It is not easy to keep track of Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 11 series. After all, there are now six different devices in the latest generation. Half of them deserve the epithet “Pro” in the eyes of the Chinese tech company. The brand-new Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is considered the blocking tip. According to the manufacturer, it is supposed to be even a bit better than the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G. At first glance, there are hardly any differences.
This is not really surprising considering the identical camera, display and design. However, it should look different under the hood. Among other things, the reason for this is the revised battery performance, which is supposed to provide a full battery within a maximum of 15 minutes thanks to 120 watts of charging power. Furthermore, Redmi has equipped the latest smartphone with a stronger Mediatek Dimensity 920 processor. Read our review to find out whether the surcharge for the Pro+ is worth it.
Technical details
| Name | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G |
| Performance | MediaTek Dimensity 920 – CPU: Octa-core CPU, up to 2.5GHz – GPU: ARM Mali-G68 – LiquidCool Technology 2.0 – LPDDR4X RAM + UFS 2.2 storage – 6GB+128GB, 8+128GB, 8GB+256GB – Expandable to 1TB – MIUI 12.5, based on Android 11 |
| Camera | 108MP+8MP+2MP triple camera on the back.
– 108MP main camera – f/1.8 – 0.7μm, 9-in-1 binning into one large 2.1μm pixel – 1/1.52″ sensor size |
| Display | 6.67″ FHD+ AMOLED DotDisplay – 120 Hz refresh rate – 2400 x 1080 pixels – Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Dimensions | 163.65mm x 76.19mm x 8.34mm, 204 grams weight |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh lithium-ion battery, HypeCharge possible with included 120 watt power adapter |
| Connectivity | – SIM 1 + Hybrid (SIM or MicroSD). – Bands: 2G: GSM: 850 900 1800 1900MHz 3G: WCDMA: 1/2/4/5/6/8/19 4G: LTE FDD: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/18/19/20/26/28/32/66 4G: LTE TDD: 38/39/40/41/42 5G: n1/3/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/66/77/78 – Wireless Network – Wi-Fi Protocol: Wi-Fi 6, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac – Bluetooth 5.2 – NFC – IR Blaster |
| Audio | – Super linear stereo speaker. – SOUND BY JBL | Hi-Res Audio | Hi-Res Audio Wireless | Dolby Atmos – 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Safety | Fingerprint sensor on the side of the device or face unlock via front camera |
| Price | 399.90 euros (6/128), 429.90 euros (8/128), 449,90 Euro (8/256) |
Scope of delivery
There are no big surprises in the high-quality cardboard slider, which is somewhat reminiscent of Apple smartphones after all. After a small package, which contains a practical silicone case along with a bit of paperwork, the device already follows. Underneath the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G we see the gigantic power supply with 120 watts of power as well as a charging cable (USB-A to USB-C). We especially find the fast charger really impressive in view of the comparatively low price.
Design and workmanship
Even though the optical differences to the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G are virtually non-existent, we still have to make a direct comparison to the Note 10 as the true predecessor. Here you can clearly see the further development. The frame’s shape in particular has changed a lot. The iPhone 13 obviously serves as a model here. Similar to Apple’s latest smartphone series, Xiaomi also relies on a clear edge in the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G.
This is a matter of taste, and as an iPhone user, I am clearly a fan of the angular design. After all, it not only looks more modern, but also ensures a good grip in the hand. In view of the high weight (204 grams) and the anything but compact dimensions (163.6 x 76.2 x 8.3 millimeters), this is not a matter of course. However, those who are not a fan of large smartphones with high weight will not find the Note 11 Pro+ 5G great either.
When I held the smartphone in my hands for the first time, it seemed very high-end. I would not have been surprised if Xiaomi had even opted for an aluminum chassis. The fact that the manufacturer relies on plastic is skillfully disguised with a nice glass back. What I really like is the matte design of the back. It is a real challenge against ugly fingerprints. We had the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G in gray available for testing. Alternatively, you can also get the smartphone in blue or green.
The layout of the keys is conducive to ergonomic operation. A look at the right side of the device reveals the volume rocker. It offers a pleasant pressure point and thus invites to regulate the volume. Below that is the fingerprint sensor, which can be used to easily unlock the smartphone with the thumb or another finger. The sensor also serves as a power button, which makes unlocking the relatively large device very convenient. The sensor proved to be extremely responsive and reliable in the test.
