Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G first impressions: This phone is LOADED

Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G first impressions: This one harvests the power of the Snapdragon 778G chip. The Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G price starts at ₹26,999 for the 6GB RAM variant.

Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G first impressions: The Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G does not skip on looking and feeling premium. (HT Tech / Amritanshu Mukherjee)

After Xiaomi launched the Mi 11 Lite 4G in India, it was only a matter of time we saw its 5G variant. Hence, the Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G comes as no surprise, given that we sort of knew what this phone would be. With a new Qualcomm 5G chip, the Xiaomi 11 Lite NE makes for a tempting deal as a premium Android phone. And with a starting price of ₹26,999, the Xiaomi 11 Lite NE only enhances its appeal.

As the Indian phone market fills up with more Snapdragon 778G phones, Xiaomi lays stress on its lightweight and sleek design formula to make its offering stand out. The Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G comes as a tempting upgrade from the 4G variant without hitting the ₹30,000 mark, which Mi 11X demands. However, does putting a new 5G chip give enough reasons to buy this? Here are our Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G first impressions:

Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G Design

Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G (HT Tech / Amritanshu)

Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G (HT Tech / Amritanshu)

Even though Xiaomi changes its design at the speed of light, the Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G with its early-2021 design still looks fresh. In the new Diamond Dazzle colour, it looks chic (although it resembles more of a marble top table). 

The 158 grams weight seems uncanny for a phone hosting a 6.5-inch display; the comfort factor is simply unmatched. The rear is still glass and with clever use of a plastic rail, the Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G does not skip on looking and feeling premium.

Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G Features

Xiaomi 11 Lite NE (HT Tech / Amritanshu)

Xiaomi 11 Lite NE (HT Tech / Amritanshu)

The biggest upgrade Xiaomi offers on this phone over its 4G sibling is the 5G-enabled Snapdragon 778G chip. Yes, the Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G is loaded, indeed. With support for 12 5G bands on both SIM card slots, the Xiaomi 11 Lite NE does 5G the right way. 

The Snapdragon 778G is a proven chip for multitasking and casual gaming, which when paired with MIUI 12.5 should theoretically make for a very fast phone. 3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security support only furthers the appeal for long term users.

Xiaomi 11 Lite NE (HT Tech / Amritanshu)

Xiaomi 11 Lite NE (HT Tech / Amritanshu)

The 10-bit AMOLED display from the 4G version is back with the same 90Hz of refresh rate but there's now support for Dolby Vision. Quick previews of compatible shows on Disney+ Hotstar and Netflix flirted with my eyes; movie lovers will like this display.

What's worrisome, however, is the smallish-in-comparison 4250mAh battery. It delivered a full-day's backup on the 4G version but once 5G rolls out, the faster network might drain it faster. Xiaomi sticks to its fairly fast 33W charging solution.

 

Xiaomi 11 Lite NE (HT Tech / Amritanshu)

Xiaomi 11 Lite NE (HT Tech / Amritanshu)

The cameras remain unchanged too, with the same 64MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide and the 5MP macro camera. Quick clicks around the house showcased slightly better details and improved colour processing over the 4G version. The macro photos are mighty impressive.

Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G first impressions

Xiaomi 11 Lite NE (HT Tech / Amritanshu)

Xiaomi 11 Lite NE (HT Tech / Amritanshu)

At first glance, the Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G is nothing less than desirable, thanks to its lean yet elegant design. With a faster 5G chip and an even better display, this could be THE favourite choice for those seeking a refined smartphone experience for less than ₹30,000. Stay put for our full review of the Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G for a detailed outlook soon.