The Redmi Note series has always been a cornerstone of Xiaomi’s success in India, offering incredible value for money. However, with the recent launch of the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G, the brand has taken a bold step, pushing the price point above the Rs. 20,000 mark. This price increase begs the question: Can the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G still deliver the same level of value that made the series so popular? Or has Xiaomi lost sight of its core audience? This detailed analysis dives deep into the specifications, design, and features of the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G, alongside its sibling, the Redmi Note 11 Pro, to see if they can live up to the legacy of the Redmi Note series.
Design: A Familiar Face, A Smoother Edge
At first glance, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G appears familiar, sporting a rectangular design with rounded corners and flat sides. Xiaomi has dubbed this aesthetic "Evol Pro", a successor to the "Evol" design of the previous generation. However, the overall design feels significantly smoother, lacking the distinctive features that set the previous models apart. The front face is dominated by a black screen, with a shiny silver ring surrounding the embedded front camera which can be distracting. The phone’s true design flair shines through when you flip it over. The Mirage Blue model we reviewed showcases an intriguing pattern of diagonal lines that evoke the shimmering surface of water when held under light. This unique design element creates a striking visual impact that is both captivating and surprisingly resistant to smudges. The other color options, Phantom White and Stealth Black, opt for a more understated, frosted texture.
The camera module, located in the upper left corner, protrudes slightly and is designed in a two-step formation, highlighting the prominent 108-megapixel primary camera. The power button, situated on the right, houses a small, integrated fingerprint sensor, while the volume buttons are positioned above it. The top edge accommodates the earpiece, 3.5mm audio jack, and Xiaomi’s signature IR emitter. The bottom edge features the primary speaker, USB Type-C port, and the hybrid dual-SIM tray.
Weighing in at 202 grams, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is heavier than the average smartphone. The flat, boxy design also makes it less comfortable to hold and use with one hand. Nevertheless, the phone boasts a splash-resistant nano-coating, along with a rubber-sealed SIM tray for added water resistance.
Under the Hood: Powerful Performance and 5G Connectivity
The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G packs a powerful punch with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC, a chipset that offers robust performance and boasts support for seven 5G bands. This ensures future-proof connectivity as 5G networks become more prevalent in India. The phone comes equipped with either 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, coupled with generous storage options of 128GB or a massive 256GB of UFS2.2 storage. This ample storage effectively eliminates the need for microSD card expansion, allowing users to utilize the dual-SIM functionality. A sizable 5000mAh battery powers the device, complemented by 67W fast charging and a charger and cable included in the box. Xiaomi assures a “full day’s charge” within a mere 15 minutes.
The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G also boasts a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display with a full-HD+ (1080×2400 pixel) resolution and a 120Hz peak refresh rate. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, the display boasts a claimed 1200nit peak brightness but lacks HDR support. The phone also features stereo speakers, Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi ac, GPS, and a suite of standard sensors.
The Camera System: A Familiar Setup with a Twist
The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G’s rear camera system shares similarities with the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max, featuring a 108-megapixel primary camera equipped with a Samsung HM2 sensor, an f/1.9 aperture, and a 6P lens. Accompanying the primary sensor is an 8-megapixel f/2.2 ultra-wide-angle camera and a 2-megapixel macro camera. The front camera captures selfies with a 16-megapixel resolution and an f/2.45 aperture.
Surprisingly, the slightly more affordable Redmi Note 11 Pro, powered by MediaTek’s G96 SoC, does not support 5G. While this approach might seem bold and counterintuitive, it reflects Xiaomi’s strategic targeting of different audiences within the same price segment. Although the Redmi Note 11 Pro shares the same display, battery, charging features, dimensions, and weight as the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G, it includes an additional 2-megapixel depth sensor, which is perplexing considering the lack of a significant difference in the camera setup between the two models. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ also boasts up to 256GB of storage, while the Pro maxes out at 128GB. The Redmi Note 11 Pro is available in Star Blue with a simpler gradient finish instead of the Mirage Blue option.
Balancing Value and Futureproofing: The Price-Performance Conundrum
The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G clearly prioritizes futureproofing with its 5G support and robust hardware. However, the Redmi Note 11 Pro offers a compelling proposition in terms of value for money, especially for those who are not yet ready to embrace 5G or prefer to conserve their budget for future upgrades. Xiaomi has implemented promotional offers like the HDFC card discount of Rs. 1,000 and the newly initiated Redmi Loyalty Programme which allows owners of older Redmi devices to claim exchange bonuses. However, the company has also clarified that due to the challenging global geopolitical and supply-chain environment, the current prices are introductory and subject to change.
Conclusion: A Legacy To Uphold, A Price To Justify
The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G undoubtedly showcases Xiaomi’s ambition to break new ground within the Redmi Note series. The inclusion of 5G connectivity and powerful features pushes the phone into a higher price bracket, challenging the prevailing notion of the Redmi Note series being synonymous with affordability. The decision to forego 5G support in the Redmi Note 11 Pro is a calculated move aimed at catering to a broader audience. The final verdict, however, hinges on the performance and camera capabilities of both models. Our upcoming comprehensive review of the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G will provide an in-depth evaluation of its performance, camera quality, display, sound, battery life, charging speed, software, user experience, and more, enabling you to determine if it truly honors the legacy of the Redmi Note series and delivers the value that users expect.
