Redmi Note 11T Pro+ vs Google Pixel 6a: Which Mid-Range Champion Reigns Supreme?

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11T Pro+ and Google Pixel 6a represent compelling options. The Redmi Note 11T Pro+ aggressively targets performance and charging speed, while the Pixel 6a leverages Google’s Tensor chip and software expertise. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a smooth, AI-enhanced experience and excellent camera software, the Google Pixel 6a is the better choice. However, power users and gamers will find the Redmi Note 11T Pro+'s Dimensity 8100 and blazing-fast 120W charging more appealing, offering a significant performance edge.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi Note 11T Pro+ Google Pixel 6a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 421, 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 bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada)
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / 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
Announced2022, May 242022, May 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, May 31Available. Released 2022, July 21
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.6 x 74.3 x 8.9 mm (6.44 x 2.93 x 0.35 in)152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight198 g (6.98 oz)178 g (6.28 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2460 pixels (~407 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 144Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 650 nits (typ)OLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUMali-G610 MC6Mali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 12, MIUI 13Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM128GB 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
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Triple64 MP, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, 120˚, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging120W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 10 min, 100% in 19 min18W wired, PD3.0
TypeLi-Po 4400 mAhLi-Po 4410 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, Silver, BlackChalk, Charcoal, Sage
Models22041216UCGX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
PriceAbout 300 EUR$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 94h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11T Pro+

  • Blazing-fast 120W charging
  • Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 8100 chipset
  • Potentially better sustained gaming performance

  • Camera performance likely lags behind Pixel 6a
  • Software experience may not be as refined as Pixel

Google Pixel 6a

  • Exceptional camera software and image quality
  • Clean and optimized Android experience
  • Google Tensor chip excels at AI tasks

  • Significantly slower 18W charging
  • Less raw processing power compared to Dimensity 8100

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6a boasts a measured peak brightness of 876 nits, ensuring excellent visibility outdoors. While the Redmi Note 11T Pro+'s display specs aren't provided, Xiaomi typically prioritizes high brightness in its Note series. The Pixel 6a’s ‘infinite’ contrast ratio, typical of OLED panels, delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors. The absence of LTPO technology on either device suggests neither offers adaptive refresh rates for power saving, but the Pixel’s color accuracy is likely superior due to Google’s display calibration.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 6a’s camera prowess stems from Google’s computational photography, even without detailed sensor specifications. The Redmi Note 11T Pro+'s camera specs are missing, but Xiaomi often focuses on high megapixel counts. However, megapixel count isn’t everything; Google’s Tensor chip excels at image processing, delivering exceptional dynamic range and detail, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Pixel 6a’s software features like Magic Eraser and Real Tone provide unique advantages. Without knowing the Redmi’s sensor size and aperture, it’s difficult to assess its low-light performance, but the Pixel 6a is likely to have a significant edge in image quality.

Performance

Both phones utilize 5nm fabrication processes, but the chipsets differ significantly. The Redmi Note 11T Pro+ features the Mediatek Dimensity 8100, employing a Cortex-A78 based core configuration (4x2.85 GHz) geared towards sustained performance. The Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor, with its Cortex-X1 cores (2x2.80 GHz), prioritizes AI and machine learning tasks. While the X1 cores offer peak performance advantages, the Dimensity 8100’s more efficient core layout and potentially better thermal design could translate to more consistent frame rates during extended gaming sessions. The Pixel 6a’s performance is heavily reliant on software optimization, while the Redmi offers a more straightforward, raw power approach.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, suggesting comparable battery life despite differing approaches. The Pixel 6a’s endurance relies on efficient power management and software optimization. The Redmi Note 11T Pro+ compensates for potentially higher power draw with its astonishing 120W wired charging, capable of reaching 100% in just 19 minutes – a massive advantage over the Pixel 6a’s 18W charging. This means the Redmi can quickly top up its battery, minimizing downtime, even if its overall battery life isn’t significantly longer.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11T Pro+ if you need uncompromising performance for gaming and demanding applications, and if minimizing charging downtime is a priority. Its 120W charging is a game-changer. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prefer a clean Android experience, exceptional computational photography, and a phone that intelligently adapts to your usage patterns, even if it means sacrificing raw processing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 8100 in the Redmi Note 11T Pro+ overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 8100 is a relatively efficient chipset. While some heat generation is inevitable during intense gaming, the Redmi Note 11T Pro+ likely incorporates adequate cooling solutions to prevent significant throttling. However, sustained peak performance may lead to some temperature increase, but it's unlikely to be a major issue.
❓ How does the Google Tensor chip's AI capabilities translate to real-world benefits on the Pixel 6a?
The Google Tensor chip enhances several aspects of the Pixel 6a experience. It powers features like Magic Eraser in Google Photos, Real Tone for accurate skin tone representation, and improved voice recognition. It also enables faster and more accurate on-device translation and enhances the overall responsiveness of Google Assistant.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Pixel 6a a dealbreaker in 2023, given the prevalence of faster charging technologies?
18W charging is undeniably slow compared to the 120W charging on the Redmi Note 11T Pro+. While the Pixel 6a’s battery life is decent, the slow charging speed means it takes significantly longer to fully replenish the battery. This is a major drawback for users who frequently need to top up their phone throughout the day.