Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 vs. Realme 11
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications, focusing on their practical impact:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 8.1 mm | Realme 11 is slightly taller and wider, while the Redmi Note 10 is a bit thicker. Might impact one-handed use and pocket comfort. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 190g | Redmi Note 10 is lighter by 11.2g, which may be noticeable during extended use or when carrying in a pocket. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 11 has superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass 5, making it more resistant to scratches and minor impacts. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.72" | Realme 11 has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same resolution; expect similar sharpness for text and images. |
| PPI | 409 | 392 | Both have very similar pixel density, meaning negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Redmi Note 10's AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 11's 120Hz refresh rate offers a much smoother visual experience, especially when scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1000 nits | Redmi Note 10 is brighter by 100 nits, slightly better outdoor visibility on bright sunny days. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Realme 11's newer chipset offers better efficiency and performance. Expect faster app loading, and smoother operation. |
| AnTuTu Score | 277,254 | 389,600 | Realme 11 has a significantly higher AnTuTu score. The real-world translation will be better performance for demanding apps and slightly smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different GPUs, but real-world performance differences will depend on the specific applications used. Generally, the newer GPU in the Realme 11 is slightly better for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" Sony IMX582 Exmor RS, 0.80 µm pixels | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" Omnivision OV64B, 0.70 µm pixels | Realme 11 has higher resolution, which could lead to slightly more detailed photos in good lighting conditions. Lower pixel size could result in slightly worse low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV13B10, 1.12 µm pixels | 8MP, f/2.0 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 has higher resolution, likely leading to slightly more detailed selfies. The wider aperture on Realme 11 may be slightly better in low light conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355, 1.14 µm pixels | None | Redmi Note 10 includes a wide-angle lens for capturing more in a scene. Realme 11 lacks this versatility. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have the same depth sensor, similar performance for background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1.75 µm pixels | None | Redmi Note 10 includes a macro lens for capturing close-up shots. Realme 11 lacks this specific feature. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; Slow-motion: 960fps | 1080p@30fps; Slow-motion: 120fps | Redmi Note 10 supports higher resolution 4K video recording, offering better details and quality for video capture. Realme 11's slow motion is faster. |
| Features | 4K Video, Quadruple camera, Digital zoom, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | The Redmi Note 10 has 4K video and a night mode, but the Realme 11 has PDAF and panorama support. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, expect comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Both have the same charging capabilities, expect similar recharge times. |
| Features | Reverse charging | Non-removable | Redmi Note 10 can be used to charge other devices. |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 with upgrade to 12 | Android 13 | Realme 11 comes with a newer Android version, offering the latest software features and security patches. |
| Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | Realme 11 offers larger internal storage options, better for users with extensive media libraries. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 8GB or 12GB | Realme 11 has more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and better performance with resource-intensive apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi MiMO | None | Xiaomi has Wi-Fi MiMO to improve speed and stability on capable networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 with APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Realme 11 features newer Bluetooth with better audio codec support for higher quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | Standard GPS | QZSS support | Realme 11 provides slightly improved positioning accuracy. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 offers higher quality audio and a more immersive experience with stereo speakers. |
| Sensors | Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Heart Rate, Geomagnetic, Proximity | Both have a comprehensive sensor set, with Realme 11 having additional sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Here's a breakdown of the major advantages of each phone and the trade-offs:
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: The AMOLED screen provides better contrast, color accuracy, and power efficiency than the IPS LCD of Realme 11.
- Camera Versatility: Includes a wide-angle lens and macro lens which the Realme 11 lacks, plus better video recording and selfie camera specs.
- Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers provide a more immersive audio experience.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Slightly Lighter: Lighter and slightly less bulky, making it easier to handle.
Realme 11 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers noticeably smoother animations and a better user experience.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The newer chipset provides a substantial performance boost for daily tasks and gaming.
- More RAM and Storage: Offers more RAM and storage for better multitasking and more space for media and apps.
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 13 out of the box, providing the latest software features.
- Better screen protection: Newer Gorilla Glass 5.
Trade-offs:
- Choosing the Redmi Note 10 means accepting lower performance and an older operating system in exchange for better display tech, camera versatility and audio.
- Choosing the Realme 11 means forgoing the better display of the Redmi Note 10 and its extra camera features, but you will get a much smoother and powerful phone.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Redmi Note 10:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize display quality (AMOLED) for watching videos and browsing photos.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value having a wide-angle and macro lens and better video resolution options.
- Audio Lovers: Users who want Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who are looking for a feature-rich phone on a tighter budget.
Ideal Users for Realme 11:
- Performance-Focused Users: Users who prioritize smooth performance and a responsive experience for gaming, multitasking, and general use.
- Gamers: Users who appreciate the 120Hz display and the smoother performance for gaming.
- Multi-taskers: Users who need more RAM for running multiple apps smoothly.
- Users Seeking Long Term Support: Users who prioritize a newer software experience with the latest features and security patches.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions buyers should consider before choosing between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 and the Realme 11:
- What is more important, screen quality or performance? If you value a great display with vibrant colors and deep blacks, the Redmi Note 10 is the better choice. If performance and smoothness are more important, the Realme 11 is the way to go.
- Do you need wide angle or macro cameras? If you want the additional versatility offered by a wide-angle and macro camera, the Redmi Note 10 has an edge. If you mostly use the standard lens, the Realme 11 can suffice.
- Are you on a very tight budget? If budget is the deciding factor, the older Redmi Note 10 may be available at a lower price.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Consumption (Movies, Videos): If you primarily use your phone for consuming media, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10’s AMOLED screen would be preferable due to better picture quality.
- Scenario 2: Gaming: For a smoother gaming experience, the Realme 11's superior chipset and 120Hz refresh rate are better options.
- Scenario 3: General Use and Multitasking: For smooth daily operation and handling multiple apps, the Realme 11’s superior performance and more RAM will be much better.
- Scenario 4: Photography on a Budget: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10’s versatile camera setup, especially with the addition of a wide angle lens, provides a more comprehensive photography experience.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Realme 11.
While I appreciate the AMOLED display and camera features of the Redmi Note 10, the superior performance, 120Hz refresh rate, and newer software of the Realme 11 make it a more compelling option for my daily use. I prioritize a smooth and responsive experience, especially when multitasking and gaming. While the camera isn't as versatile, the primary camera will be more than adequate for my needs. For me, the trade-offs are worth the significantly improved performance and experience. Although the Redmi has some nice features, the Realme 11 will be faster and smoother in daily tasks, and that would be my priority.
