In Summary
When it started out in 2014, the Redmi Note was a single device launched once a year. However, it is now a series, with a number of phones in it. The number of Redmi Notes has been particularly high in the Note 11 series, with five different devices already having been launched. Each has its own particular set of pros and cons. As a result, picking a Redmi Note is no longer an easy decision. We attempt to ensure that you hit the right Note with this buying guide.
But that is not all that has changed. The past years have also seen the Redmi Note lineup get long. Very long. From a single Note a year, Xiaomi moved to two Notes a year; fast forward to today, the Redmi Note 11 lineup this year already has five different Redmi Note 11s in the series. While this presents users with more choices, it also means buying a Redmi Note phone is not as simple as ‘adding the phone to your cart.’ It has actually become quite confusing. If you are looking to invest in a new Redmi Note 11 but cannot figure out which one, here’s the Redmi Note 11 buying guide that will clear all that confusion away.
Redmi Note 11T 5G – Processor power paired with 5G
While many expected the opening batsmen for the Redmi Note 11 series would be the likes of the Redmi Note 11 or the Redmi Note 11 Pro(+), the first phone that actually led the Redmi Note 11 line was the Redmi Note 11T 5G. Launched late last year, the Redmi Note 11T 5G is basically the Redmi Note 11 for those wishing to buy a 5G-ready Note 11 with some processor muscle. The smartphone runs on MediaTek Dimensity 810 processor, which is paired with enough RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. The chipset is not only capable of handling your everyday tasks with ease and cruising through casual games but can also help you navigate your way through high-end games, albeit at slightly lowered settings. The processor on the Note 11T 5G is a step ahead of the chipsets in the Note 11, Note 11S, and the Note 11 Pro, giving it an edge over its Note siblings. But that is pretty much it when it comes to all things’ edge.’ The Redmi Note 11T 5G is actually the only device in the Redmi Note 11 family to come with an IPS LCD display, and it also comes with a rather regular looking design – that plastic back has no real flaunt value whatsoever. None of the Note 11s come with Android 12 out of the box, but some do come with the latest MIUI software. The Note 11T 5G is not one of them. It runs on MIUI 12.5, which is clean and clutter-free UI but is still no MIUI 13. The Redmi Note 11T 5G is the right choice if you do not mind a plain design and slightly less punchy display. It is THE Redmi Note 11 for those who want a future-ready phone with a bit of processor power.
Redmi Note 11: The most affordable Note
There was a time when the Redmi Note without a suffix was a budget device, and the phone’s starting price used to be under Rs.10,000. Even at that price point, the suffix-less Redmi Note used to be a major headache for not only devices in its price range but also for devices with slightly higher price tags. It is safe to say that the days of a sub Rs. 10,000 Redmi Note are well behind us, but with a starting price of Rs. 13,499, the phone still remains the most affordable Note 11 money can buy. The phone does not have any specific outstanding USP but does pretty decently in all areas. It runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor, which may not be the most powerful SoC but will see you through your daily smartphone chores and casual games with ease. The phone’s design is quite basic, and there is no 5G support, but it comes with an excellent primary 50-megapixel camera. The tall AMOLED display with a 90 Hz refresh rate delivers very punchy colors, and the stereo speakers add to the multimedia experience. The phone also comes with MIUI 13. The Redmi Note 11 is probably not the exceptional value-for-money device it once used to be, but the phone can still deliver a good, well-rounded smartphone experience. It is the Note 11 for those on a tight budget but still want the latest Redmi Note experience.
Redmi Note 11S: Perhaps the first REAL Note 11
The Redmi Note 11T 5G and the Redmi Note 11 are fine, but they do not really bring in the Note X factor that has made the series so popular. The killer price and spec combination equation still seem missing from these two devices. The Redmi Note 11S makes up for it. The Phone was perhaps the first REAL Note in the series. Yes, it comes with the same basic EVOL design that Redmi is basically ‘cut-copy-paste-ing’ on most of its phones, but other than that, it actually brings some really impressive specs to the table. It comes with a MediaTek Helio G96 processor paired with 6 GB and 8 GB RAM options. As a result, the phone actually allows you to go from casual gaming to high-end gaming with a degree of comfort. No, you still will not be able to play high-end games on the device at maxed-out settings, and the processor on the Redmi Note 11T is slightly better, but Redmi Note 11S will make the gameplay an enjoyable experience. The tall AMOLED display with a 90 Hz refresh rate and stereo speakers level up the content affair. Another major plus point of the Redmi Note 11S is the 108-megapixel main camera. We do not usually get swayed by megapixel numbers, but the main sensor on the phone is actually capable of delivering some really good pictures. It also does not come with Android 12 but comes with a layer of MIUI 13, Xiaomi’s latest OS. The Redmi Note 11S is the Note 11 for those looking for the real Note vibe in the sea of Redmi Notes that float around. The phone is simply a good value for money proposition and brings something on all fronts– the AMOLED display, good main sensor, capable processor, MIUI 13, and trademark Note battery.
Redmi Note 11 Pro: The best new 4G phone around
Next in line is the Pro version of the Note 11- the Redmi Note 11 Pro. If you do not care to spend money on 5G equipped devices (the network is not yet available in India) and would instead save some money (5G is expensive), then this is the Redmi Note for you. In fact, this is the most high-profile 4G phone you can buy at the moment. It comes with the same processor as the Redmi Note 11S. This MediaTek Helio G96 processor is an able chipset that can help you switch from casual gaming territory to the high-end gaming zone but unfortunately not at maxed-out settings. It also brings a 108-megapixel primary sensor to the table, but there are areas where it outdoes the Redmi Note 11S. It comes with a rather stunning design with a flat glass back and flat sides, helping it stand out from the usual Redmi Note 11 crowd. It also comes with a Super AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, the highest in the Note 11 series so far, and 67 W fast charging instead of 33W fast charging present on other Note 11 phones in the lineup. The phone packs a spec punch, and with a starting price of 17,999, it is actually the best value for money option for all the Note lovers that want the most without spending the most.
Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G: The Note to get, if budget strings are not attached
With a starting price of Rs. 20,999, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is actually the first Redmi Note ever to have gone past the Rs. 20,000 mark. With the highest price come the most powerful specs, and that is precisely what has happened with the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G. The phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, which will not only fly through your daily business but will be able to move swiftly through casual and high-end games with slightly tweaked settings. What’s more, it also brings 5G support, which means all those who want their Note 11 to be powerful and future-ready can get their hands on this phone. Other than that, there is not much difference between the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and the Redmi Note 11. The Note 11 Pro+ also sports a tall Super AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a 108-megapixel main sensor, stereo speakers, Android 11 topped with MIUI 13 and 67 W fast charging support. It does have one lesser camera sensor (a 2-megapixel depth sensor) than the Redmi Note 11 Pro, but other than that, the two are basically twins. It will be the ideal Note 11 for those who are looking for all things futuristic in their Note 11– powerful processor, 5G, AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh rate, and fast charging. This is the Redmi Note 11 that has it all. If budget is not a problem, this is probably the Note 11 you should get.
