1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is slightly larger, might feel less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 202g | Redmi Note 10 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same clarity. |
| PPI | 409 | 395 | Both have very similar pixel density, sharpness is almost identical. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both displays offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G offers much smoother scrolling and animations, more responsive. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G will have slightly better visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has a newer and more efficient chip leading to better performance and efficiency. |
| Antutu Score | 277,254 | 405,259 | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is significantly faster, loading apps and running tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 619 | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has a more powerful GPU better gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.7µm | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has much higher resolution, more detail. Redmi Note 10 has a slightly wider aperture and larger pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06", 1.00µm | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has slightly more detail and a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | Both have comparable wide-angle cameras. |
| Depth | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Redmi Note 10 includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Both have the same macro capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 10 can record higher resolution videos, suitable for vlogs and capturing memories. |
| DxOMark | N/A | Main: 78, Photo: 81, Video: 85 | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has a documented benchmark for camera performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity and offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G charges significantly faster. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging | N/A | Redmi Note 10 can charge other devices |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgrade to 12 | Android 11 | Note 10 has a confirmed update to Android 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar WiFi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has a newer version, more features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G supports more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | N/A | Redmi Note 10 comes in 64GB or 128GB variants, the Note 11 Pro 5G lacks any internal storage info. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | N/A | Redmi Note 10 offers more RAM, multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone can have expanded storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G offers a more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both have similar security features. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has a more durable screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both phones offer a similar set of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: Easier to handle and carry around.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, useful in a pinch.
- 4K Video Recording: Higher video resolution for better detail.
- Dedicated Depth sensor: Better portrait photos.
- Available Internal Storage: Comes in 64GB or 128GB variants.
- Available RAM: Comes in 4GB or 6GB variants.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and animation.
- Superior Performance: Faster processor and GPU for better gaming and app loading.
- Significantly Faster Charging: 67W charging is much quicker.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Higher resolution for more detailed photos.
- Newer Bluetooth: Improved audio and connectivity.
- Improved Audio: Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio experience.
- Superior Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 offers better scratch and drop resistance.
- 5G support: Offers faster download speeds and reduced latency.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 10 prioritizes portability, but has older processing and a standard display. Lacks some features for more premium experience.
- The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is heavier and larger and lacks reverse charging. Has a better camera on paper but it does not support 4K video.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, those who prioritize portability, those who value 4k video recording and reverse charging capabilities, and those with simple photography needs.
- Use Cases:
- Daily phone usage, social media browsing, casual photography
- Users who appreciate reverse charging
- Users who need 4K video recording.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize smooth display performance, faster loading speed, good camera performance, and enhanced audio experience.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, media consumption, smooth scrolling and navigation
- Users who take a lot of photos on their phone
- Users who appreciate advanced features like Dolby Atmos, faster charging, 120hz display, and a more premium build.
- Users who want 5G.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is portability and comfort for you? If you value a lightweight phone, the Redmi Note 10 is better.
- How crucial is smooth performance and responsiveness? If you value performance, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G's 120Hz display and faster processor are superior.
- What kind of photos and videos do you value most? If you value 4k video and a depth sensor, the Redmi Note 10 is better, otherwise, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is better due to a higher resolution sensor and dxoMark score.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Budget User: If you are on a tight budget and mainly use your phone for social media, calls and light browsing the Redmi Note 10 provides a good basic experience with some notable features like 4K recording and reverse charging at a lower price point.
Performance User: If you play games, watch videos, and use your phone extensively, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G's smooth display, faster processor, and better main camera make it the better choice.
Casual Photography User: If you're an casual photographer and value high-resolution photos, and better audio quality, and are not too interested in 4k video, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G's 108MP camera, Dolby Atmos and significantly faster charging is a better option.
What I would choose and Why
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G. Here's why:
While the Redmi Note 10 offers a lighter design and some useful features like 4K recording and reverse charging, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G provides a much better experience in areas I consider more critical in daily usage. The 120Hz refresh rate makes the phone significantly smoother and more enjoyable to use, especially for scrolling and navigation. The more powerful chipset is a big upgrade and will ensure the phone remains snappy and responsive for years to come. The superior screen protection, better main camera and a considerably faster charging system, makes the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G a better phone. Also, even if I do not value 5G right now, having the support for it will improve the life span of the phone as that technology gets more adopted. While the Redmi Note 10's reverse charging capability and 4K recording is a nice feature to have, the trade-offs for overall better performance and smoothness are worth it for my daily usage needs.
