Introduction to the New Xiaomi Redmi 11 Prime Series
Xiaomi has expanded its budget-friendly smartphone lineup with the introduction of two new models under the Redmi 11 Prime series: the Redmi 11 Prime 4G and the Redmi 11 Prime 5G. Notably, the Redmi 11 Prime 5G stands out as the brand’s most affordable 5G smartphone to date. Given the imminent launch of 5G services in India, Xiaomi aims to cater to consumers eager to experience next-generation connectivity at a budget-friendly price.
Pricing and Variants
The Redmi 11 Prime 5G offers attractive pricing for its features. It is available in two variants:
| Variant | RAM | Storage | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Variant | 4GB | 64GB | 13,999 |
| Upper Variant | 6GB | 128GB | 15,999 |
For those purchasing through ICICI Bank credit or debit cards, an initial discount brings the starting price down to ₹12,999.
Design and Build Quality
With its competitive pricing, it’s vital to examine the design and build quality of the Redmi 11 Prime 5G. My initial impressions after using the device for a few hours are positive. The Meadow Green variant offers a refreshing look, standing out against Xiaomi’s recent offerings, which frequently feature blue and white shades. Additionally, the textured matte finish in the black variant effectively resists fingerprints.
The phone is constructed from plastic, which is typical at this price point. Adhering to 2022’s design trends, the device features a flat frame with a curved rear panel for better ergonomics. Key specifications include:
- Power button with integrated fingerprint scanner
- Volume buttons positioned above the power button
- Single speaker and USB Type-C port located at the bottom
- 3.5mm headphone jack for those who prefer wired audio
- Dedicated microSD card slot alongside dual SIM support
Dimensions and Accessories
Weighing slightly over 200 grams and with a thickness of 8.9mm, the Redmi 11 Prime 5G includes a silicone protective case, a 22.5W charger, and a USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable in the box. However, it’s noteworthy that the phone only supports 18W fast charging.
Display Capabilities
The smartphone features a 6.58-inch IPS LCD screen with a brightness of 400 nits. While this brightness isn’t extraordinarily high, it proves satisfactory for indoor usage. The display adopts a waterdrop notch design, although some may find the chin slightly thicker than expected. With Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for added protection and a 90Hz AdaptiveSync display, the screen dynamically adjusts its refresh rate according to the content, enhancing the user experience.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the Redmi 11 Prime 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 SoC, designed to deliver an affordable 5G experience. Xiaomi claims that the device supports seven 5G bands, enabling both SIM cards to utilize 5G services. Our comprehensive review will delve into its everyday performance.
Camera Features
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the dual-camera system on the rear, featuring a 50-megapixel primary lens with f/1.8 aperture and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. For selfies, an 8-megapixel front camera is available.
Software and Updates
The Redmi 11 Prime 5G runs on Android 12 with MIUI 13, known for offering a plethora of features, albeit including some bloatware. Fortunately, most of the third-party applications can be uninstalled. While we can’t expect numerous software updates given its budget status, there’s hope for an Android 13 update in the near future.
Competitive Landscape
The Redmi 11 Prime 5G enters a competitive budget segment, facing off against devices such as the Moto G32, Moto G42, Realme 9i 5G, and Infinix Note 12. While several competitors focus on offering 4G processors, the Redmi 11 Prime 5G aims to provide a cost-effective 5G experience. Our upcoming tests will evaluate whether this phone proves to be the best 5G smartphone under ₹15,000 in India.
Stay tuned for our in-depth review of the Xiaomi Redmi 11 Prime 5G, where we will analyze its performance, camera quality, battery life, and overall value for money.