Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has launched its much-awaited Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro at a launch event which was streamed online live on 14th Feb 2018. Xiaomi is known for its value for money products and it even did not disappoint this time. Both the smartphones carry a whole lot of specs with a reasonable price bracket. Redmi Note 5, on one hand, comes with a 5.99-inch FHD+ screen, Octa-core Snapdragon 625 chipset, 12 MP rear camera and Redmi Note 5 Pro comes with the same 5.99-inch FHD+ screen, Octa-core Snapdragon 636 chipset and Dual 12MP+5MP rear camera on the other hand. The main highlight of Redmi Note 5 Pro is its giant 20 Mega Pixel front camera. Brief specifications of both the phones are given down below.
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Redmi Note 5
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Redmi Note 5 Pro
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Processor
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Qualcomm Snapdragon 625(Octa-core)
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Qualcomm Snapdragon 636(Octa-core)
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GPU
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Adreno 506
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Adreno 509
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RAM & Internal Storage
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3GB+32GB
4GB+64GB
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4GB+64GB
6GB+64GB
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External Storage
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Expandable upto 128GB
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Expandable upto 128GB
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Display
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5.99 inch, 18:9 Aspect Ratio,
2160×1080 Resolution(FHD+)
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5.99 inch, 18:9 Aspect Ratio, 2160×1080 Resolution(FHD+)
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Camera(Rear)
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12 Mega-Pixel
Dual LED Flash
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12MP+5MP
Dual Camera
LED Flash
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Camera(Front)
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5 Mega-Pixel
LED Flash
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20 Mega-Pixel
LED Flash
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Battery
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4000 mAh
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4000 mAh
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Sensors
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Proximity Sensor, Gyroscope Sensor, Accelerometer, Electronic Compass, Ambient Light Sensor, Hall Effect Sensor
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Proximity Sensor, Gyroscope Sensor, Accelerometer, Electronic Compass, Ambient Light Sensor, Hall Effect Sensor, Infrared Sensor
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Price
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₹9,999 (3GB+32GB)
₹11,999(4GB+64GB)
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₹13,999(4GB+64GB)
₹16,999(6GB+64GB)
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Battery Backup
The battery on both the phones, Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro is 4000 mAh. When I tested the battery backup, it lasted for around 2 days on basic usage and complete 1 day for heavy usage. So, battery backup is not an issue with these phones. Although, Fast Charging is not provided with both the phones. The battery backup on Redmi Note 5 was slightly better than that of the Redmi Note 5 Pro.
My Review
I have been using these phones for around 2 weeks now and both the phones stand up to my expectations. Redmi Note 5 has the same Redmi Note 4 chipset i.e. Snapdragon 625, but no issues with the daily usage. It does not lag at all and also the cellular call quality is good. I found the Speaker volume to be quite low during the calls but I think it can be fixed with software update. Although, there was no issue with the loudness level when I used the speaker to listen to music. The camera has somewhat improved as compared to Note 4 but it is not as good as the Note 5 Pro.
Redmi Note 5 Pro is a phone for Camera loving people like me. It is way better than Note 5 if we talk only about camera performance. I found Note 5 Pro performing well even in low lighting conditions. If I talk about basic usage, the processor of this phone i.e. Snapdragon 636, is very fast with no lag obviously and is fluidic. Rest all things, I found are similar in both the phones during my 2 weeks of usage.
Why should you buy Redmi Note 5?
If you want a budget smartphone with normal daily usage and gaming, you can opt for the Redmi Note 5. It offers decent specifications in a budget around ₹10000. The MIUI9 interface will not lag and your experience will be good with this phone.
Which Version of Redmi Note 5 to buy?
In my opinion, you should opt for the 3GB+32GB version which is available for ₹9999. It sounds more value for money than the 4GB+64GB version because you pay ₹2000 more just to increase 1GB of RAM and 32GB storage which is not needed much for normal users. And if you want that 4GB+64GB version, then spend ₹2000 more and go for Redmi Note 5 Pro. It will provide a better processor, better front and rear cameras with same 4GB+64GB RAM and storage.
Why should you buy Redmi Note 5 Pro?
If you are buying a phone for better camera performance, then opt for Redmi Note 5 Pro as it provides better front and rear camera than the Redmi Note 5. The processor is also better in the Redmi Note 5 Pro.
Which Version of Redmi Note 5 Pro to buy?
According to me, the 4GB+64GB version which is available for ₹13999 will be more value for money product than the 6GB+64GB version which is available for ₹16999. Since you will be paying ₹3000 more just to increase 2GB of RAM which is not needed for an average daily usage. And if you are a heavy user and budget does not matter to you, then go for the 6GB+64GB version.
“Technology is important, what you do with it is more important.”
This is a very good phone for this price bracket but the only problem is that it is sold in flash sales. It is not easy to get one in these flash sales. Thanks for sharing a review on your blog.
Yes, Flash sales are a problem. But wait for 3-4 months and you will start getting these phones easily.