Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G Review: Build Quality, Software and Daily Speed

This Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G review looks at the global and China version of the phone that Xiaomi announced on 28 October 2021 and released on 1 November 2021. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G release date November 2021 put it at the top of the Redmi Note 11 family, above the regular Pro models, and it arrived with a clear pitch: a fast 120Hz AMOLED screen, a 108MP main camera, stereo sound, and charging speed that few phones in its class could match. It is a phone that has been on sale for years now, so this review judges it on its specification sheet, its reported behaviour in everyday use, and how its hardware has aged, rather than on any claim of a fresh hands-on test.

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G specs place it firmly in the upper mid-range of its time. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G performance comes from the MediaTek Dimensity 920, a 6 nm chip with two fast Cortex-A78 cores and six efficient Cortex-A55 cores, paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G specifications and features list is long for the class: a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 108MP main camera, JBL-tuned stereo speakers, a side fingerprint reader, and a 4500mAh battery with 120W wired charging. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G price varied by market and by memory configuration at launch, with the 6GB RAM and 128GB model sitting below the 8GB RAM and 256GB model, and that spread is worth keeping in mind when comparing used or remaining new stock today.

Design and Build Quality

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G design uses a flat frame and flat glass panels, a look that felt modern in late 2021 and still looks tidy today. The front is dominated by the display with a small centred hole for the selfie camera, while the back carries a large rectangular camera module in the top corner and a glossy finish that catches fingerprints quickly. A case is a sensible addition, both for grip and to keep the glossy rear panel clean. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G colours included Mysterious Black, Forest Green and Timeless Purple, giving buyers a choice between a quiet dark finish and two more expressive options.

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G weight is 204 grams, and the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G thickness is 8.3mm, so the phone is solid without feeling like a brick. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G 204 gram weight thickness 8.3mm combination sits in the normal range for a large phone with a 6.67-inch screen, and the flat sides make it easy to hold for long reading or video sessions. The weight is spread evenly, so it does not feel top-heavy even with the large camera module. For a closer look at the nearest sibling in the same family, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G Review: Design, Software and Camera Quality covers a phone that shares much of the same design language with a different chip and battery setup.

In the Hand and Everyday Handling

The flat frame gives the fingers a clear edge to hold, and the power button doubles as the fingerprint reader. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G fingerprint reader sits on the side of the frame, where the thumb or index finger lands naturally, and the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G side fingerprint sensor speed is fast and reliable in normal use, waking the phone with a short press. The side-mounted fingerprint reader is a practical choice for a phone of this size, because it avoids the cost and occasional misses of an early in-display reader while staying quicker than a rear sensor for most grips. Volume keys sit above the power button, the top edge holds a speaker grille and an infrared blaster, and the bottom edge holds the USB-C port, the main speaker and the SIM tray.

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G unboxing includes a 120W charger and a USB-C cable in the box, which is a genuine advantage because a charger of that power would cost a lot to buy separately. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G accessories in the box also included a clear case and a pre-applied screen protector in many markets, so the phone was ready to use without an extra shopping trip. That complete box was part of the value of the phone at launch, and it still matters for buyers of remaining new stock.

Durability and Protection

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G durability is helped by Gorilla Glass 5 on the front, and the Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection guards against the scratches and small knocks of daily pocket and bag life. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G IP53 splash resistant design protects against light rain and splashes, but it is not a rating for submersion, so the phone should stay out of pools, baths and heavy downpours. IP53 means the phone can survive a splash from a tap or a brief spell in drizzle, not a drop into water. A case and a screen protector remain the cheapest insurance against a cracked panel.

Display

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G display is a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED panel with a resolution of 1080 by 2400 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10 support and a peak brightness of 1200 nits. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G 6.67 inch display size suits video, reading and games, because the screen is large enough for comfortable split-screen work while the phone still fits in a jacket pocket. This Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G AMOLED 120Hz display review section focuses on what that panel does in daily use: scrolling is visibly smoother than on a 60Hz screen, animations look fluid, and the AMOLED contrast gives deep blacks in dark mode and in video.

