Redmi Note 11T 5G review

Introduction

The Redmi Note 11T 5G, the newest model in Xiaomi's famous Redmi Note line, is currently on sale in India.

Despite appearing to be the first device in the Redmi Note 11 series, the Redmi Note 11T 5G is more of an upgrade to the Redmi Note 10T 5G (review), released a few months ago.

Benefits of Redmi Note 11T 5G

Efficient operation
Enough battery life
There are no extra cameras for padding.
Decent speakers

Drawbacks of the Redmi Note 11T 5G

Usually simple design
Poor cameras in comparison to the Note 10 Pro
No AMOLED Screen
Competitors provide faster charging speeds

Key Specifications

Here are the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11T 5G specifications: it has 6GB of RAM and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 810 MT6833 processor. The rear camera is 50MP + 8MP, while the front is 16MP. It has a large battery capacity of 5000mAh and a 6.6 inch (16.76cm) display.

It Doesn't Seem Notable

The Redmi Note 10 is a significant design turn for the series, moving into a more premium look with (typically) glass fronts and backs. There was much to appreciate about Xiaomi's EVOL design, which is "LOVE" written backward. It featured slim frames, smooth finishes, and some creative color combinations. Even while Xiaomi claims the Note 11T 5G also adheres to the EVOL design philosophy, it could be more elegant than its forerunners. While it doesn't look horrible, it doesn't stand out from other phones in its class.

While some people might find it more "grippy," and it is undoubtedly more resistant to scratches and smudges than it's glossy, it feels and looks a touch less luxurious. There is a significant camera portion on the rear, with enough for five or four cameras and a flash. Only two of those are taken up by cameras; the flash takes up the other, and a red dot and the AI logo each use two camera slots. It is unquestionably a strange touch because of how noticeable the camera unit with a silver casing for the primary sensor was on most of the Note 10 series. While it is just 8.75mm thin, it weighs 195g, which is not light. Thankfully, there is a 3.5mm audio port (at the base of the device) and two stereo speakers, one at the top and one at the bottom.

A feature quickly becoming as distinctive to Xiaomi as the infrared port on top of the phone is the display and power button on the right that also functions as a fingerprint scanner. It is a big phone that feels comfortingly sturdy. While it looked somewhat respectable and fit in with the mid-range crowd, the Smartphone we received was Aquamarine Blue (you can also get it in the somewhat less conspicuous Matte Black and Stardust White).

Decent Hardware

The Redmi Note 11T 5G's hardware fits its design; it is unquestionably mid-range and checks most of the boxes, but there aren't any standout features. While most of the Redmi Note 10 series' displays are AMOLED, this one has an LCD with a Full HD+ resolution and a 90Hz adaptive refresh rate (meaning the refresh rate changes depending on the material being displayed).

The Redmi Note 10T 5G's CPU, the Dimensity 700, has been replaced with the MediaTek Dimensity 810, which many people think can compete with the Snapdragon 750 seen in more costly handsets. It has three RAM and storage configurations: 6GB/64GB, 6GB/128GB, and 8GB/128GB, with the faster UFS 2.2 storage.

The Note 11T 5G storage capacity can be expanded up to 1TB, but it's essential to remember that the card cost will be pretty high. Additionally, the RAM can be temporarily increased using the RAM booster mode. This feature allows the device to borrow memory from the storage when needed. The amount of RAM boost varies depending on the model - the 6GB / 6GB variant can boost an additional 1GB, while the 6GB / 128GB variant can increase by 2 GB. The 8GB / 128GB model can increase its RAM to 11GB, adding 3 GB. While the Note 11T 5G spec sheet may not be the most impressive by Note standards, it still ticks most boxes. One of the most notable features is its 5G capability.

A 5G Touch of the Future

The Note 10T 5G, the most recent Redmi Note to be released in India, stood out for several reasons, but most notably, it was the first Redmi smartphone in the nation to enable 5G. With support for seven 5G bands and 5G on both SIM cards, the Redmi Note 11T 5G sets an example (as suggested by its name).

Although there currently needs to be an indication that the network will be coming to India, this makes it a compelling option for those searching for 5G on a budget. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and the infrared port are also included, a standard feature of Redmi Note smartphones.

