Redmi Note 11S 5G to Buy: Is It Still Worth It in 2025

Three years after launch, the Redmi Note 11S 5G still pops up in budget phone searches — and for good reason. That 6.6-inch 90Hz screen and 5000 mAh battery were strong specs for a phone that started around €200. But with software updates now behind it and newer rivals from Samsung and others, the question is whether this 2022 handset still makes sense for your money in 2025.

Display size: 6.6 inches ·
Battery capacity: 5000 mAh ·
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 810 ·
Starting price (used): €108 – €120 ·
Main camera: 50 MP ·
Release year: 2022

Ten key specs define what the Redmi Note 11S 5G offers — from its Dimensity 810 chipset to the 50 MP camera — and set expectations for a device now entering its fourth year on the market.

Is the Redmi 11S worth buying?

That question defines most 2025 budget phone searches. The answer depends on what you need — a cheap daily driver or a phone that lasts another three years.

Where does the Redmi Note 11S 5G fit in 2025?

• It sits in the entry-level 5G segment with a MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset that handles messaging, browsing, and light gaming without major slowdowns (Xiaomi product page).
• The 6.6-inch IPS LCD at 90Hz offers smoother scrolling than the standard 60Hz panels found on many budget phones (Xiaomi product page).
• Software support ended at Android 13, meaning no further OS upgrades and uncertain security patch coverage (YouTube long-term review).

Who should buy the Redmi Note 11S 5G?

• Buyers on a tight budget who need 5G connectivity and can accept older software.
• Users who want a large 5000 mAh battery that still gets through a full day of moderate use after two years (YouTube long-term review).
• Anyone looking for a cheap secondary or backup phone for basic tasks.

Who should consider alternatives?

• Gamers who play demanding titles will find the Dimensity 810 limiting on high settings (TechRadar).
• Users who want long-term software support should look at Samsung’s Galaxy A series, which typically offers more update cycles (TechRadar).
• Anyone who needs strong low-light camera performance will be disappointed by the 50 MP sensor’s noise in dim conditions.

The implication: choosing this phone means prioritising upfront savings over long-term software safety.

How much does a Redmi Note 11S cost?

Three price tiers exist for the Redmi Note 11S 5G in 2025 — new old stock, refurbished, and used — and each tells a different story about value.

New vs refurbished pricing

• New price at launch was around €200–€250 for the 6GB/128GB variant (Xiaomi product page).
• Refurbished units in good condition now range from €108 to €120 on platforms like Back Market and Refurbed (Back Market).
• New sealed units are increasingly scarce and often priced above €180, making refurbished the more rational buy.

Price comparison across retailers

• Back Market lists the 6GB/128GB model around €108–€115 with a 12-month warranty (Back Market).
• Refurbed offers similar pricing at €110–€120 with a 30-day return policy (Refurbed).
• Local classifieds and eBay listings vary widely from €85 for units with cosmetic wear to €130 for excellent condition.

Price history and trends

• The phone has depreciated about 50% from its launch price over three years, which is typical for mid-range Android devices.
• Prices have stabilised in 2025 as supply of new units dried up and refurbished stock became the primary channel.
• Regional differences are noticeable: European markets see slightly higher prices than Asian markets due to import costs.

The pattern: you are essentially paying for hardware that was solid in 2022, while forgoing the software future that newer rivals include in their price.

What are the common problems with Redmi Note 11S?

No phone at this price point is perfect. Owners have flagged several recurring issues on forums and review platforms that potential buyers should know about.

Software and performance issues

• Some users report UI lag and stutter — especially after MIUI updates — which can make everyday navigation feel less fluid than on cleaner Android skins (YouTube review).
• Bloatware is a known complaint: Xiaomi pre-loads several apps that cannot be uninstalled without third-party tools.
• The phone launched with Android 11 and received updates only to Android 13 — meaning it missed the jump to Android 14 and 15 (GSM Arena).

Hardware concerns

• Occasional charging port issues have been reported, with some users needing port replacements after 18–24 months of daily use.
• Screen responsiveness complaints appear in community forums, though they are not widespread.
• Battery drain after software updates has been noted in several user reports, with some experiencing 15–20% faster discharge post-update (YouTube long-term review).

User-reported complaints from communities

• MIUI ads within system apps have frustrated some users, though many can be disabled in settings.
• The 50 MP camera produces acceptable daylight shots but struggles with low-light noise, a trade-off at this price point (TechRadar).
• No 4K video recording support — a limitation of the Dimensity 810 chipset that some competing phones at similar prices do offer.

How many years does the Redmi Note 11 last?

Longevity is the deciding factor for many budget buyers. Here is what three years of real-world data tells us about this phone’s lifespan.

Battery longevity

• The 5000 mAh battery typically lasts 2–3 years before noticeable degradation appears (Xiaomi product page).
• A long-term user reports the phone still gets through a full day of moderate use after three years (YouTube long-term review).
• 33W fast charging can refill the battery from 0 to 100% in about 1 hour 15 minutes — average for 2022, slower than newer budget phones.

Software life cycle

• Software support lasted roughly two years, ending with Android 13 (GSM Arena).
• No further major OS updates are expected, and security patch frequency is uncertain for 2025 and beyond.
• Users who need app compatibility with newer Android versions should factor this into their decision.

Physical durability

• Build quality is decent for the price: a plastic frame with Gorilla Glass protection on the front (GSM Arena).
• Drop resistance is average — a case is recommended for daily use.
• Users report the phone remains usable for basic tasks (calls, messaging, light browsing) even after three years (YouTube long-term review).

The catch: a buyer who invests €110 today should expect the phone to feel obsolete by 2027, not because the screen or battery fails, but because apps and websites will leave Android 13 behind.

Are Redmi better than Samsung?

The Redmi vs Samsung debate at the budget end of the market is a constant trade-off between spec sheet value and long-term support. Here is how the two brands compare in 2025.

Redmi Note 11S 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

• Redmi offers a 90Hz display vs Samsung’s standard 60Hz — smoother scrolling for the same money (Xiaomi product page).
• Redmi has a larger 5000 mAh battery, though both phones last about a full day in practice.
• Camera quality is similar at this budget, with both producing decent daylight shots and weak low-light performance (TechRadar).

Value for money comparison

• Redmi typically offers higher spec-to-price ratios — more RAM, higher refresh rate, larger battery — at the same price point.
• Samsung wins on software: One UI is cleaner, bloatware is lighter, and update commitments are longer (2–3 OS upgrades vs 1 for Redmi).
• For buyers who keep a phone for 2+ years, Samsung’s longer support window often justifies the price premium.

Software and ecosystem differences

• MIUI is feature-rich but heavier, with more pre-installed apps and ads in some markets.
• One UI is more polished and consistent, with better integration with Samsung’s ecosystem (wearables, tablets, Galaxy Buds).
• Samsung’s security update track record is stronger, with monthly patches for budget A-series phones.

The implication: your choice depends on whether you value today’s hardware specs or tomorrow’s software security more.

Three budget 5G phones, one clear pattern: the Redmi Note 11S 5G leads on battery and display smoothness, while Samsung offers longer software support and better low-light camera tuning.

The trade-off is sharp: pay €30–€60 more for a Samsung if you want another two years of OS updates, or save that cash with the Redmi and accept a shorter useful life.

Eight specifications define what the Redmi Note 11S 5G delivers at its price point — with a 90Hz display and 5000 mAh battery being the standout features against more expensive rivals.

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For US shoppers, consulting our Redmi Note 11S 5G guide can clarify unlocked options and carrier compatibility.

Frequently asked questions