Redmi Note 11 series launches globally: What does $179 buy you?

After launching the Redmi Note 11 series in China late last year, Xiaomi is now bringing the new mid-range line to global markets — albeit with a few changes.

The first tweak you’ll notice is to the actual lineup. Unlike the Chinese offering, the global Redmi Note 11 lineup lacks a Pro Plus version but gains an S model. Four devices are on offer: the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, the 4G alternative, the Redmi Note 11S, and the Note 11. There’s plenty of specs crossover, with all four phones packing LPDDR4X RAM, side-mounted fingerprint scanners, dual speakers and 3.5mm headphone jacks, microSD card support, and 5,000mAh batteries.

There are some notable differences between the global versions and the Chinese devices on paper. The Chinese Note 11 Pro packs a 5,160mAh battery. As there’s no Pro Plus model available globally, there’s no global Note 11 option with 120W charging smarts either. The Chinese models get MediaTek silicon all around, while the international variants see some Snapdragon chips, too. Finally, all models gain OLED screens.

Our verdict: Redmi Note 10 review

Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G and 4G

The two Redmi Note 11 Pro models share the same body, weighing 202g and measuring 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1mm. Similarities continue up front, with a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen refreshing at 120Hz. The display includes a 360Hz touch sampling rate and a 1,200 nit peak brightness rating.

Around the rear, the 5G model gets a Samsung HM2 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP 118-degree ultrawide, and a 2MP macro snapper. The 4G variant gains an additional 2MP depth camera. Both phones feature 16MP selfie shooters. Charging and power credentials are shared, too, with a 5,000mAh battery charged via a 67W wired system. The latter is quick enough to provide a half-charge in 15 minutes.

The most significant difference between the two phones is the chipset. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G gets the Snapdragon 695 SoC, while the 4G model ropes in the MediaTek Helio G96.

Redmi Note 11S and Note 11

If you’re considering a smaller device but don’t want to skimp on too many features, the Redmi Note 11S is the preferred option. It uses a slower but smaller 90Hz 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen mounted in a 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1mm body, making it a more pocket-friendly device.

The Note 11S packs the same 108MP+8MP+2MP+2PM setup as the Note 11 Pro 4G. A 16MP selfie shooter features up front, while a MediaTek Helio G96 is roped in once again.

That’s largely where the similarities end, though. The Redmi Note 11S supports 33W charging, reportedly good enough to top up its 5,000mAh battery in an hour.

Finally, the Redmi Note 11 uses the same display, body, rear camera setup, and charging smarts as its Note 11S sibling. Xiaomi has trimmed the selfie camera down to 13MP, the main camera down to a 50MP sensor, and the chipset down to the Snapdragon 680. This should make the standard Note 11 a more viable option for budget-limited buyers.

Pricing and availability

Each of the four devices is available in three configs. The Redmi Note 11 Pro duo and the Note 11S are available in 6GB/64GB, 6GB/128GB, and 8GB/128GB versions. The standard Redmi Note 11 is available with 4GB/64GB, 4GB/128GB, and 6GB/128GB.

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See the pricing breakdown of each device below.

While all four models are available in Graphite Gray, the Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G also comes in Polar White and Atlantic Blue shades. The Note 10 Pro lands in Polar White but gets a Star Blue shade of its own. The Redmi Note 11S comes in Twilight Blue and Pearl White, while the Note 11 is also available in Star Blue and Twilight Blue.

The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G and Redmi Note 11 Pro will be available from February 16, while the Note 11S and Note 11 will be available from January 28.

What do you think of the global Redmi Note 11 series? Let us know in the comments below.