The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11E and Realme 9i 5G are two strong contenders. Both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and a decent smartphone experience without breaking the bank. However, key differences in their chipsets and subtle variations in other specs mean one is likely a better fit for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 9i 5G emerges as the better choice. Its Dimensity 810, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers a noticeable performance edge over the Redmi Note 11E’s Dimensity 700, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. While both share 18W charging, the Realme’s slightly more refined software experience adds to its overall appeal.
| 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, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 02 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 18 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 13 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Unspecified MP, 46mm (telephoto)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver, Atlantic Blue | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | 22041219C | RMX3612 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11E
- Potentially cleaner MIUI software (region dependent)
- Reliable 5000mAh battery life
- Affordable price point
- Less powerful Dimensity 700 chipset
- Slower performance in demanding tasks
- 18W charging is relatively slow
Realme 9i 5G
- More efficient Dimensity 810 chipset
- Better performance for gaming and multitasking
- Slightly better battery endurance
- Realme UI can be divisive
- 18W charging is relatively slow
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither phone boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. While specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are absent, the Realme 9i 5G’s slightly larger screen size (typically around 6.6 inches vs. the Redmi Note 11E’s 6.58 inches) may offer a more immersive viewing experience. Bezels are expected to be comparable, and neither phone is likely to feature high refresh rate panels.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on a primary sensor for most shots. Without specific sensor size information, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. However, the Realme 9i 5G often pairs its Dimensity 810 with a more capable image signal processor (ISP), potentially leading to better image processing and low-light performance. The inclusion of a dedicated night mode on the 9i 5G is also a plus. Expect both phones to include standard auxiliary lenses (depth, macro) of limited utility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 9i 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) has a clear advantage over the Redmi Note 11E’s Dimensity 700 (7nm). The 6nm process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, resulting in better sustained performance and reduced thermal throttling. The Dimensity 810’s CPU, with 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, also clocks slightly higher than the Redmi Note 11E’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores. This translates to faster app loading times and a smoother experience with demanding applications. Both phones share 6GB of RAM, but the chipset difference will be the limiting factor.
Battery Life
Both the Redmi Note 11E and Realme 9i 5G feature a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. However, the Dimensity 810’s 6nm efficiency gives the Realme 9i 5G a slight edge in battery endurance. Both phones support 18W wired charging, which is relatively slow by today’s standards. Expect a full charge to take around 2 hours. The more efficient chipset of the Realme 9i 5G may offset the slower charging speed with longer usage times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11E if you prioritize a potentially cleaner software experience (depending on your region’s MIUI version) and are comfortable with slightly lower performance for basic tasks. Buy the Realme 9i 5G if you want a more responsive device for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing with its more efficient chipset. The 9i 5G is the better option for users who anticipate heavier app usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 9i 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Dimensity 810 in the Realme 9i 5G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it offers a significantly smoother experience than the Redmi Note 11E’s Dimensity 700, especially during prolonged gaming sessions due to better thermal management.
❓ How much faster is the Realme 9i 5G in everyday tasks compared to the Redmi Note 11E?
You'll notice the difference in app loading times and multitasking. The Realme 9i 5G’s Dimensity 810 will open apps quicker and handle switching between multiple apps more fluidly. While both phones are adequate for basic tasks like browsing and social media, the 9i 5G provides a more responsive and enjoyable user experience overall.
❓ Is the 18W charging speed on either phone sufficient for quick top-ups?
No, 18W charging is relatively slow in 2024. Expect a full charge to take around 2 hours. Neither phone offers fast charging capabilities. However, the Realme 9i 5G’s more efficient chipset means you may not need to charge it as frequently.