While there is nothing exciting to discover on the left side, the upper side houses one of the two stereo speakers, a microphone, an IR transmitter and, who would have thought it, a classic 3.5 mm jack. The latter is almost exotic in 2022 and will certainly please one or the other. On the bottom is not only the second stereo speaker, but also the second microphone. In addition, there is a USB-C port and the obligatory SIM card slot. The latter can either be equipped with two SIM cards or with one SIM card and one microSD card.
On the back, you can of course see the camera module in addition to the chic matte rear. This is hard to miss due to its size alone. I have no problem with large camera modules and gladly accept their dimensions in favor of good photo quality. What really bothers me, however, are camera modules that stick out far.
Unfortunately, this is the case with the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G. The module protrudes a proud 2.5 mm from the casing. Thus, wobbling on flat surfaces is inevitable. Fortunately, Xiaomi includes a silicone case that reduces the wobbling considerably. Of course, the gigantic AMOLED screen that Redmi gives the Note 11 Pro+ cannot be overlooked. It measures 6.67-inches and offers extremely thin screen edges especially on the right and left.
There is a punchhole notch at the upper edge of the screen, where the front camera is hidden. At 5 mm, the lower screen edge is considerably thicker than on the top and sides. This could certainly bother one or the other friend of symmetry. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is protected against the damaging penetration of splashing water according to IP53. That is not a matter of course in this price range.
6.67-inch AMOLED with 120 Hz
The “normal” Pro already received almost effusively positive feedback from the press and customers when it came to the display. Who is surprised? After all, Redmi delivered a 6.67-inch AMOLED display that offers 120 Hz and also has a razor-sharp resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. That is anything but typical for mid-range smartphones. It is therefore hardly surprising that Redmi keeps the screen in the Pro+ without further ado. This ensures that the screen is still very good, but Redmi no longer has a unique selling point here.
Finally, the competition has also learned, which is why other devices in the price range can now keep up in terms of display technology. Nevertheless, I also really enjoyed looking at the display. This is already ensured by the great contrast, which is typical for AMOLED. This is complemented by vivid colors and a great brightness (maximum 1300 lux). Since the smartphone can also play HDR content, streaming your favorite series or movie is also a lot of fun thanks to the large screen.
The refresh rate comes in at a respectable 120 Hz, which is a guarantee for buttery-smooth scrolling through the browser and smooth moving images. Even though this is an addictive treat for the eyes, you should also keep in mind that high refresh rates also eat away at the battery’s stamina. Accordingly, you can also lower it to 60 Hz. Fortunately, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G does this automatically when the application does not feature fast movements anyway.
The Redmi relies on Corning Gorilla Glass 5 to protect the display from scratches as much as possible. Despite AMOLED technology, Xiaomi once again refrains from giving the Redmi’s display Always-On. If you want to take a look at the customizable “always” on display, you have to touch it first. After a certain amount of time, it turns itself off again. If always-on is important as a feature, you should keep this in mind. Otherwise, the display still impresses the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G in its overall performance, especially in view of the low device price.
Mediatek instead of Qualcomm
Let’s move on to the inner values. In terms of processor performance, Redmi has said goodbye to its long-time partner Qualcomm. Instead, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ is equipped with the Dimensity 920 from Mediatek. The processor manufactured in the 6 nm process is supported by the Mali G68 graphics unit. The processor change has helped Xiaomi give its Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G a performance boost over its family members.
This is something to be happy about, especially if you like to play with your smartphone. Especially the direct comparisons in benchmarks like Geekbench 5 or 3DMark bring this to light. The Pro+ scores 1,957 points in 3DMark Wild Life (Pro: 1,209 points). In Geekbench 5, on the other hand, the Pro+ scores 734 points (single-core) and 2,215 (multi-core), while the Pro has 551 points (single-core) and 1,761 points (multi-core). Numbers are one thing, but the general performance is another. In the test, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G proves to be a pleasingly fast smartphone.
Maneuvering through the system in general and apps in particular was wonderfully smooth. I did not have to experience annoying judder at any point. However, the benchmark results clearly show that the Redmi is behind some rivals in terms of performance. The Realme GT Master Edition (test) in particular offers more power and is also cheaper. When we talk about the performance, we also want to say a few words about the possible features. Thus, you can buy the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G optionally in the versions 6 GB RAM/128 GB storage space , 8 GB RAM/128GB storage space and 8 GB RAM/256 GB storage space.
