The transition to a new version of the operating system always causes owners of Xiaomi and Redmi mixed feelings: on the one hand, you want to get fresh features and security improvements, on the other hand, there is a fear of encountering bugs or slowing down the device. That is why the question of what distinguishes Android 10 from Android 11 remains one of the most pressing for users waiting for the arrival of updates to their gadgets.
It's important to understand that MIUI, as a proprietary shell, makes significant adjustments to the pure look of Android, hiding some system changes behind its visual layer. However, there are profound changes in architecture under the hood that directly affect how your smartphone manages memory, handles notifications and interacts with peripherals. Let's break down the key differences in detail.
The main difference lies not so much in the visual part as in the logic of system processes. While Android 10 became the foundation for a dark theme and improved gesture management, the eleventh version focused on smart management of IoT devices and reworking the notification mechanics, which is especially noticeable in the smart home ecosystem.
Interface and Notification Management
The most noticeable change for the user in Android 11 was the work with notifications. Unlike Android 10, where all messages were lined up in a single tape, the new system introduces the concept of “bubbles” (Bubbles), which allows you to switch between dialogues in messengers without leaving the current application, which significantly increases multitasking on large screens Xiaomi.
In addition, the alerts have changed, and now they are divided into categories: dialogues, albums and system notifications, which allows you to find the right information faster without scrolling through a long list of unnecessary messages from games or stores. In MIUI, this feature is integrated with its own notification center, creating a hybrid experience.
Visual changes have also affected the quick access menu. In Android 11, the media player and smart home are controlled in a separate panel that is called by swipe down next to the brightness buttons, which frees up space on the home screen of the curtain and makes the control more ergonomic for one hand.
It's worth noting that Bubbles are addictive, and some users find them distracting, but for those who are actively chatting in the workplace, this feature becomes an indispensable tool for productivity.
Connected Devices and Smart Home Menu
One of the most significant innovations, especially for owners of Xiaomi equipment, was the introduction of a dedicated section for managing connected devices. In Android 10, access to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings was scattered across different menus, while Android 11 combined them into a single hub.
Now, by holding down the power button (or swiping it according to MIUI settings), you get instant access to smart home management. Light bulbs, sockets, cameras and robot vacuum cleaners are displayed as handy cards with the ability to quickly switch state without logging into the Mi Home app.
- 🏠 Instant access to smart home scenarios directly from a locked screen or power menu.
- 📱 Simplified process of pairing new gadgets through pop-ups next to the lock screen.
- 🔌 Centralized management of all active Bluetooth devices and audio outputs.
This change makes Android 11 a full-fledged remote control for the entire ecosystem, and if you’re actively using Yeelight or Mijia, moving to a new version of the OS will make everyday interaction with the hardware much easier.
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For quick access to smart home management, add the Device Management widget to your desktop or configure a menu call with a long press of the power button in the Special Features section.
Confidentiality and permissions of applications
Data security is a top priority for mobile OSes. Google has implemented a one-time permissions mechanism in Android 11, so now you can choose this time only when you request access to a camera, microphone or geolocation.
This means that when the application is closed, access to sensitive sensors is automatically revoked, and the next time it runs, the system will again request permission, a critical feature to protect against unscrupulous developers who may be collecting data in the background.
⚠️ Note: After upgrading to Android 11, it is recommended to manually check the permission list for installed applications.
The buffer has also improved transparency, with the system now more aggressively restricting background access to copied text, preventing third-party passwords or confirmation codes from being stolen, and MIUI has its own privacy protection tools to complement these features.
Productivity and Memory Management
Under the hood, Android 11 has undergone changes in the task scheduler and memory management. The new version of the OS better copes with the caching of frequently used applications, allowing them to run faster and less often unload from RAM.
For owners of Xiaomi smartphones with a capacity of 4-6 GB, this can be a noticeable improvement.The system more efficiently allocates the resources of the processor, giving priority to the active window, which is especially felt in heavy games or when working with the camera.
☑️ Optimization check after update
However, it is worth considering that the transition from Android 10 to 11 requires some time to adapt the algorithms of artificial intelligence responsible for the distribution of power. In the first days after installing the update, you may notice an increased charge consumption, which is a normal optimization process.
Technically, the new version supports more modern codecs and media formats, which reduces the load on the processor when playing high-resolution video, and this also has a positive effect on battery life when viewing content.
Comparative Characteristics Table
To organize this knowledge, let's look at a comparative analysis of key features, and the table will help you quickly assess what changes will affect your smartphone use case.
| Function | Android 10 | Android 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Management of notifications | One ribbon. | Grouping and Bubbles |
| Permits | Permanent or "When used" | Single-use permits |
| Smart home. | Through applications | Built-in menu in the curtain |
| Screen recording | Third-party annexes | Built-in function |
| Media management | In the notification curtain | Separate control panel |
As you can see from the table, Android 11 offers more granular control over the device’s features, especially the built-in screen recording, which previously required the installation of additional software or the use of hidden MIUI features.
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The main advantage of Android 11 is not the speed of work, but the deep redesigned management of notifications and devices of the Internet of Things.
Working with multimedia and screen recording
In Android 10, screen recording was often hidden or required root permissions and adb commands. In the eleventh version, this option became native and available out of the box. You can activate it through the Quick Settings menu.
The system allows you to record not only the image from the screen, but also the internal sound of the device or sound from the microphone, which opens up new possibilities for creating training videos, recording game moments or fixing bugs in the work of applications for technical support.
Settings -> About Phone -> MIUI Version (7 times) -> Advanced Settings -> Screen RecordingThe recording quality adapts to your display resolution, supporting FullHD and higher.
Compatibility and stability on Xiaomi
The introduction of a new version of Android on Xiaomi devices always comes with a certain degree of risk.The MIUI shell deeply modifies system files, and switching to a new basic Android can cause driver conflicts or some features to malfunction.
Users often report problems with autobrightness, scanner performance, or touchscreen response speed in the first weeks after the global release of the stable version. However, subsequent security patches usually address these shortcomings.
⚠️ Warning: Before installing a major firmware update that changes the Android version, be sure to back up important data to a cloud service or computer.
If you use your smartphone for critical tasks, stability is important. 24/7, It may be worthwhile to wait for the manual update and wait for the official arrival. OTA-Update that has already been tested on your specific model.
What if the phone is running slowly after the upgrade?
Summary comparison and recommendations
To sum up, Android 11 is an evolutionary but important step forward, making it more user-friendly, making it easier to access frequently used features and increasing privacy controls.
For owners of modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, the upgrade will bring tangible benefits in the form of improved notification management and smart home. Older devices may work slightly less stable due to increased resource requirements.
If you value novelty and are willing to put up with possible childhood illnesses of new firmware for new features, upgrade. If for you the most important thing is proven stability and predictability, Android 10 is still a great, mature platform.