Xiaomi has recently announced that it will be ending software support for the Mi 11X, which is also known as the Redmi K40 in China. When this device was launched in 2021 with a starting price of Rs 29,999, it quickly became an attractive option for many, thanks to its dependable Snapdragon 870 SoC and impressive high-resolution E4 AMOLED display. Now that the device has reached the end of its software support, the question arises: Should users now consider upgrading to a newer model?
1. Everything the Mi 11X has to offer
The Mi 11X, which is a rebrand of the Redmi K40 launched with a 6.67-inch E4 AMOLED panel, offering an FHD+ resolution with 120Hz refresh rate and 360Hz touch sampling rate. It supports HDR 10+ with a peak brightness of 1300 nits.
Under the hood, the device has a Snapdragon 870 SoC, paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. It has a respectable battery size of 4520mAh, supported by 33W fast charging.
For optics, the Mi 11X is equipped with a triple camera setup, featuring a 48-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 5-megapixel macro camera. For connectivity, it supports 5G (SA: N77 | N78, NSA: N77 | N78), along with Bluetooth 5.1 and WiFi 6. As for software, the device made its debut with Android-11-based MIUI 12 and received its final Android 14-based HyperOS update a few months back.
2. Here’s Why the Mi 11X is Still Worth Keeping
The Mi 11X carries an impressive spec sheet, which can easily get you through your day-to-day needs of multi-tasking, high-speed internet use, and snapping some sharp pictures. The device uses a Snapdragon 870 SoC, which is still respected in the gaming community for being a well-balanced chip that provides performance as well as stability with excellent thermal management.
The display still holds up well by modern standards, featuring a high brightness mode of 900 nits. With a 360Hz touch sampling rate and a 120Hz refresh rate, it’s great for gaming. While it’s true that smartphone camera sensors have advanced significantly since 2021, most of the improvements have been in low-light imaging quality and contrast.
3. Balancing Repair Costs and Device Longevity
While we have given you many reasons to stick with the Mi 11X for the time being, some instances could force your hand to go for a replacement/upgrade. As per the official spare parts price of the Mi 11X provided by Xiaomi on its Indian website, if you end up cracking your display, it could cost you up to or beyond Rs 9,000 to get an original replacement.
On the other hand, if your motherboard fails, it’s probably more practical to invest in a new device, as repairs could easily cost over Rs 20,000. Battery issues are common with older phones, but replacing the battery in this model is relatively affordable, with an official replacement priced at just Rs 700. This inexpensive fix could extend your phone’s lifespan for a few more years. We would like to point out that since the device is old, it could be harder to find a replacement battery at service centers, and third-party sellers could charge more for the replacement.
As for the end-of-life software support we mentioned earlier, the device got its Android 14-based HyperOS update in May, so it has all the latest Android features onboard, making it good to use for another couple of years.
4. A few options if you do decide to upgrade
In case you want to or need to upgrade or replace your Xiaomi Mi 11X, here are a few options to consider:
- Xiaomi 14 Civi – If you want to stick to the same software experience with upgrades to the camera and processor, the 14 Civi will serve you well with a starting price of around Rs 40,000 (8GB + 256GB), including discounts.
- OnePlus 12R – The OnePlus 12R is also a compelling option, with starting prices as low as Rs 38,000 with discounts. It comes with a 1.5K display, a flagship primary camera sensor, and a massive battery that supports 100W fast charging.
- Nothing Phone 2 – The Phone (2) by Nothing is a smartphone worth trying if you are bored of the conventional look and feel of regular Android smartphones since it has unique Glyph lights on the back as well as a monochrome user interface.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE – Samsung’s Galaxy S23 FE is a safe option for users looking for a device with longevity and long-lasting software support.
- POCO F6 – The POCO F6 will meet your needs if you are looking for a performance-focused smartphone in the Sub-30,000 price range. It comes with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip, paired with a 1.5K AMOLED display
- OPPO Reno 12 Pro – The Reno 12 Pro is a good option if you are looking for a camera phone around the Rs 35,000 range as it offers a 50MP (main) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 50MP (telephoto) camera setup, alongside a 50MP selfie snapper.
