Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G: An Updated Value Proposition or Just Another Mid-Range Phone?

India has recently seen the debut of the new Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G, with a starting price of Rs. 20,999 for the model featuring 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Alternatively, there are options for 8GB of RAM paired with 128GB of storage at Rs. 22,999, and 8GB of RAM with 256GB of storage for Rs. 24,999. This signifies a notable shift for a lineup traditionally viewed as offering excellent value for under Rs. 20,000. Additionally, the Redmi Note 11 Pro is available at Rs. 17,999 and Rs. 19,999 for the 6GB and 8GB RAM versions respectively, both equipped with 128GB of storage.

In the previous year, the distinction between the Redmi Note 10 Pro and the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max (Review) was primarily attributed to an upgraded primary rear camera. In contrast, the new Redmi Note 11 Pro and Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G now boast different processors, distinct network capabilities, and slightly altered camera configurations – although perhaps not in the anticipated manner. Continue reading for comprehensive information.

Xiaomi holds an extensive range of products in India, yet each annual refresh of the Redmi Note Pro series serves as a reminder of how the company initially gained traction – by providing smartphones that delivered remarkably strong specifications for their respective prices. The Redmi and Redmi Note series catalyzed Xiaomi’s stronghold in India, appealing to a segment of both entry-level and aspirational customers. With price increases prevalent across the sector, we find ourselves now positioned in a higher market tier. Let’s examine whether value remains attainable and if consumers can still locate what they desire.

Upon initial inspection, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G appears rather unassuming and straightforward. Its design is fairly rectangular with rounded edges and flat surfaces. The previous generation’s sculpted ‘Evol’ design has transitioned to ‘Evol Pro,’ yet everything has been smoothed to the extent that there is little that distinguishes this phone. We had a similar impression of the recently unveiled Redmi Note 11S (Review). The front is entirely black, and the glossy silver ring surrounding the embedded front camera is the sole indication of top versus bottom when the phone is placed flat. However, akin to last year’s models, this detracts somewhat from the overall experience.

When you turn the phone over, that’s where the design elements shine. My unit in Mirage Blue features a captivating pattern of diagonal lines that resemble rippling waves beneath the light. I found it somewhat challenging to concentrate on the pattern, which seems to be positioned beneath the highly reflective rear panel. It undeniably stands out, and during my short time using this device, I was pleasantly surprised with its resistance to fingerprints. The other two colors available include Phantom White and Stealth Black, which present simpler, frosted textures.

The camera module on the upper left is quite protruding, designed in two layers that accentuate the 108-megapixel main camera. The power button on the right incorporates a fingerprint sensor, albeit a compact one, while the volume controls are positioned just above it. The top holds grilles for the earpiece speaker, a 3.5mm audio jack, and Xiaomi’s customary IR emitter. At the bottom, you’ll discover the primary speaker, USB Type-C port, and hybrid dual-SIM tray.

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The Mirage Blue finish showcases a distinct pattern and reflects light similar to water’s surface

Weighing in at 202g, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ feels heavier than average. Its flat, boxy configuration doesn’t provide the most comfortable one-handed usage. The body is reported to have a splash-resistant nano-coating, while the SIM tray is fitted with a rubber seal designed to thwart water penetration. Additionally, a protective film is pre-applied to the front.

Internally, Xiaomi has equipped the phone with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC, which is fairly robust and accommodates seven 5G bands. Users can choose between 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, complemented by either 128GB or an impressive 256GB of UFS2.2 storage, minimizing the need for a microSD slot at the expense of a second SIM. The device boasts a 5000mAh battery with 67W fast charging, and both the charger and cable are included in the box. Xiaomi claims that a 15-minute charge can provide a «full day’s worth of power.»

The 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display presents a full-HD+ (1080×2400 pixel) resolution and a peak refresh rate of 120Hz. Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protects this display. Xiaomi asserts a peak brightness of 1200 nits, though HDR support is absent. Stereo speakers, Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi ac, GPS, and a standard array of sensors are also included.

On the back, you’ll find a 108-megapixel primary camera featuring a Samsung HM2 sensor with a f/1.9 aperture and a 6P lens, mirroring the specifications of the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max. The phone is also equipped with an 8-megapixel f/2.2 ultra-wide camera and a 2-megapixel macro lens. The front camera offers a resolution of 16-megapixels with an f/2.45 aperture.

Notably, the more economical Redmi Note 11 Pro is powered by MediaTek’s G96 SoC and, as its name indicates, lacks 5G compatibility. This is a bold strategy from Xiaomi within this segment, particularly as 5G networks may finally become accessible to consumers in India later this year. The lower-priced model shares the same display, battery, and charging specifications, and matches in dimensions and weight. While it has identical front and rear cameras to the Redmi Note 11 Pro+, it additionally incorporates a 2-megapixel depth sensor. This is somewhat peculiar, and we look forward to evaluating the portrait photography abilities of both devices. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ offers a maximum of 256GB storage, whereas the Pro caps at 128GB. Instead of the Mirage Blue finish, a Star Blue variant features a more straightforward gradient design.

It appears that the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers more future-ready specifications compared to its closely-related counterpart, but when considering cost-effectiveness, some may still opt to spend less now with the intention of upgrading in a few years. Xiaomi has partnered with HDFC to provide a Rs. 1,000 discount for cardholders, and a new Redmi Loyalty Programme allows individuals with older Redmi devices to receive an exchange bonus. Nonetheless, Xiaomi also mentions that due to the ongoing global geopolitical and supply chain challenges, the listed prices are introductory and may fluctuate.

Stay tuned to Gadgets 360 for an in-depth review of the Redmi Note 11 Pro+, which will be available very soon. We will evaluate its performance, camera capabilities, display quality, audio, battery endurance, charging efficiency, software, usability, and plenty more to assist you in making an informed purchasing decision.