(Pocket-lint) – Redmi has a pretty confusing range of mid-range phones in the Note 11 family. Not only does it have models with the same name, but also devices with different specs for different regions. Each phone is different, but perhaps not justifiably so.
The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G sits at the top of the range, very closely matched by the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G. Note the 5G part here, because there are also some 4G models in the family that also come with different hardware.
Once you wrap your head around the range, then, you’re likely wondering how the Note 11 Pro+ compares to its sibling and other Android phones in the same price bracket.
In both price and performance, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G doesn’t differ hugely from the Note 11 Pro 5G. You do get that fast charger for a little more money, and, admittedly, that charging speed is impressive, but across the rest of the device there’s little else to mark these phones apart from a minor processor boost.
It almost feels as though Redmi was so desperate to get a 120W charging phone on the market that it just went ahead and did so, rather than waiting another year.
So, we can’t really say this phone justifies its place alongside the Note 11 Pro 5G, because they’re so similar and have the same software issues. The out-of-date Android, as well, is a really big shortcoming of this device.
As an all-rounder, though, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ is perfectly competent, offering good performance and value for money, with fast charging being the bonus. Just be aware that this is the only real flicker of excitement – the rest of this phone pretty much plays it straight.
Design and build
- 163.65 x 76.19 x 8.34mm
- 204g
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
- Stereo speakers
The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ looks a lot like the Redmi Note 11 Pro; you’d be hard-pressed to tell them apart, but, as the weights and measures reveal, they’re in different frames.
The Pro models in this family are characterised by the flattened sides and back. Squared edges aren’t so great on large handsets, and we much prefer softer curves that don’t cut into stretched gripping fingers. As it is, this phone is more comfortable to use when in the soft plastic case that comes in the box. We actually like the frosted finish to the rear of the phone, it saves this device from fingerprints, and light shimmers across it nicely, especially on the Forest Green pictured below.
The camera sits on an island top left. That positions the main camera top and assembles the supporting lenses and flash beneath it – one circle appears just to be a blank panel, patched in for symmetry’s sake.
The fingerprint sensor lives in the power button on the right-hand side of the phone and has been completely reliable during our testing; there are stereo speakers, along with a subtle “Sound by JBL” etching on the frame, which we like.
Those speakers are pretty good, too. They certainly don’t lack any volume or reasonable bass, so are a valuable addition for those watching ad hoc videos or gaming out loud.
This phone also retains its 3.5mm headphone socket – a bonus for those who want to use an existing set of wired headphones. There’s an IP53 rating, as well, which is enough for basic splash protection.
Overall, there’s little to complain about, but also not a huge amount to be excited about when it comes to the design.
