Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro vs. Huawei nova 11
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Huawei nova 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.5 x 8.1 mm | 161.3 x 75 x 6.9 mm | Huawei nova 11 is thinner and more compact, potentially more comfortable in hand and pocket. |
| Weight | 193g | 168g | Huawei nova 11 is significantly lighter, better for extended usage and one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Very similar screen sizes; negligible difference in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1084x2412 | Nearly identical resolutions; both offer sharp images for everyday use. |
| PPI | 395 | 391 | Virtually identical pixel densities, both offering sharp and detailed visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast; negligible real-world difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both, enhancing gaming and general responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 950 nits | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is noticeably brighter, better outdoor visibility in sunny conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | Huawei nova 11 has a more powerful and efficient chip, resulting in smoother performance and better app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 397,200 | 587,561 | Huawei nova 11 offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 642L | Huawei nova 11 has a more powerful GPU, better for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 108MP | 50MP | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro captures more detail in well-lit situations. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 16MP | 60MP | Huawei nova 11 captures much more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (dedicated) | 8MP (combined with macro) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens. Huawei nova 11 combines with a macro lens |
| Depth Lens | 2MP (dedicated) | None | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (dedicated) | 8MP (combined with wide) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro has a dedicated macro lens. Huawei nova 11 combines with a wide angle lens |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 720p@960fps | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro offers higher resolution video recording, while Huawei offers higher FPS in slow-motion. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5020mAh | 4500mAh | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro has larger battery, likely to provide better battery life on average. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Huawei nova 11 charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, non-removable | Huawei nova 11 can charge other devices, a potentially useful feature for some. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | Huawei nova 11 has a more up-to-date Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Huawei nova 11 has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Huawei nova 11 has newer Bluetooth version, better for audio connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Huawei nova 11 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Huawei nova 11 offers higher storage capacity, better for users with lots of files. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8/12 GB | Huawei nova 11 can be configured with more RAM, which can improve multitasking for power users. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro has a better audio experience with enhanced audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro additionally features: Ultrasonic proximity virtual; Huawei nova 11 additionally features: Proximity, Gravity. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Brighter Display: 1200 nits vs. 950 nits offers better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight.
- Larger Battery: 5020 mAh vs. 4500 mAh, potentially better battery life on a single charge.
- Dedicated Camera Lenses: Dedicated Wide Angle, Macro, and Depth lenses providing more flexibility in photography.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio for a more immersive audio experience.
- Advanced Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better durability.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more convenient fingerprint sensor placement.
- Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor: Provides a virtual proximity sensor.
Huawei nova 11 Advantages:
- More Powerful Chipset: Snapdragon 778G 4G is significantly faster and more efficient.
- Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score indicates better overall performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Faster Charging: 66W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Superior Selfie Camera: 60MP vs. 16MP allows for far more detailed selfie photos.
- More RAM: Available with up to 12 GB RAM for superior multitasking capabilities.
- More Internal Storage: Available with up to 512 GB storage for storing large libraries of files.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Offers a better audio experience.
- Latest WiFi Standard: WiFi 6 offers more modern wireless connectivity.
- More Comprehensive GPS: Offers improved location accuracy.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, a useful feature on the go.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro sacrifices performance for better battery life, brighter display, better camera system, and audio.
- Huawei nova 11 sacrifices battery size, screen brightness, dedicated camera lenses, advanced audio, and screen protection for better performance, faster charging, better selfie camera, newer connectivity features, and a more up-to-date OS.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users seeking a good balance of features and value.
- Users who prioritize battery life and need all-day endurance.
- Casual photographers who value versatile camera system with dedicated lenses.
- Multimedia consumers who enjoy movies, music, and gaming on a bright display with immersive audio.
- Users who value screen protection and a side mounted fingerprint sensor.
Use Cases:
- Daily social media, browsing, and casual gaming.
- Long road trips or outdoor activities.
- Taking photos and videos in various situations.
- Listening to music and watching videos.
- Reliable and durable phone for daily use.
Huawei nova 11 Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users who want a smooth and responsive experience.
- Users who value fast charging and want to spend minimal time plugged in.
- Selfie enthusiasts who want to capture high-quality, detailed selfies.
- Users who need a device with large storage and more ram for demanding tasks and multitasking.
- Users seeking the newest connectivity options and a more up-to-date OS.
Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games.
- Multitasking between many apps.
- Taking high-resolution selfie photos and videos.
- Users who need large storage space and want a modern phone.
- Quick on-the-go charging.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro likely offers a better price-to-value ratio for budget-conscious users.
- The Huawei nova 11 offers a premium experience but costs more.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What do you prioritize more: Better overall performance or a versatile camera system and more immersive audio?
- How important are long battery life and outdoor screen visibility versus the ability to charge quickly and have a higher quality selfie camera?
- What's your budget and what is more important: value or the latest features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Everyday User on a Budget: If your primary needs are social media, browsing, and taking casual photos, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro offers excellent value with a large battery and bright display.
- For the Performance-Oriented User: If you prioritize gaming and demanding apps, the Huawei nova 11 offers significantly better performance and fast charging, though it is more expensive.
- For the Selfie Enthusiast: If you value high-quality selfie photos, the Huawei nova 11 is the better choice with its superior front-facing camera.
- For the Multimedia Consumer: If you consume a lot of media, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro offers a slightly better experience with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio, plus better screen brightness.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Huawei nova 11. Here’s why:
While the Redmi Note 10 Pro has some advantages like a larger battery, dedicated camera lenses, better screen brightness, and improved audio features, the performance difference is too significant to ignore. The Snapdragon 778G in the Nova 11 is substantially more powerful than the Snapdragon 732G, making the phone feel much faster and smoother. As someone who values performance and frequently uses demanding apps and games, this is a critical factor for me.
The 66W fast charging on the Nova 11 is also a big plus, as it allows me to get a quick charge when I’m in a hurry and spend less time tethered to the charger. Additionally, I tend to take a lot of selfies, and the 60MP front-facing camera on the Nova 11 is much better than the 16MP on the Redmi Note 10 Pro, providing a big improvement in image quality.
Although the Redmi Note 10 Pro has a great screen and audio experience for a budget-friendly device, the performance gap, combined with faster charging, better selfie camera, and more modern features on the Nova 11, outweighs the benefits it provides in my daily usage. I would be willing to give up the Redmi's additional camera lenses and slightly better screen brightness for the significantly better performance and overall experience offered by the Huawei nova 11. The more up-to-date OS and superior wireless capabilities (WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2) is also important for a modern device.
