Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G review
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G is a device that has sparked two major questions: whether it's a worthy successor to the legendary Redmi Note 10 Pro or Pro Max, and if the 4G variant offers more value for money compared to its 5G counterpart, the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus. Design-wise, the Note 11 Pro 4G boasts a flat-edge design that may appeal to fans of this style, but personally, I prefer curves as they add grip to the device. The build quality is good, with glass on both front and back, and IP53 rating. However, the display is downgraded compared to its predecessor, lacking HDR support. The camera performance is also underwhelming, missing a 5MP sensor present in the Note 10 Pro series. Videos cannot be recorded in 4K resolution or even at 60fps, which is disappointing considering the device's price point. In terms of performance, the device runs on MIUI 13 based on Android 11, which is outdated for a phone priced at Rs. 20,000. The Helio G96 processor feels like a step down from the Snapdragon 732G, and while it handles day-to-day tasks well, it's not impressive in terms of gaming performance or battery life. The battery, however, is a highlight with a 5000mAh capacity and fast charging capabilities. The pricing starts at Rs. 18,000 for the base variant, but it's often out of stock. Considering its downsides, I wouldn't consider this device as a proper successor to the Note 10 Pro series. Xiaomi's decision to use an outdated Helio G96 processor in a phone priced at Rs. 20,000 may be understandable given chipset manufacturers' shift towards 5G processors. However, it still doesn't make this device a standout in its price segment.
Build Quality and Design
The Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G is an interesting device that raises more questions than it answers. One of the primary concerns surrounding this device is whether it truly lives up to its predecessor, the legendary Redmi Note 10 Pro or the Pro Max. Another significant query centers around the value proposition offered by the 4G variant compared to its 5G counterpart, the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus. From a build quality standpoint, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G is commendable. It boasts a solid construction that feels premium in hand. The device's dimensions are well-balanced, making it easy to hold and maneuver. However, it's worth noting that the design of the phone can be subjective. Those who prefer flat edges will find the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G appealing, while others may not share the same enthusiasm. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G's build quality is one of its strongest attributes, with a solid weight distribution and a seamless finish that minimizes the risk of scratches. This attention to detail suggests an effort by Xiaomi to provide a device that feels substantial without compromising on aesthetics. The choice of materials and design elements is coherent and aligns well with other devices in this price range. However, it's hard not to compare the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G unfavorably against its predecessor. While the Note 10 series was an iconic device that captured a significant market share, the Note 11 Pro 4G feels like a step down in some aspects. The display upgrade is noticeable for worse, with no support for HDR. The camera department also seems to have taken a hit, particularly considering the omission of the 5MP sensor found on its predecessor. Overall, while the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G's build quality and design are not bad by any stretch, they do feel somewhat uninspired in comparison to what was offered previously. The decision to go with an outdated processor for a device priced at 20,000 can make it harder to recommend this phone as a true successor to the Redmi Note 10 Pro or Pro Max series.
Battery Life
One aspect where the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G excels is its battery life. With a 5000mAh power bank and 67W fast charging, you can expect a full day's usage with ease. The device easily lasts for 1.5 days on a single charge, making it suitable for those who use their phone extensively. In terms of charging speeds, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G is quite impressive. It takes around 48 minutes to go from zero to 100%, which is relatively quick considering its capacity. However, while the battery life is commendable, there's one drawback: the device tends to heat up slightly during charging and usage. This can be a concern for those who plan to use their phone extensively or charge it in bed. Overall, the battery life of the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G is a highlight, but the slight heating issue might detract from the overall experience. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a device that offers reliable battery backup and fast charging speeds, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G should be on your radar. In terms of pricing, the base variant starts at Rs 18,000, while the top-end model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage is available for Rs 20,000.
Display
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G boasts a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 360Hz touch sampling rate. While the improved touch sampling rate is a welcome addition, it's disappointing to see that the device doesn't support HDR content on popular platforms like Netflix or YouTube. This is a downgrade from the Redmi Note 10 Pro lineup, which offered HDR support. The display itself is quite vibrant and can be easily used outdoors without any issues. However, the lack of HDR support is a notable omission in an era where high dynamic range visuals are becoming increasingly important. The device's display is otherwise good, but it feels like a step down from its predecessor. The 120Hz refresh rate, on the other hand, doesn't quite live up to its potential when it comes to gaming performance. While it's smooth enough for general use, titles like BGMI struggle to maintain a consistent frame rate even at low graphics settings. This is a significant drawback for gamers who expect more from their smartphones. Overall, the display on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G is a mixed bag. While it's good in some aspects, its shortcomings, particularly the lack of HDR support and mediocre gaming performance, make it feel like an underwhelming experience compared to its predecessor.
