Both the ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly crowded mid-range 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, they diverge in their core hardware choices, particularly in their respective Mediatek Dimensity chipsets. This comparison will dissect those differences and determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance, the ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 800 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Redmi Note 10 5G’s Dimensity 700, making it more suitable for demanding tasks and gaming. However, the Redmi Note 10 5G offers comparable battery life and a similar charging experience.
| 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, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 01. Released 2020, June 22 | 2021, March 04 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, April 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.7 x 76.3 x 8.8 mm (6.41 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57MP4 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, MiFavor 10.1 | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, 50% in 30 min | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Glamour, Aurora Glacier | Chrome Silver, Graphite Gray, Nighttime Blue, Aurora Green |
| Models | - | M2103K19G, M2103K19C |
| Price | About 250 EUR | € 96.62 / £ 107.59 |
| SAR | - | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 121h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1795:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.0 LUFS (Good)
|
ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G
- More powerful Dimensity 800 chipset for better performance.
- Potentially smoother gaming experience.
- Faster CPU processing for demanding apps.
- No specific camera details available.
- Charging speed is standard at 18W.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G
- Excellent battery life (121h endurance).
- Brighter display (492 nits).
- Competitive price point.
- Dimensity 700 chipset is less powerful than the 800.
- Limited performance for demanding games.
Display Comparison
Both devices feature displays with a 1795:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Redmi Note 10 5G’s measured peak brightness of 492 nits provides a brighter viewing experience in direct sunlight. While both contrast ratios are nominally the same, real-world viewing conditions will likely favor the Redmi Note 10 5G. Details regarding panel technology (IPS vs AMOLED) and refresh rates are missing, but given the price point, both likely utilize standard 60Hz IPS LCD panels.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, and image processing are absent. Without this information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the presence of a dedicated Night Mode or advanced computational photography features would be a key differentiator. It's reasonable to assume both phones will feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on the primary sensor and software optimization. The lack of detail suggests both are likely to be competent but not class-leading in photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G boasts the Mediatek Dimensity 800 (7nm), featuring an octa-core configuration with 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G utilizes the Dimensity 700 (7nm) with a slightly different core arrangement: 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. The higher clock speeds and core configuration of the Dimensity 800 in the Axon 11 SE translate to a performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. While both use 7nm fabrication, the architectural differences give the Axon 11 SE an edge.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 121 hours and 18W wired charging, indicating similar battery life and charging speeds. The 18W charging will deliver approximately 50% charge in 30 minutes on the Axon 11 SE, and we can expect similar performance from the Redmi Note 10 5G. The identical endurance ratings suggest comparable battery capacity, despite the lack of specific mAh figures. Users can expect a full day of moderate use from either device.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G if you need a phone capable of handling more intensive applications, enjoy mobile gaming, or simply want a smoother overall user experience. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G if you prioritize long battery life and are primarily focused on everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light communication, and are looking for the most affordable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 700 in the Redmi Note 10 5G struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Dimensity 700 is capable of running these games, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. The ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G, with its Dimensity 800, will provide a more comfortable gaming experience at higher settings.
❓ Given the identical endurance ratings, does that mean both phones will last the same amount of time on a single charge, regardless of usage?
While the endurance ratings are the same, actual battery life will vary based on your usage patterns. Demanding tasks like gaming and video streaming will drain the battery faster on both devices. However, the Redmi Note 10 5G's brighter display might consume slightly more power.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specifications a cause for concern?
Yes, it is. Without knowing the sensor size, aperture, and image processing capabilities, it's difficult to assess the camera quality. Both phones likely offer acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance may be limited.