Colours on the AMOLED panel are vivid without looking artificial in the standard mode, and the display settings let the user pick a warmer or cooler colour temperature. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G screen brightness HDR10 support helps video look punchier, with brighter highlights in supported clips, and the 1200-nit peak brightness keeps the screen readable in bright daylight. The 120Hz refresh rate can be set to adapt or fixed, and most users will leave it on the higher setting because the smoothness is one of the clearest upgrades over a basic 60Hz phone. Touch sampling is rated at 360Hz, which helps the screen feel responsive in games and when typing quickly.

Brightness and HDR

Outdoor visibility is good for a phone of this class, thanks to the high peak brightness and the strong contrast of the Super AMOLED panel. HDR10 video on the phone shows a clear step up in highlight detail compared with standard video, and the wide colour range suits streaming apps and the phone gallery. The hole-punch camera is small and sits in the centre of the top edge, so it rarely distracts from video, and the thin bezels keep the front looking modern. For buyers comparing screens across the Redmi Note family, the Redmi Note 12 5G Review: Design, Software and Camera Quality shows how the next generation kept the same AMOLED and high refresh rate formula.

Performance and Daily Speed

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G performance is built around the Dimensity 920, and the Dimensity 920 is a capable mid-range chip that handles social apps, messaging, maps, streaming and browsing without strain. A Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G Dimensity 920 performance test shows strong single-core and multi-core scores for the class, and in daily use the phone opens apps quickly, keeps several apps in memory on the 8GB model, and rarely stutters when switching between a browser, a chat app and a camera. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G 8GB RAM multitasking speed keeps many apps in memory at once, so returning to a game or a map after checking a message is usually instant, while the 6GB model is fine for lighter users but reloads apps a little more often.

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G storage starts at 128GB, and the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G 256GB storage expandable memory option gives heavy users room for large games, offline maps and long video clips. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G microSD card slot support uses a hybrid tray, so the second SIM slot can hold a microSDXC card instead, which is a useful trade for users who carry a large music or photo library. Storage speed is UFS 2.2, which is quick enough for app installs and photo saving, though it is a step below the faster storage found in flagship phones.

Dimensity 920 in Everyday Use

In everyday use the phone feels quick: the home screen, the app drawer and the camera all respond without delay, and the 120Hz display makes that speed easy to feel. The chip is built on a 6 nm process, which helps efficiency, and the phone stays cool during browsing, video calls and streaming. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G heating during long gaming sessions stays manageable, with the back warming up after extended play but rarely reaching a level that forces the phone to slow down sharply. That balance of speed and heat is one of the strengths of the Dimensity 920, which was designed for steady performance rather than short bursts of flagship speed.

Gaming

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G gaming experience is strong for its class. In a Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G gaming performance PUBG Mobile session, the phone holds smooth frame rates at balanced settings, and the large AMOLED screen, the stereo speakers and the fast touch sampling all help in competitive games. Less demanding games run at high settings without trouble, while the most demanding titles need medium settings for the smoothest frame rate. The vapour chamber cooling and the efficient chip keep frame rates steadier over a long session than many rivals with hotter chips. For a newer gaming-focused comparison in the same family, the Redmi Note 12 Turbo Review: Cameras, Performance and Battery Life covers a later Redmi Note with a faster chip and a bigger battery.

Cooling During Long Sessions

The vapour chamber cooling and the efficient chip keep frame rates steadier over a long session than many rivals with hotter chips, so demanding games stay smooth for longer.

Cameras

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G camera is led by a 108MP main sensor with an f/1.9 lens, joined by an 8MP ultrawide camera and a 2MP telephoto macro camera. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G 108MP camera sample quality is strongest in daylight, where the main sensor captures sharp detail, natural colours and good dynamic range, and the pixel-binning mode produces clean 12MP photos that are easy to share. The camera app is quick to open, focus is reliable in good light, and the 108MP full-resolution mode is there for scenes where fine detail matters, such as landscapes and printed text.

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G 8MP ultrawide camera review notes softer edges and less detail than the main camera, which is normal for an 8MP ultrawide in this price range, but the wider field of view is genuinely useful for buildings, groups and tight indoor scenes. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G 2MP telephoto macro camera details are modest, because a 2MP macro sensor captures limited detail, yet it can produce fun close-up shots of flowers, food and small objects in bright light. The main camera remains the one to use for any photo that matters, and the ultrawide is a handy second option rather than a replacement for it. For another take on Redmi Note camera quality from the same era, the Redmi Note 12S Review: Photo Quality, Video and Performance looks at a later model with a similar 108MP-led setup.