Camera
The camera is one of the most anticipated aspects of any smartphone, and the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G does not disappoint in this department. The device boasts a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, a 2MP macro sensor, and a 16MP selfie shooter. In daylight conditions, the colors produced by the camera are quite vibrant, and the phone has pretty good HDR performance. However, one thing that struck me is the excessive over-sharpening present in many photos taken with this device. This can result in an unnatural look to images, making them appear less detailed than they actually are. The macro sensor, while not being the most impressive feature of this camera setup, does provide some nice moments when capturing close-up shots of objects or details that would otherwise be difficult to capture. One area where I felt the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G could have excelled is in its video recording capabilities. The phone can only record videos at 1080p resolution and at a maximum frame rate of 30fps, which is below what many other phones in this price range can do (up to 4K or even 60fps). This feels like a missed opportunity considering the device's impressive camera setup. Noise handling could also be better, especially in low-light conditions. I noticed a lot of grain and noise present in photos taken with the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G when lighting is not ideal. To conclude, while the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G takes some great photos, it's not without its limitations. Over-sharpening is an issue that affects many images, and the video recording capabilities fall short of expectations for a phone in this price range. Overall, I'd give the camera on the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G a score of 7 out of 10. It's a good but not great camera setup that could have been improved with more attention to detail.
Price and Value
Xiaomi's latest offering in the budget segment, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G, has raised a few eyebrows with its price tag of Rs. 20,000. As we delve deeper into this review, it becomes clear that this device is more about compromise than innovation. The base variant of Rs. 18,000 was always out of stock, leaving the higher-end variant at Rs. 20,000 as the only option to consider. This puts a lot of pressure on Xiaomi to justify the price point with decent specs and features. Unfortunately, this device falls short in several areas. Starting with the camera department, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G's cameras are not up to par compared to its predecessor, the Redmi Note 10 Pro. The lack of a 5MP sensor is particularly noticeable. Additionally, the display has been downgraded with no HDR support, which further adds to the feeling that this device is more about cutting costs than offering a premium experience. Performance-wise, the Helio G96 processor, while decent in its own right, feels like a step down from the Snapdragon 732G used in the Redmi Note 10 Pro. This becomes apparent when gaming, where titles like BGMI struggle to run smoothly. Given these compromises, it's hard to argue that the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G is a proper successor to its predecessor. While the design and charging speed are on par with other budget offerings, they're not enough to justify the Rs. 20,000 price tag. Ultimately, if you compare this device to the competition in the market, it's still a good buy, but only because of its lower price point, not because it offers significantly better value for money.
Performance
The performance aspect of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G is where this device falters. Despite its sleek design and impressive display, the phone's inability to keep up with demanding tasks holds it back from truly standing out. The Helio G96 processor, which powers this device, feels like a step down from the Snapdragon 732G found in the Redmi Note 10 series. While benchmarks show similar performance, real-world usage reveals a different story. Even at smooth settings, games like BGMI struggle to reach higher frames per second, and overall performance is underwhelming. This is further exacerbated by the device's tendency to heat up during prolonged use. It's not excessive overheating, but noticeable nonetheless. This is particularly concerning given the phone's price point of Rs 20,000. Day-to-day usage is still respectable, with minimal lag or slowdowns observed in routine tasks like browsing and social media. However, this lackluster performance raises questions about the overall value proposition of this device. Considering its pricing and competition from other devices in the market, it's hard not to feel that the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G falls short as a successor to the Redmi Note 10 series. The Helio G96 processor, while not bad per se, feels outdated at this price point, particularly given the advancements made by competitors. Ultimately, performance is where the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G needs significant improvement to truly justify its Rs 20,000 price tag.
Pros
1. The device has a good display with vibrant colors, and you can easily use it outdoors
2. It has a stereo sound setup that is pretty good and quite crisp
3. You get a fast charging speed of 67 watts, which takes about 48 minutes to go from zero to 100%
4. The battery life is good, providing easy 1.5 days of backup
5. The device's day-to-day performance is good, making it suitable for general use
6. It's still a good buy compared to the competition and other devices in the market
Cons
1. The display is downgraded without HDR support
2. The cameras are missing a 5MP sensor, which was present in the predecessor Redmi Note 10 Pro
3. The processing power is not as good as it was on the Redmi Note 10 Pro or Pro Max
4. The device uses an outdated 12nm processor (Helio G96), which is not suitable for a phone priced at Rs. 20,000
5. It cannot record videos in 60fps, which is disappointing considering its price point
6. The device heats up slightly during usage