In-house MIUI 12.5 based on Android 11
The Xiaomi subsidiary also relies on its in-house MIUI 12.5 operating system for its latest work, which is reminiscent of Google Android for a reason. After all, it takes Android 11 as a basis and adds its own touch to the operating system. I did not have any problems with MIUI 12.5 at any time in the test. Neither crashes nor annoying stutters dampened the user experience. Even though you do not get pure Android, you do not have to fear Huawei-like conditions. The Note 11 Pro+ 5G naturally offers Google services like the Google Play Store.
Averagely good triple camera
Given the positive feedback the 11 Pro’s camera garnered, my expectations for the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G’s camera were high. Xiaomi gives its Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G a triple camera consisting of a main camera (108 MP), ultra-wide angle (8 MP) and macro camera (2 MP). While the main camera uses the identical sensor as the classic Note 11 Pro, Xiaomi has replaced the other two lenses. Meanwhile, the front-facing camera has a resolution of 16 megapixels.
In the final result you get good photos. Not only do these prove to be rich in detail, but they also left a positive impression on me thanks to their high contrast and natural colors.
The camera not only offers the possibility of beautiful portrait photos, but also has a macro mode on board. While the bokeh effect of the former is really convincing, I found the macro shots a bit blurry at times. Here you can feel that “only” 2 megapixels are available.
In dark lighting conditions, it is definitely worthwhile to turn on the night mode. This ensures that you can shoot quite good pictures even late at night. Unfortunately, there is almost always image noise, but again, this is due to the price range. In direct comparison, the night mode ensures that the picture is not only better exposed, but also less blurry than in normal mode.
There is very little to complain about with the front camera. Thanks to 16 megapixels, it is not only pleasingly sharp, but also scores with a nice color reproduction in the test, which promises good selfies. Of course, motion pictures can also be recorded. You can record videos in Full HD with 30 FPS on the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G.
Videos in 4K are unfortunately not possible, which is a real shame. In short, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G can be used without hesitation for the occasional snapshot in between. However, those looking for a mid-range smartphone with a convincing camera should rather look around at another manufacturer.
5G becomes the standard
Can you still remember the time when 5G was slowly but surely established? While the modern mobile standard was only reserved for a few high-priced flagships in the beginning, it has now also arrived in the ranks of mid-range devices. This is also the case for the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G. Here, however, it is not a Qualcomm processor but the Mediatek processor that ensures broad compatibility not only with 5G but also with many 4G bands. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is also up-to-date thanks to Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6. On top of that, the Redmi offers NFC, which also enables features like contactless payment.
A full battery charge in 20 minutes
The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is supposed to score with its advanced battery performance. However, the manufacturer Xiaomi is obviously not talking about the capacity of its smartphone battery. This is because it shrinks from 5000 mAh of the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G to 4500 mAh without further ado. The manufacturer was forced to take this step in order to be able to offer its blazing fast fast charging feature.
Namely, the battery, which is divided into two cells, can now be charged with the proud power of 120 watts. The design with two cells is the cause for the reduction, but also the precursor for the fact that the battery is charged from 0 to 100 percent within just under 20 minutes. You can also overlook the runtime, which still easily allows a day of smartphone use, but won’t break any records.
Conclusion
With the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G, Xiaomi has delivered a really great piece of technology at a fair price. Compared to the Note 11 Pro, it scores with a bit more performance. This does not only apply to the slightly stronger Mediatek processor, which has the edge over the Snapdragon from the Note 11 Pro. The impressive fast charging feature also scored points in the test. I am happy to accept that the battery life is shorter compared to the predecessor.
Otherwise, Xiaomi keeps it rather according to the motto “cobbler stick to your last” with its Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G. Thus, the company rightly rests on its laurels. After all, there is hardly anything better in this price range in terms of build quality and design – provided you do not have a problem with large and heavy smartphones. However, there is a lot to complain about in terms of camera performance. The macro mode is disappointing and the general picture quality is no more than average. Those who do not have a problem with that will get a lot of smartphone for little money here.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G
Workmanship
Hardware
Multimedia
Performance
Battery
Value for money
87/100
The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is a sensible improvement of the classic Pro 5G. Users who do not have a problem with large smartphones and do not attach too much importance to the camera quality on top of that will get a lot of smartphone for little money with Xiaomi's smartphone.
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