Night Mode and Low Light

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G night mode camera performance improves shadow detail and keeps highlights under control in evening street scenes, and the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G night mode is worth switching on whenever the light drops, because the standard mode can leave dark areas muddy. Night mode takes a few seconds to capture, so a steady hand helps, and the results are best with city lights, shop windows and lit buildings. In very dark scenes the photos stay usable for sharing, though fine detail softens and noise becomes visible when the image is viewed at full size.

Holding the Phone Steady at Night

Night mode takes a few seconds to capture, so a steady hand helps, and the results are best with city lights, shop windows and lit buildings.

Selfies and Video

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G selfie camera is a 16MP unit in the centred hole-punch, and the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G 16MP front camera selfie quality is good in daylight, with clear skin tones and enough detail for video calls and social posts. Portrait mode on the front camera blurs the background cleanly in good light, and the beauty mode can be turned down or off for a more natural look. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G video recording reaches 4K at 30fps on the main camera, and the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G video recording 4K 30fps mode is available on the main camera with electronic stabilisation, while the front camera records at 1080p. Video quality is solid for the class, with good colours and steady footage in daylight, and the ultrawide camera also records video for wide establishing shots.

Battery and Charging

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G battery is a 4500mAh unit, which is smaller than the 5000mAh battery in some rivals, but the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G battery life full day endurance is realistic for moderate users who browse, message, stream music and take photos through the day. Heavy users who play games for hours or record long 4K video will reach the evening with a low battery, and that is where the charging speed changes the experience completely. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G 4500mAh battery charging speed is the main reason the smaller capacity feels acceptable, because a short top-up during a break adds hours of use.

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G charging is the headline feature of this phone. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G 120W charging time is the first thing most buyers ask about, because Xiaomi rated the 4500mAh battery for a full charge in about 15 minutes with the supplied adapter. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G fast charging 0 to 100 claim of about 15 minutes matches the laboratory rating, and in real use a charge from empty to full takes roughly that long with the supplied 120W charger and cable, while a ten-minute top-up from a low battery adds a large share of charge. The 120-watt HyperCharge adapter in the box means the fastest charging needs no extra purchase, and the phone also supports USB Power Delivery, so it can charge from a good laptop charger at a slower rate when the supplied adapter is not at hand.

Software and MIUI 12.5

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G software shipped with Android 11 and MIUI 12.5, and MIUI 12.5 brought a cleaner control centre, improved privacy controls and smoother animations than the MIUI version before it. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G Android 11 MIUI features include a separate notification shade and control centre, floating windows, app cloning, a second space for work and personal apps, and a theme store with a wide choice of looks. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G software update MIUI 12.5 experience also brought the usual MIUI extras, such as a screen recorder, a compass, an infrared remote app for home appliances, and a game turbo mode that blocks notifications during play.

Questions about the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G update path usually focus on how long the phone kept receiving new MIUI versions and Android security patches, and the answer depends on the market and the exact build, because Xiaomi rolled updates out in waves. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G update history includes later MIUI versions beyond the launch software, and buyers of a used phone should check the installed version and the security patch date in the settings before buying. The interface is busy compared with stock Android, with extra apps and notifications that some users will want to tidy up in the first hour, but the settings are flexible and most of the extras can be turned off or removed.

Speakers, Connectivity and Extras

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G speakers are stereo units tuned by JBL, and the JBL speakers deliver loud, clear sound with a useful amount of bass for a phone, making video and games far better than on a single-speaker phone. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G stereo speakers JBL sound is loud and clear enough for a small room, and the stereo balance helps in games where direction matters. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G headphone jack 3.5mm audio will please wired headphone users, because the phone keeps the 3.5mm socket on the top edge alongside the infrared blaster, so no adapter is needed for wired earphones.

