The ZTE S30 SE and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R represent a fiercely competitive segment of the smartphone market – affordable 5G devices. Both phones leverage the Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, making a direct comparison crucial for budget-conscious consumers seeking the best possible value. This analysis will dissect their similarities and differences, focusing on real-world implications for the user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall value, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones share the same Dimensity 700 chipset and 18W charging, Xiaomi’s typically more aggressive pricing and wider availability give it an edge in the budget space.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 31 | 2022, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 03 | Available. Released 2022, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 77 x 9.6 mm (6.53 x 3.03 x 0.38 in) | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 210 g (7.41 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MyOS 11 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Blue, Gray |
| Models | 8030N | 22095RA98C |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 160 EUR |
ZTE S30 SE
- Potentially cleaner software experience (ZTE)
- Shared Dimensity 700 chipset for solid performance
- Competitive price point
- Limited regional availability
- Lack of detailed specifications
- Potentially slower software updates
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R
- Wider availability and brand recognition (Xiaomi)
- Generally more aggressive pricing
- Established user base for support
- MIUI software can be resource-intensive
- Shared Dimensity 700 chipset – no performance advantage
- Potential for bloatware
Display Comparison
Both the ZTE S30 SE and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their price bracket, we can anticipate both utilizing IPS LCD panels. The user experience will likely hinge on color calibration and peak brightness, areas where Xiaomi often demonstrates slight advantages through software tuning. Bezels are expected to be comparable, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over ultra-thin designs. Without specific nit ratings, it's difficult to definitively state which offers a superior viewing experience in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the provided data doesn't reveal sensor sizes or lens apertures. Given the price point, we can expect a primary sensor around 48MP, potentially accompanied by depth and macro lenses. Xiaomi’s image processing algorithms generally lean towards more saturated and vibrant colors, appealing to a broader audience, while ZTE often aims for a more natural look. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests image quality will suffer in low-light conditions. The usefulness of any included 2MP macro camera is questionable, offering limited detail and resolution.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm). This chipset features an octa-core configuration with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, delivering comparable CPU performance. The 7nm process node ensures reasonable power efficiency. Real-world performance will be nearly identical for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Thermal management will likely be similar, with both phones potentially experiencing throttling under sustained heavy loads, though the lack of detailed cooling system information prevents a precise assessment. RAM configurations, not specified, will significantly impact multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Both the ZTE S30 SE and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R support 18W wired charging. Battery capacity is not specified, but typical values for this class of device range from 4000mAh to 5000mAh. The 18W charging speed will translate to approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge from 0%. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both phones should comfortably last a full day with moderate use. Without knowing the exact battery capacity, it’s difficult to determine which offers superior endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE S30 SE if you prioritize a potentially cleaner software experience and are comfortable with potentially limited regional availability. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R if you prefer a brand with a proven track record of software updates, a larger user base for support, and a generally lower price point, making it ideal for first-time smartphone buyers or those on a strict budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 700 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Mediatek Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at medium settings for a smooth experience. High settings may result in frame drops and stuttering, especially during intense firefights. Thermal throttling could also become a factor during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How does Xiaomi's MIUI software affect performance on the Redmi Note 11R?
MIUI is a feature-rich but often resource-intensive Android skin. While it offers extensive customization options, it can consume more RAM and processing power compared to a stock Android experience. This may result in slightly slower app launch times and multitasking performance on the Redmi Note 11R, despite the capable Dimensity 700 chipset.
❓ Is the 18W charging speed sufficient for quick top-ups?
18W charging is relatively slow by today's standards. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours. However, it's adequate for overnight charging or topping up the battery during downtime. Neither phone offers fast charging capabilities beyond this standard.
