Xiaomi has introduced the Redmi Note 11 Series in South Africa, with the Chinese consumer electronics manufacturer planning to open its first local store soon.

The camera system, charging speed, display, and SoC all get significant advancements on the Redmi Note 11. (System on Chip). The Note 11 Pro has 108MP primary lenses and a high-quality sensor once again.

With its explanation of the camera system on the Pro, Xiaomi, on the other hand, is throwing both high-tech and high-jargon at the consumer: “The main camera incorporates a high-quality sensor with a big 1/1.52′′ sensor size, as well as 9-in-1 pixel binning technology and dual native ISO to offer amazing photographs with improved dynamic range and colour performance.”

How-To Geek describes pixel binning like this: “Pixel binning is a technique where multiple pixels on a camera sensor are grouped to work together as one. The most common form of binning takes four adjacent pixels and makes them act as one. On newer phones with truly enormous megapixel counts, specifically 108-megapixel phones, the ratio is nine to one.”

In short it’s not unique, but does position the device at the cutting edge. Similarly, dual-native ISO which messes with a camera’s sensor information to extend its dynamic range, is not specific to  the Note 11 Pro, but does give it added capability.

More conventionally, both devices also come with 8MP ultra-wide-angle cameras with a 118-degree viewing angle, a 2MP macro camera that captures fine details from up close, and a 2MP depth camera that creates a natural bokeh effect for portrait shots. The front of the Redmi Note 11 features a 13MP camera, while the 11 Pro takes it to 16MP camera.

Boasting a high refresh rate of up to 120Hz and a touch sampling rate of up to 360 Hz, both devices promise lag-free transitions, while also registering more precise finger touches. With screen sizes of 6.67-inches and 6.43-inches respectively, the handsets are equipped with a FHD and AMOLED DotDisplay featuring DCI-P3 wide colour gamut, which provides more vibrant colours and details.

The Redmi Note 11 Pro features an octa-core MediaTek Helio G96 processor and up to 8GB of RAM. The Redmi Note 11 is equipped with a Snapdragon 680 processor built with a 6nm process that allows performance at lower power. Both models come with a 5,000mAh large-capacity battery. The Pro offers 67W turbo charging, which takes as little as 15 minutes to fill 50% of the battery. The Note 11 features 33W Pro fast charging, allowing charging to 100% battery in around an hour.

The latest Xiaomi operating system, MIUI 13, offers an all-round upgrade with a focus on improving core experience – including faster storage, higher background process efficiency, smarter processing, and longer battery life.

Comparing the devices to flagships from Samsung and Apple, they don’t truly compete. However, against anything at a similar price, they are suddenly in a league of their own.

Recommended retail price:

Redmi Note 11 Pro

6GB+128GB: Recommended retail price – R6,499

Redmi Note 11

4GB+128GB: Recommended retail price – R5,299

Redmi Note 11 Series Quick Specs: