Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 vs Samsung Galaxy A53 5G: Which Budget 5G Phone Reigns Supreme?

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and Samsung Galaxy A53 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a 5G experience without breaking the bank, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving that goal. This comparison dives deep into their specifications and performance to determine which device offers the best overall package for your money.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing display quality and future-proofing with 5G, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is the better choice. However, the Redmi Note 11 offers excellent battery endurance and faster charging at a potentially lower price point, making it ideal for those on a tighter budget.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66 - SM-A536U
5G bands-2, 5, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536U
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -2, 5, 48, 66, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536V
Launch
Announced2022, January 262022, March 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, February 09Available. Released 2022, March 24
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in)159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.94 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight179 g (6.31 oz)189 g (6.67 oz)
 IP53, dust and splash resistantIP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak)Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)Exynos 1280 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Mali-G68
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, HyperOSAndroid 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.2-
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad50 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 lens64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (market/region dependent)
 Virtual proximity sensingVirtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 60 min25W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGraphite Gray, Twilight Blue, Star BlueBlack, White, Blue, Peach
Models2201117TG, 2201117TI, 2201117TY, 2201117TLSM-A536B, SM-A536B/DS, SM-A536U, SM-A536U1, SM-A5360, SM-A536E, SM-A536E/DS, SM-A536V, SM-A536W, SM-A536N, SM-S536DL
Price£ 95.00 / € 97.99 / ₹ 11,950$ 151.42 / £ 185.00 / € 169.14
SAR0.97 W/kg (head)     0.93 W/kg (body)0.75 W/kg (head)     1.58 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.60 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)0.89 W/kg (head)     1.60 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 126h Endurance rating 113h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -25.8 LUFS (Very good) -26.5 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 228044 (v8), 244526 (v9) GeekBench: 1662 (v5.1) GFXBench: 6.8fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 329802 (v8), 379313 (v9) GeekBench: 1891 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11

  • Exceptional battery life (126h endurance)
  • Faster 33W charging with PD3.0/QC3 support
  • Potentially lower price point

  • Limited to 4G connectivity
  • Less powerful chipset compared to the Exynos 1280

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

  • Brighter and more vibrant display (830 nits)
  • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
  • More powerful Exynos 1280 chipset

  • Shorter battery life (113h endurance)
  • Slower 25W charging

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 830 nits compared to the Redmi Note 11’s 736 nits. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. Both displays share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting deep blacks, but the A53’s higher peak brightness provides a more dynamic and visually appealing experience. While neither specification details refresh rate, Samsung typically employs higher refresh rates in this segment, potentially offering smoother scrolling and animations. The A53’s panel is likely to be more color accurate, benefiting content creators and media consumers.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. However, given the market positioning, the Galaxy A53 5G likely features a more sophisticated camera system. Samsung typically prioritizes image processing and software features, potentially resulting in more pleasing photos in various conditions. While both likely include a standard wide and ultrawide lens, the A53 may offer features like optical image stabilization (OIS) which the Redmi Note 11 likely lacks. The absence of sensor size information makes a direct comparison difficult, but Samsung’s history suggests a larger sensor on the A53, improving low-light performance.

Performance

The chipset is where the two phones diverge significantly. The Galaxy A53 5G utilizes Samsung’s Exynos 1280 (5nm), while the Redmi Note 11 features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm). The 5nm process node of the Exynos 1280 generally leads to better power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the 6nm Snapdragon 680. The Exynos 1280’s CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – offers a more powerful core cluster for demanding tasks than the Redmi Note 11’s Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver). However, the Redmi Note 11’s 4G limitation is a significant drawback for users in areas with 5G coverage. The A53’s 5G capability provides a substantial advantage in network speed and responsiveness.

Battery Life

The Redmi Note 11 edges out the Galaxy A53 5G in endurance, achieving a measured 126 hours versus 113 hours. This suggests the Snapdragon 680’s efficiency, combined with software optimization, allows for longer usage on a single charge. However, the A53’s 25W charging is slower than the Redmi Note 11’s 33W wired charging, which supports PD3.0 and QC3, promising a full charge in just 60 minutes. This faster charging speed mitigates some of the A53’s slightly lower endurance rating, offering quicker top-ups when needed.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 if you need exceptional battery life and fast 33W charging, and prioritize value over absolute performance. It’s perfect for users who primarily browse, use social media, and occasionally game. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G if you prefer a brighter, more vibrant display, 5G connectivity, and a more refined software experience, even if it means slightly shorter battery life and slower charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy A53 5G tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 1280 is a capable chipset, it has been known to exhibit some thermal throttling under sustained heavy load, such as extended gaming. However, Samsung’s software optimizations and the phone’s cooling system generally prevent overheating from becoming a critical issue. Expect some performance reduction after prolonged gaming, but not a complete shutdown.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up shots?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on phones in this price range are of limited utility. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included for marketing purposes rather than providing a genuinely useful photographic experience. You're better off using the main camera and cropping for close-up shots.
❓ Can the Galaxy A53 5G reliably maintain 60fps in demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Galaxy A53 5G can generally achieve 60fps in PUBG Mobile, but you may need to lower the graphics settings to 'Balanced' or 'Low' to maintain a stable frame rate, especially during intense firefights. The Exynos 1280 is capable, but not a high-end gaming chipset.
❓ How does the lack of 5G on the Redmi Note 11 impact its long-term usability?
The absence of 5G on the Redmi Note 11 means you'll be limited to 4G LTE speeds. As 5G networks continue to expand, this could become a more significant limitation in the future, particularly if you frequently travel or live in an area with good 5G coverage. However, for many users, 4G LTE remains perfectly adequate for everyday tasks.