Cameras

Xiaomi should be commended for choosing quality over several cameras. The Redmi Note 11T 5G has just two rear cameras and one front camera, the fewest cameras we have seen on a Redmi Note in a while. However, that is a good thing because none of these cameras seem to be there only to pad the statistics; the rear features a 50-megapixel primary camera and an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera, while a 16-megapixel camera is used for self

There are no poor, low-resolution 5 or 2-megapixel cameras present. In extraordinary lighting situations, the rear cameras take decent photos. Most daylight photos have outstanding clarity levels, and while there is occasionally a slight oversaturation, we believe people would only object to the vibrant colors. Meanwhile, bright colors distinguish the cameras' low light capabilities; while the colors are bright enough, clarity is frequently compromised. At this price, that is not unexpected. Videos are adequate for social media but could be more remarkable.

Although the primary camera sensor is the star performer, the 8-megapixel ultrawide does let one record a broader view at the expense of quality. The 16-megapixel front-facing camera was a welcome surprise and produced some excellent selfies; granted, they were slightly enhanced, but once more, we do not see people complaining too much about that. Portrait mode is beneficial on the front and rear cameras, but it can be unreliable when zooming toward the edges of the image.

Even though fewer exist, the Note 11T 5G cameras are unquestionably superior to those on Note 10 Pro series, even if they are not as many. Although we hope this marks the start of the decline of smartphone "token cameras," we are not overly optimistic.

Android 11 with MIUI on Top

On top of Android 11 is MIUI 12.5, preinstalled on the Redmi Note 11T Pro. Although the UI of Xiaomi may be different from everyone's taste, we like how user-friendly and feature-rich it is.

MIUI 12.5 is one of the most excellent Android user interfaces available since it has few (or no) adverts to detract from the experience and several handy utilities built in (including a powerful Notes app). Only a few external applications are included, too.

Interestingly, Xiaomi hasn't formally said how many Android upgrades the phone will get, but we've been assured that MIUI and Android security patches should arrive regularly.

Battery

Although 5G support may be the Redmi Note 11T 5G's main USP, its star performance is the 5,000mAh battery. It may last for two days or longer of light to moderate use, even longer if one is careful.

Given that quicker chargers are available at this price range, the 33W charger that comes with the phone may not amaze many people, but given the size of the battery, it is still valuable enough. It charges the phone in around an hour.

A Very Notable Performer

It is not unexpected that the Redmi Note 11T 5G typically produces a smooth performance given its excellent (but not particularly extraordinary) spec sheet and software. Even though the display isn't AMOLED, it produced beautiful colors and lived up to Xiaomi's promises that it was expressly designed to be legible in strong sunshine (sunshine Display). We never had any glitches or crashes when using the phone, and the phone never got too hot.

Although we wouldn't describe the phone as a gaming beast, it can handle most games provided you dial back the settings, and the dual speakers produce some excellent sound. The phone's greatest strength, though, is how it handles daily tasks. The Note 11T 5G effortlessly navigates across social networks, emails, messages, and video streaming.

The handset easily fits in the mid-segment of smartphones and has excellent call quality. Add the long battery life to the mix, and you have a winning combination. By Redmi Note standards, the cameras and display could be much better.

Worth Buying

The Redmi Note 11T 5G is available at a reasonable price of Rs 16,999 (6GB / 64GB), Rs 17,999 (6GB / 128GB), and Rs 19,999 (8GB / 128GB). Its main competitor is the Realme 8S 5G, which also features a MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset, a 6.5-inch full HD+ display, a 64-megapixel primary sensor, two standard two-megapixel secondary sensors, a 5,000mAh battery, and a starting price of Rs 17,999.

The recently released Lava Agni 5G (review) similarly uses the Dimensity 810 CPU, has a larger 6.78-inch full HD+ display, and costs Rs 19,999. A 64-megapixel sensor is located in the center of its quad camera system, which is also featured.

The Redmi Note 11T Pro faces challenges, including the absence of 5G in India. Additionally, its cousin, the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max, offers a superior 6.67-inch full HD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a better 64-megapixel primary sensor, and a more appealing design, despite using the older Snapdragon 732G chip. With its 120Hz refresh rate display and powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 CPU, the POCO X3 Pro is a serious competitor. It has a starting price of Rs 18,999 and is the top choice in the sub-Rs 20,000 sectors.

Xiaomi is offering a Rs 1,000 discount on first-time purchases and an additional Rs 1,000 discount on ICICI card purchases, making the starting price of the Redmi Note 11T 5G Rs 14,999. This Smartphone is an excellent choice for those looking for a mid-segment 5G phone with outstanding performance and the support of a well-known company. Compared to the Note 10T 5G, it is undoubtedly a significant improvement and more similar to the Redmi Note 11 series, which is not widely available in India. If you're looking for a 5G phone, this is the Redmi Note to go for.