Remember when 5G used to be an exclusive feature on high-end devices? Well, time moved fast because that’s not the case anymore, as such features are now in midrange devices (even in some low-end handsets).
Today, we’ll be comparing two sub-Php20,000 5G smartphones. First, we have the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G. Coming from a long line of bang-for-the-buck devices, this one wants to win everyone’s hearts by having 5G, fast display and charging, killer cameras, and more.

But that’s not the only device that wants to compete in this category. We also have the OPPO Reno 7 Z 5G, which also wants to excel in areas where the Redmi device does.
Great screens, cameras, fast charging speeds, and more — the Reno 7 Z 5G also has it all.

The question is, which between these two is actually better? We find out in our Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G versus OPPO Reno 7 Z 5G specifications and features comparison.
Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G | OPPO Reno 7 Z 5G | |
Operating System | Android 11 MIUI 12.5 | Android 11 ColorOS 12 |
Display | 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution 395ppi 120Hz refresh rate 360Hz touch sampling HDR10 Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | 6.43-inch FHD+ OLED 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution 409ppi HDR 60Hz refresh rate |
Processor | 2.5GHz MediaTek Dimensity 920 5G octa-core | 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G octa-core |
RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 619 |
Storage | 128GB/256GB UFS 2.2 expandable via microSD | 128GB UFS 2.2 expandable via microSD |
Front Camera | 16-megapixel | 16-megapixel |
Rear Camera | 108-megapixel (f/1.9, dual-pixel PDAF) 8-megapixel (ultra-wide) 2-megapixel (telephoto/macro) LED flash | 64-megapixel (f/1.7, PDAF) 2-megapixel (macro) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) LED flash |
Audio | JBL-tuned stereo speakers Headphone jack | Single loudspeaker Headphone jack |
Connectivity | HSPA+, 4G LTE, 5G WiFi 6, dual-band Bluetooth 5.2 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS NFC IR Blaster USB Type-C | HSPA+, 4G LTE, 5G WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.2 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS NFC USB Type-C |
Security | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner Face unlock | In-display fingerprint scanner Face unlock |
Others | IP53 dust and splash resistant | Dual Orbit Lights IPX4 water and dust resistant |
Colors | Graphite Gray Star Blue Forest Green | Stary Black Startrails Blue |
Dimensions and Weight | 163.7 x 76.2 x 8.3mm 204g | 160.6 x 73.2 x 7.8mm 173g |
Battery and Charging | 4,500mAh 120W fast charging | 4,500mAh 65W SuperVOOC charging |
Price | 8GB/128GB: Php19,999 8GB/256GB: Php21,999 | 8GB/128GB: Php19,999 |
Design and Build Quality
Since it’s subjective, we’ll let you decide which of the two has the best design. Personally, we like the extra aesthetic touch of the Dual Orbit Lights of the Reno 7 Z 5G. There are accent lights that surround the two camera lenses that glow when you receive notifications.

However, we may have to hand the win to the Note 11 Pro Plus 5G for the build quality as it has IP53 dust and splash resistance rating and Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front. Although, it’s substantially larger and heavier, which is understandable since it also has a bigger screen.
Display and Audio
An easy win for the Xiaomi device. It’s just better across the board: it’s bigger at 6.67-inches, faster at 120Hz refresh rate, and more responsive at 360Hz touch sampling.

Xiaomi also nailed the audio by having, not just stereo speakers, but JBL-tuned stereo speakers. The OPPO device settles for a single loudspeaker — a bummer at this price range.
Hardware and Performance
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 695 processor sure offers better efficiency than MediaTek’s. Partner that with a smaller and slower screen, you should get better longevity on the Reno 7 Z 5G.

However, there’s no denying that the Dimensity 920 of the Note 11 Pro Plus 5G is more powerful in terms of CPU and performance, especially in gaming.
Also, while both come with 8GB/128GB RAM and storage configuration, Xiaomi is giving you a 256GB option if you still want extra space and hate slow microSD cards.
Camera

Another clear win for the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G. As you can see from the comparison table above, this one comes with a whopping 108-megapixel camera while the OPPO Reno 7 Z 5G settles for a 64-megapixel sensor.
It also has an 8-megapixel ultra-wide and 2-megapixel telemacro lenses, while the competition settles for two 2-megapixel sensors.
Connectivity, Security, Others
As stated earlier, both have 5G connectivity that makes them future-proof — no problems there. However, the Redmi device gets a one-up once again by having a newer WiFi 6 standard and IR blaster that lets you control non-smart appliances at home using your smartphone.

To OPPO’s credit, the Reno 7 Z 5G keeps its premium feel not just by its sleek and lighter design, but also by having a fancy in-display fingerprint scanner.
Battery and Charging
Both models share the same 4,500mAh batteries. But since it has a less powerful CPU and slower display, you should expect longer battery life on the Reno 7 Z 5G.

However, the Note 11 Pro Plus steals back the show by having a whopping 120W charging support, which is about twice as fast as OPPO’s 65W SuperVOOC tech.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, we have a clear winner here. Going with the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G over the OPPO Reno 7 Z 5G is a no-brainer — unless you’re easily lured by flashing lights.

Xiaomi’s contender has a much better screen, faster performance, way better cameras, great speakers, and of course, ultra-fast charging.
All that while having the same price of Php19,999. You can even opt for the 256GB variant if you want extra space — an option you can’t have on the Reno.