Galaxy Z Fold7 Vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G

Galaxy Z Fold7
Galaxy Z Fold7
Starting at

Refurbished price:£916.00

Versus £1,799.00 new

See options
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£102.00

Versus £599.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, released in July 2025, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, launched in January 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. The most significant difference lies in their form factor: the Z Fold7 is a cutting-edge foldable device, offering a large tablet-like screen when unfolded, while the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is a traditional slab smartphone. Both devices run on the Android operating system, though the Z Fold7 benefits from a much newer version and extended software support.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is heavily influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. These two devices offer very different propositions in this regard.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy Z Fold7 is a much newer device, having been released in July 2025. In contrast, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G was launched significantly earlier, in January 2022. This age difference directly impacts their remaining software support and overall technological relevance.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung has committed to an extensive support period for the Galaxy Z Fold7, promising seven years of Android operating system upgrades and security updates, extending its usability well into the future, potentially until 2032. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, initially launched with Android 11 and MIUI 13, typically received fewer major OS updates, though it has been updated to HyperOS based on Android 13.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy Z Fold7 incorporates advanced materials and engineering, including an Armor FlexHinge, Advanced Armor Aluminum frame, a 50% thicker Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) for the foldable display, and Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the cover screen, contributing to its enhanced durability as a foldable device. It also carries an IP48 rating for water resistance and minimal dust resistance. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on its display for scratch protection and a glass back panel.

Year of Release

2025

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

Yes

No

Performance

Performance is a key area where these two smartphones cater to different user expectations, largely due to their respective processors and system architectures.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy Z Fold7 is equipped with a current-generation, high-performance processor, enabling it to handle demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-heavy gaming with smooth responsiveness. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G features a mid-range processor, which provides a capable experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, but may show limitations with more intensive applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Z Fold7 typically comes with 12GB or 16GB of RAM, facilitating seamless transitions between numerous open applications and efficient background processes. Its storage options range from 256GB to 1TB, utilizing fast UFS 4.0 technology. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G offers 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card, providing flexibility for users who need more space for media and files.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy Z Fold7 features a 4400 mAh battery, and despite its powerful components and larger screens, it offers a full day of use for many users, with some reporting over 7 hours of screen-on time, benefiting from improved power efficiency. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G boasts a larger 5000 mAh battery, which users frequently report can last almost two days on a single charge, even with heavy usage. It also supports 67W turbo charging, allowing for rapid power replenishment.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display experience is a primary differentiator, with the Galaxy Z Fold7 offering a unique foldable design and both devices providing vibrant visuals.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy Z Fold7 features two Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays: an 8.0-inch foldable main screen and a 6.5-inch cover screen. Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a smooth viewing experience. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has a single 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its rich colors and excellent contrast.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Z Fold7's main display has a resolution of 1968x2184 pixels, providing exceptional clarity and detail, particularly beneficial for productivity and media consumption on its larger canvas. The cover screen offers a 1080x2520 pixel resolution. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G's display has a 1080x2400 pixel (FHD+) resolution, delivering sharp images and text for its size.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to fluid scrolling and responsive interactions. The Galaxy Z Fold7's displays can reach a peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G offers a peak brightness of 1200 nits, with a typical high brightness mode (HBM) of 700 nits, which is also suitable for outdoor use.

Resolution

1968 x 2184

1080 x 2400

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities vary significantly between these two devices, reflecting their different market segments and release timelines.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy Z Fold7 boasts a sophisticated triple-camera setup, including a 200 MP wide-angle main sensor with a large sensor size and advanced image processing (ProVisual Engine), a 12 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This system is designed for high-detail photography, improved low-light performance, and versatile shooting. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G features a 108 MP main sensor, an 8 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2 MP macro lens, capable of capturing detailed everyday photos.
  • Photography Performance: The Z Fold7's main camera delivers exceptional detail, sharpness, and vibrant colors, with strong low-light performance and 2x optical-level zoom. Its inner selfie camera has been upgraded to 10MP. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G's 108MP main camera produces good-looking photos with respectable dynamic range, and its noise handling in low light is notable for its category. However, it lacks RAW capture by default.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy Z Fold7 supports 4K video recording at 60fps on its cover screen and FHD at 60fps on the main screen, with features like Log video and HDR10. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is limited to 1080p video recording at 30fps, without 4K capability, which is a notable difference for video enthusiasts. Both devices offer stereo speakers, with the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G's speakers described as loud and robust.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy Z Fold7 supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard (802.11be) and Bluetooth 5.4, alongside 5G connectivity and satellite capabilities, offering advanced and future-proof wireless performance. It features a USB Type-C port. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 5.1, with 5G connectivity and NFC (region dependent). It includes a USB Type-C 2.0 port and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: Both smartphones incorporate side-mounted fingerprint sensors for secure and convenient unlocking. The Galaxy Z Fold7 also offers face recognition.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy Z Fold7 is notably thin and light for a foldable, weighing 215 grams, and features an Advanced Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the cover screen, with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back panel. Its folded dimensions are 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G weighs 202 grams with dimensions of 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm, featuring a glass back panel with a matte finish.

Weight

187 g

202 g

Screen size (in)

8

6.67

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G cater to distinct user needs and preferences, largely due to their fundamental differences in design, performance, and feature sets.

Users often praise the Galaxy Z Fold7 for its innovative foldable design, offering a versatile large screen for productivity and media consumption. Its powerful processor ensures smooth performance across all tasks, and the significantly improved camera system, particularly the 200MP main sensor, receives positive feedback for detail and low-light capabilities. The extended software support is also a major draw for those seeking long-term device longevity. Some users, however, note that despite efficiency improvements, the battery life, while adequate for a day, might not be as exceptional as some non-foldable flagships, and the telephoto zoom beyond 3x optical can be average.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is frequently lauded for its excellent battery life, often lasting up to two days, complemented by very fast 67W charging. Its vibrant AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is also a strong point, offering a premium viewing experience. The 108MP main camera is generally considered good for everyday photography. Criticisms often revolve around its video recording capabilities, which are limited to 1080p at 30fps, and its mid-range processor, which may not satisfy users with demanding gaming or heavy multitasking needs. The shorter software update cycle compared to newer devices is also a consideration.

Users prioritizing a cutting-edge, versatile device with a large, immersive display for productivity and advanced photography, coupled with long-term software support, will find the Galaxy Z Fold7 well-suited to their needs. Its robust build and powerful internals make it ideal for professionals and tech enthusiasts. Conversely, users who value exceptional battery life, rapid charging, a solid display for media, and reliable everyday performance in a traditional smartphone form factor may lean toward the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G. It's a practical choice for those seeking a dependable device without the premium features of a foldable.

For those considering either of these devices, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, extending the life of these electronics and offering a sustainable choice.

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