Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 vs Redmi Note 5 Pro: Which One to Buy?

Xiaomi looks set to dominate the budget smartphone market this year as well with its recently launched offerings, the Redmi Note 5 and the Redmi Note 5 Pro. While Xiaomi claims to have improved upon the shortcomings of the Redmi Note 4 for its successor, the Redmi Note 5, the company has also aimed to cater to those seeking an extra boost of performance through the step-up variant, the Redmi Note 5 Pro. Both the smartphone are priced just Rs 4,000 apart and in this wake, it might be a difficult choice as to which one to opt for in a budget. To solve this dilemma, here is a comparison between the two smartphones in terms of specifications, features and more.

What is Similar?

There are a lot of features embedded in the smartphones which are similar. For instance, the Redmi Note 5 and the Redmi Note 5 Pro sport the same display, sized at 5.99-inch and offering a 2160×1080 pixels Full HD+ resolution with an 18:9 aspect ratio. Even the body dimensions and the weight of both the smartphones is pretty much the same, with a maximum difference of 0.1mm in the length and 1 gram in the weight.

Other specifications similar on both the smartphones are the Android 7.1.1 based MIUI 9, 4000 mAh battery and the connectivity options including a hybrid (Nano) SIM slot. The smartphones are also available in the market in the same colour options.

Watch: Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro Review: Best Bang For Your Buck at Rs 13,999

 

What is Different?

The Redmi Note 5 Pro carries certain upgrades over the Redmi Note 5, the most prominent one being the camera capability of the smartphone. While the Redmi Note 5 carries a single camera setup at the back with a 12-megapixel (f/2.2) sensor, the Redmi Note 5 Pro comes with a dual camera setup with one 12-megapixel (f/2.2) sensor and one 5-megapixel (f/2.0) sensor for depth effect. Comparing the front cameras, the Redmi Note 5 is restricted to a 5-megapixel sensor, with an enhanced pixel size and aperture for better low light photography as compared to the Redmi Note 4. In contrast, the Redmi Note 5 Pro comes with a whopping 20-megapixel front sensor and AI-based computing for depth effect. Both the smartphones offer LED Selfie Light and are capable of shooting 1080p videos at 30fps.

A core segment where the Redmi Note 5 Pro overshadows the Redmi Note 5 is the chipset. Xiaomi has used a Snapdragon 636 processor on the Redmi Note 5 Pro, making it faster, more capable than the Redmi Note 5 which is powered by a Snapdragon 6525 chipset.

Which one to buy?

The Redmi Note 5 starts retailing at Rs 9,999 for the 3GB RAM, 32GB storage variant, while the 4GB RAM, 64GB storage option is available for Rs 11,999. In contrast, the Redmi Note 5 Pro starts at Rs 13,999 for 4GB RAM, 64GB storage options and extends to a 6GB RAM option that is available for Rs 16,999.

Comparing the top variant of the Redmi Note 5 to the lower variant of the Redmi Note 5 Pro (for the same memory offering), the Rs 2,000 price difference would account for a better performance and a much-enhanced camera setup. In our experience with the smartphones, these two performance criteria are refined enough on the Redmi Note 5 Pro to make those extra Rs 2000 worth the spend. And if incase one is going for an EMI option with the smartphones, one should definitely go for the Redmi Note 5 Pro. For those strict on their budget, the Redmi Note 5 3GB RAM option is a good buy.