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G connectivity covers 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC in most markets, GPS and an infrared blaster. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G 5G network bands connectivity options cover the common sub-6GHz bands used by the global and China versions, and the phone supports dual SIM with 5G on the main SIM. The phone also has an X-axis linear vibration motor for sharper haptic feedback, and the fingerprint reader, face unlock and the usual sensors are all present. For a look at the base model of the same generation, the Redmi Note 11 Review: Photo Quality, Video and Performance covers a simpler phone with a smaller screen and slower charging.

Global Version Versus the India Version

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G global version versus India version comparison matters because the two phones share a name but differ in important hardware. The global and China version in this article uses the MediaTek Dimensity 920 chip, a 4500mAh battery and 120W charging, while the India version uses a Snapdragon 695 chip, a 5000mAh battery and 67W charging. The India model also differs in camera tuning and in some network bands, so reviews, spare parts and software builds for one version do not always apply to the other. Buyers should check the chip, the battery size and the charging power on the box or in the settings before buying, because the name alone does not tell the two versions apart. The rest of this article, including the specification table below, describes the global and China version with the Dimensity 920 chip.

Full Specifications

The table below lists the key specifications of the global and China version of the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G. All figures come from the published specification sheet for this version, and the India version differs in chip, battery and charging as explained above.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• 120W charging fills the 4500mAh battery in about 15 minutes with the supplied adapter.
• Bright 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10.
• Sharp 108MP main camera with good daylight detail and a useful night mode.
• Capable Dimensity 920 chip with steady performance and manageable heat.
• Stereo speakers tuned by JBL plus a 3.5mm headphone jack.
• MicroSDXC expansion, infrared blaster, NFC in most markets and IP53 splash protection.

Cons

• 4500mAh battery is smaller than the 5000mAh unit in some rivals, so heavy users charge more often.
• Ultrawide and macro cameras are much weaker than the main camera.
• 120W speed needs the supplied adapter and cable for the fastest charge.
• MIUI 12.5 ships with extra apps and notifications that need tidying up.
• IP53 guards against splashes only, not submersion in water.
• The India version differs in chip, battery and charging, so the shared name can confuse buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G still a good phone to buy?

It can be a good buy at the right used or clearance price, because the 120Hz AMOLED screen, the 108MP camera, the JBL stereo speakers and the 120W charging still stand out. Buyers should check the battery health, the installed software version and the exact version, because the global model with the Dimensity 920 chip and 120W charging is not the same phone as the India model with the Snapdragon 695 chip and 67W charging.

How fast is the 120W charging in real use?

Xiaomi rated the 4500mAh battery for a full charge in about 15 minutes with the supplied 120W adapter and cable, and in real use a charge from empty to full takes roughly that long. A ten-minute top-up from a low battery adds a large share of charge, which makes the smaller 4500mAh battery much easier to live with than the number alone suggests.

Does the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G have a microSD card slot?

Yes, the phone supports microSDXC cards through a hybrid SIM tray, so the second SIM slot can hold a memory card instead of a second SIM. That lets users expand the 128GB or 256GB of built-in storage for photos, music and offline video.

What is the difference between the global version and the India version?

The global and China version uses the MediaTek Dimensity 920 chip, a 4500mAh battery and 120W charging, while the India version uses a Snapdragon 695 chip, a 5000mAh battery and 67W charging. The two versions also differ in some camera and network details, so buyers should confirm the chip and the charging power before buying.

Does it have 5G, NFC and a headphone jack?

Yes, the phone supports 5G on sub-6GHz bands, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 and NFC in most markets, and it keeps a 3.5mm headphone jack on the top edge. It also has an infrared blaster, a side-mounted fingerprint reader and stereo speakers tuned by JBL.

Final Thoughts

The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G earned its place at the top of the Redmi Note 11 family by pairing a strong screen, a capable chip and a good main camera with charging speed that still impresses years after its 1 November 2021 release. The 4500mAh battery is the clearest trade-off, and the ultrawide and macro cameras are secondary tools rather than stars, but the fast top-ups, the smooth 120Hz display and the loud stereo speakers make the phone easy to live with day to day. For buyers who confirm they are getting the global version with the Dimensity 920 chip and 120W charging, and who accept the splash-only IP53 rating and the busy MIUI software, this phone remains a well-balanced upper mid-range choice with a clear identity: speed where it matters, in the screen, in the chip and at the charger.