There was bad news for the display at first because the Redmi Note 11 5G has an LCD screen instead of OLED technology. But there is the all-clear: the model does not even exist in Germany. The entire Redmi Note 11 series comes with a high-contrast OLED screen that delivers rich black, crisp contrasts and a large viewing angle. The front camera is always in a circular recess. There is only one model with 5G. It’s easy to recognize because it says: Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G. Externally, they are two sets of twins: the Redmi Note 11 and Redmi Note 11S, alongside the larger duo of Redmi Note 11 Pro and Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G. All have an IP 53 splash-proof housing, which was not rated as waterproof in the test. The backs are made of pleasantly non-slip matt plastic. It’s a matter of taste, but from our point of view it’s a tangible advantage compared to the smooth predecessors: it doesn’t slip, doesn’t fluff, and doesn’t leave any marks when you touch it.
Back side comparison from left to right: Redmi Note 11, Redmi Note 11S and Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G. Unfortunately, the Redmi Note 11 Pro was at the table.
All have their jack on top. The large models have the hybrid slot for two SIM cards or one SIM and one memory card below, Note 11 and Note 11S on the side.
You can see which model has which features and dimensions in the table.
Camera / ultra wide angle / macro / depth sensor
50MP / 8MP / 2MP / 2MP
108MP / 8MP / 2MP / 2MP
108MP / 8MP / 2MP / 2MP
Entry: Redmi Note 11
Bright, high-contrast display
Super endurance
Slow processor
No 5G
The Redmi Note 11 is the entry-level model with an official price starting at 199.90 euros. It appealed in the test with a non-slip case and its great 6.43-inch OLED screen, which stands out in this price range. Unfortunately, Xiaomi has failed to improve the speed and photo quality, so that the predecessor Redmi Note 10 can easily keep up. The Snapdragon 680 likes it more leisurely and is not a gamer. In addition, the RAM is quite small at 4 gigabytes. As with all Redmi Note 11 models, the fingerprint sensor is easily accessible in the power button on the side. When it comes to really good endurance and a great display, the Redmi Note 11 is a good choice. When it comes to computing performance or photo quality, you have to lower the demands.
Rise: Redmi Note 11S
High-contrast display
Matte back
No 5G
Low water protection
The Redmi Note 11S is how the Redmi Note 11 should actually be: not so slow and equipped with a little more photo talent. But Xiaomi would also like a quarter more money for this, the entry-level price is 249.90 euros. Based on the RRP of 50 euros, the upgrade is not a sure-fire success for everyone, especially since the other qualities are also 1:1 in the Note 11: great OLED display, pleasant matte feel, great battery life.
More: Redmi Note 11 Pro
The Redmi Note 11 Pro is a different number in terms of its dimensions alone. Prices start at EUR 329.90 (RRP). The display diagonal has increased from 6.43 to 6.67 inches compared to the 11 and 11S. This goes hand in hand with a larger case width, which grows from 73.9 to 76.1 millimeters. In addition, the pros rely on a rather angular frame design, which is rounded in the right places, so that it feels good in the hand. It’s just big. Frame and back are made of matte plastic. As with all models, there is a classic jack socket. In terms of speed, the 11 Pro is based on the 11S. Both run with the MediaTek Helio G96. Not a computing monster, but still a lot faster than the Note 11. The 11S and 11 Pro are also in agreement when it comes to the camera equipment. Without 9-in-1 pixel binning, 108 megapixels are possible, 12 megapixels are standard.
Fast radio operator: Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
xiaomi
Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G looks like the Redmi Note 11 Pro. Professionals can recognize it by the one lens on the back that says “AI” instead of a depth sensor. The display is identical on both Pros. The high-contrast OLED extends over 6.67 inches and, like all others, has a resolution of 2400×1080 pixels. This means that the two pros are a little less sharp mathematically, which is not noticeable in practice. What only attentive viewers notice is the screen change frequency increased from 90 to 120 Hz, which means that the display of dynamic image content is even smoother. The Redmi Note 11 Pro is the only model in the quartet that offers 5G 5G. This goes hand in hand with a different chipset. But the Snapdragon 695 not only ensures the highest mobile surfing speed, but also a higher speed in general. The performance increase compared to the Redmi Note 11 Pro is between 10 and 30 percent across several benchmarks. Thanks to Bluetooth 5.2, the Note 11 Pro 5G is the only model that can connect to two headphones or Bluetooth boxes at the same time. With 128 GB of device memory, the surcharge from the Note 11 Pro to the Note 11 Pro 5G is only 20 euros – so there is not much to be said for the Note 11 Pro. Prices for the 5G version start at 369.90 euros.
In China there is a Redmi Note 11 with 5G. But then only with an LCD screen.
Conclusion: Redmi Note 11 series
Unfortunately, there is no real insider tip, because more expensive always means better. For the 50 euro surcharge from the Redmi Note 11 to the Redmi Note 11S, there is more speed and better photos. Then 80 euros separates you from the larger Redmi Note 11 Pro, which loads faster but otherwise has no stronger processor. Then better add another 20 euros and grab the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G right away. This not only has turbo data radio on board, but is also a bit faster.
