Expensive flagship smartphones are exciting, but what I can consider that is also equally exciting are mid-range smartphones, especially those priced under PHP 10K. Because smartphone brands have to be more creative to make sure that the device still packs attractive features but without raising prices. And for this comparison, we have three examples — the Redmi Note 11, the realme 8i, and the Moto G31. Given their specs, which one is the best option under this price range? Let’s find out.

Table of Contents

Display

When it comes to screen size, all three pack large displays of at least 6-inches with Full HD resolution. The largest goes to the realme 8i at 6.6-inches with 400ppi, followed by the Redmi Note 11 at 6.43-inches with 409ppi, then the Moto G31 at 6.4-inches with 411ppi. All devices have sharp screens with good pixel density.

When it comes to panels used, the Redmi Note 11 and the Moto G31 use AMOLED panels, which results in punchy colors with deep blacks. While the realme 8i uses an IPS panel with more natural colors.

If you’re looking for a smartphone with a high refresh rate, the realme 8i wins with its 120Hz. The Redmi Note 11, however, is not far behind with 90Hz. The Moto G31, on the other hand, has a standard refresh rate.

In terms of protection, only the Redmi Note 11 offers Corning Gorilla Glass 3.

Chipset

Among the three, the Redmi Note 11 has the newest chipset with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G manufactured using the 6nm process and has an Adreno 610 GPU. The realme 8i has a 12nm MediaTek Helio G96 with a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, while the Moto G31 has the 12nm MediaTek Helio G85 with Mali-G52 MC2 GPU.

Based on their AnTuTu v9 scores in our reviews, the Redmi Note 11 scored the highest at 273,685, followed by the realme 8i at 262,744. We haven’t reviewed the Moto G31 yet, but we can expect a lower score.

Memory and Storage

For the RAM both the Redmi Note 11 and realme 8i are offered in 4GB or 6GB configurations. The Moto G31, on the other hand, only has 4GB.

Storage-wise, all three have a maximum storage of 128GB, with the Redmi Note 11 and realme 8i also available in 64GB. However, the former has a better performing UFS 2.2. For expansion, the Redmi Note 11 and realme 8i have dedicated slots for a microSD, while the Moto G31 has a hybrid setup.

Cameras

If you’re looking for a smartphone with the most cameras, the Redmi Note 11 is for you. It has a total of four cameras consisting of a 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth. Compared to its competitors, the realme 8i has three with the 50MP main, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth, while the Moto G31 has three as well with 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, and 2MP depth.

For the front camera, if you want a smartphone that can shoot selfies with the most resolution possible, you can go with the realme 8i with its 16MP shooter, which is higher than the 13MP found on the Redmi Note 11 and Moto G31.

Connectivity and Features

There’s no 5G here, so we can leave that, but all have dual-SIM, 4G LTE, WiFi ac, GPS, USB-C, 3.5mmm audio jack, and fingerprint scanners. All three have Bluetooth as well, but the realme 8i has a newer Bluetooth 5.1 version. However, It lacks NFC which the Redmi Note 11 and Moto G31 have.

But when it comes to extra features, the Redmi Note 11 wins. It has an IR blaster, which is handy when trying to control IR-based appliances, dual-speakers for a more immersive audio experience, and IP53 dust and splash-resistant body. The Moto G31 also has a water-repellent body although it didn’t disclose the exact IP rating.

Battery

One popular feature among sub-PHP 10K smartphones is the large battery. In this case, we can all find 5,000mAh batteries in all three phones. However, their difference is in the fast charging rate, the higher the charging rate, the faster it can be recharged, which is important for a capacity this size. The Redmi Note 11 wins this part for having 33W. The realme 8i, on the other hand, is at 18W, while the Moto G31 doesn’t have any fast charging.

Price

Here are the prices of each smartphone and their configurations:

If you want the most affordable, you can go for the Moto G31 with 4GB + 128GB. Following closely is the Redmi Note 11 with 4GB + 64GB. But the sweet spot goes to the Redmi Note 11 6GB + 128GB. It can only be matched with the realme 8i 6GB + 128GB but it is already more expensive at almost PHP 12K.

So which one to get? Looking again at the table above, you can see what device can give you the most advantages for the price, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is definitely looking good for something priced under PHP 10K while still packing premium features.