t heavily invested in the Google ecosystem. This phone is ideal for power users, travelers, or anyone who dislikes battery anxiety. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prioritize a clean Android experience, exceptional camera software, and the unique features powered by Google’s Tensor chip, even if it means sacrificing charging speed and some battery endurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the 18W charging on the Pixel 6a really that slow compared to the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G's 120W?
Yes, the difference is substantial. 18W charging will take well over an hour to fully charge the Pixel 6a, while the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G can achieve a full charge in approximately 15 minutes. This impacts how frequently you need to plug in your phone and the overall convenience of ownership.
❓ How does the Google Tensor chip in the Pixel 6a handle demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Google Tensor chip is capable of running demanding games, but you may need to adjust graphics settings for optimal performance. While it’s not a flagship-level chip, it provides a smooth gaming experience for most titles. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G’s chipset, while capable, is likely to require more significant compromises in graphics settings.
❓ Does the Pixel 6a's camera perform well in low-light conditions?
The Pixel 6a excels in low-light photography thanks to Google’s Night Sight mode and the Tensor chip’s image processing capabilities. It captures detailed and well-exposed photos even in challenging lighting conditions, often surpassing competitors in the same price range.