Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE is a colourful but unnecessary update for the series

(Pocket-lint) - Xiaomi has announced an updated entry-level exemplary arsenic portion of its mainstream series: the 11 Lite 5G NE.

When Xiaomi launched the earlier Mi 11 Lite 5G, we were alternatively enamoured by its slim plan and colourful decorativeness - indeed, arsenic we alluded to successful our reappraisal of that handset, it mightiness good beryllium our prime of the Mi 11 series.  

• Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra vs Mi 11 Pro vs Mi 11 vs Mi 11i vs Mi 11 Lite: What's the difference?

But we're successful 2 minds astir the 11 Lite 5G NE. Aside from its caller sanction - enactment it ditches the 'Mi' branding, arsenic is Xiaomi's modular for the 2nd fractional of 2021 - and an uprated processor (the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778 replaces the SD770), that's your lot. It feels similar an unnecessary rebadge, really.

That said, the colour options bash proceed to impress, arsenic you tin spot from the assemblage up apical of this page. The 4 finishes are officially called Truffle Black, Bubblegum Blue, Peach Pink, and the caller (and altogether little colourful) Snowflake White. Lovely stuff. 

Elsewhere it's the aforesaid acquainted story: the 11 Lite 5G NE features a 6.55-inch display, a slim plan that's conscionable 6.81mm thick, and 33W fast-charging. Much lighter and much pocketable than your emblematic handset merchandise astatine this infinitesimal successful time. But with the Xiaomi 11T and 11T Pro besides announced successful tandem, those larger and much almighty handsets are hard to ignore. 

• Xiaomi 11T vs 11T Pro: What's the difference?

If the colourful Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE looks appealing and you've ne'er owned the earlier Mi 11 Lite, past its October merchandise day mightiness good beryllium worthy marking successful your calendar. But if you tin find the earlier exemplary for little currency then, well, it's a no-brainer to spell for that exemplary instead.

Writing by Mike Lowe. Originally published connected 15 September 2021.