Xiaomi Redmi Note 11E vs OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G: Which Budget 5G Phone Reigns Supreme?

The sub-$250 5G market is fiercely competitive. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11E and OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches – the Redmi Note 11E focuses on a proven Mediatek chipset, while the Nord CE 2 Lite opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 695. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right phone.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 695, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers a slight performance edge and better thermal management, coupled with significantly faster 33W charging. While the Redmi Note 11E is still a capable device, the Nord CE 2 Lite provides a more refined overall experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi Note 11E OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe
5G bands1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2022, March 022022, April 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, March 18Available. Released 2022, April 30
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in)164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight200 g (7.05 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 619
OSAndroid 11, MIUI 13Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.2-
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single5 MP-
Triple-64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single5 MP16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoUnspecified
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, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired33W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, Silver, Atlantic BlueBlack Dusk, Blue Tide
Models22041219CCPH2381, CPH2409
PriceAbout 170 EURAbout 220 EUR
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.71 W/kg (body)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11E

  • Proven Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset offers reliable performance.
  • Potentially more affordable price point.
  • Stable software experience (typical of Xiaomi).

  • Slower 18W charging.
  • Less efficient 7nm chipset compared to Snapdragon 695.

OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G

  • Faster 33W charging for quicker top-ups.
  • More efficient Snapdragon 695 chipset (6nm).
  • Potentially better image processing thanks to Qualcomm ISP.

  • May be slightly more expensive than the Redmi Note 11E.
  • OnePlus software can be polarizing for some users.

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood: display driver efficiency. While specific display specs are unavailable, the Snapdragon 695’s integrated display engine may offer slightly better power efficiency when rendering visuals. Bezels are expected to be comparable, and color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment – adequate, but not color-critical.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is difficult to assess without detailed sensor information. However, given the price point, both phones likely feature a primary sensor around the 50MP mark. The Snapdragon 695’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally considered more advanced, potentially leading to better image processing, especially in low-light conditions. The Redmi Note 11E’s image processing may lean towards more saturated colors, a common Xiaomi trait, while the Nord CE 2 Lite might aim for a more natural look. The presence or absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) would be a significant differentiator, but is unknown without further specs.

Performance

The core battleground is the chipset. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 (6nm) holds an architectural advantage over the Redmi Note 11E’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm). The 6nm process generally translates to improved power efficiency and thermal performance. While both CPUs feature a 2x2.2 GHz core configuration, the Snapdragon’s Kryo 660 Gold cores are based on a newer architecture, potentially offering better single-core performance. This difference, though not massive, will be noticeable in app launch times and smoother scrolling. The Dimensity 700 remains a capable performer for everyday tasks, but the Snapdragon 695 provides a more future-proof foundation.

Battery Life

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G’s 33W charging is a clear advantage over the Redmi Note 11E’s 18W charging. This translates to significantly faster top-up times – potentially reducing a full charge from over two hours to under an hour. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 695’s improved efficiency could offset a slightly smaller battery, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. Users who frequently find themselves needing to quickly recharge will heavily favor the Nord CE 2 Lite.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11E if you prioritize a consistently stable, if slightly less powerful, processor and are comfortable with slower 18W charging. It’s a solid option for basic smartphone tasks and light gaming. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G if you value faster charging speeds, a potentially smoother user experience thanks to the Snapdragon 695’s architecture, and a more modern chipset design. It’s ideal for users who want a bit more headroom for multitasking and occasional gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the Nord CE 2 Lite handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to stick to medium graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience. The Dimensity 700 in the Redmi Note 11E will offer similar performance, but the 695's thermal management may prevent throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Nord CE 2 Lite compared to the 18W charging on the Redmi Note 11E?
Expect a substantial difference. The Nord CE 2 Lite can potentially charge from 0-100% in under an hour, while the Redmi Note 11E will likely take over two hours. This is a significant advantage for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 11E have any notable software features that the Nord CE 2 Lite lacks?
Xiaomi's MIUI offers a highly customizable experience with features like dual apps and game turbo. However, OnePlus' OxygenOS is known for its cleaner interface and smoother performance, appealing to users who prefer a less cluttered experience.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the Snapdragon 695 and Dimensity 700 noticeable in everyday tasks?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference will be minimal. However, the Snapdragon 695 will feel snappier when multitasking or launching demanding apps due to its more efficient architecture.