In this article, I wanted to compare the Redmi Note 5 Pro vs Note 6 Pro, so it’s easier to decide which Xiaomi you should buy?
Redmi Note 5 Pro | Redmi Note 6 Pro |
PROS | PROS |
Fast. Impressive battery life. Large screen, but ergonomic. | Big, bright screen. All-day battery life. Capable camera. |
CONS | CONS |
Still runs Android Nougat. | No NFC. Micro USB port. Overblown software skin. |
SPECIFICATIONS
NETWORK | REDMI NOTE 5 PRO | REDMI NOTE 6 PRO |
Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 – SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 – SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
3G Network | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
4G Network | LTE band 1(2100), 3(1800), 5(850), 40(2300), 41(2500) | LTE band 1(2100), 3(1800), 4(1700/2100), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 20(800), 38(2600), 40(2300) |
Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE-A |
LAUNCH | REDMI NOTE 5 PRO | REDMI NOTE 6 PRO |
Announced | 2018, February | 2018, September |
Status | Available. Released 2018, February | Available. Released 2018, October |
BODY | REDMI NOTE 5 PRO | REDMI NOTE 6 PRO |
Dimensions | 158.6 x 75.4 x 8.1 mm (6.24 x 2.97 x 0.32 in) | 157.9 x 76.4 x 8.3 mm (6.22 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) |
Weight | 181 g (6.38 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
SIM | Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
DISPLAY | REDMI NOTE 5 PRO | REDMI NOTE 6 PRO |
Type | IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors | IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors |
Size | 5.99 inches, 92.6 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.26 inches, 97.8 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
Resolution | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
PLATFORM | REDMI NOTE 5 PRO | REDMI NOTE 6 PRO |
OS | Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie); MIUI 11 | Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie); MIUI 11 |
Chipset | Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636 (14 nm) |
CPU | Octa-core (4×1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4×1.6 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4×1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4×1.6 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
GPU | Adreno 509 | Adreno 509 |
MEMORY | REDMI NOTE 5 PRO | REDMI NOTE 6 PRO |
Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM |
MAIN CAMERA | REDMI NOTE 5 PRO | REDMI NOTE 6 PRO |
Modules | 12 MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9″, 1.25µm, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.0, 1/5.0″, 1.12µm, depth sensor | 12 MP, f/1.9, 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0″, 1.12µm, depth sensor |
Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
SELFIE CAMERA | REDMI NOTE 5 PRO | REDMI NOTE 6 PRO |
Modules | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3″, 0.9µm | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3″, 0.9µm 2 MP, f/2.2, 1.75µm, depth sensor |
Features | LED flash | HDR |
Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
SOUND | REDMI NOTE 5 PRO | REDMI NOTE 6 PRO |
Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
COMMUNICATION | REDMI NOTE 5 PRO | REDMI NOTE 6 PRO |
WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
GPS | Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS | Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, USB On-The-Go |
FEATURES | REDMI NOTE 5 PRO | REDMI NOTE 6 PRO |
Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
BATTERY | REDMI NOTE 5 PRO | REDMI NOTE 6 PRO |
Battery | Non-removable Li-Po 4000 mAh battery | Non-removable Li-Po 4000 mAh battery |
MISC | REDMI NOTE 5 PRO | REDMI NOTE 6 PRO |
Colors | Black, Champagne Gold, Rose Gold, Lake Blue | Black, Blue, Rose Gold, Red |
DESIGN
Redmi Note 5 Pro:
Redmi Note 5 Pro has a different design than its predecessor. It has thin bezels, though they could have been made thinner to make the mobile look attractive. These bezels become conspicuous because Redmi Note 5 Pro comes with a white front panel.
Arrangement of the buttons is such that the power button and the volume rocker is located on the right side of the smartphone while the SIM card / microSD tray is placed on the opposite side. These buttons and tray merge with the design of the mobile effortlessly. The buttons can be pressed very smoothly, and their response time is excellent as well.
There is a slight curve on the front of Redmi Note 5 Pro, while the back is similar to other models in the Redmi series. It is a heavy and tall mobile. The camera of the mobile extends outwards due to which Note 5 Pro sways on a surface. The curving of the metal sheet on the back of Redmi Note 5 Pro provides a good grip to the users, and it can be held comfortably. As a result, the design of the smartphone looks premium.
Redmi Note 6 Pro:
Xiaomi has stuck with its signature Redmi design in Redmi Note 6 Pro as well. No major changes have been made in this mode. Instead of the small components made of plastic at the top and bottom like the previous Redmi mobiles, plastic is used around the whole body of Redmi Note 6 Pro.
Bezels of this smartphone have been made thin, and screen to body ratio is increased, which is a major improvement from the previous Redmi mobiles. The notch is clearly visible as well. Front of the mobile is dominated by a 6.26′ display which is covered by Gorilla Glass. Notification LED is also present on the right side of the mobile.,
Handling the phone is easy as the body of Note 6 Pro is quite thin and easy to hold. A dual camera is arranged vertically, along with an LED flash at the back of the mobile. There is no separate slot for a microSD card, and users have to choose between SIM 2 and a memory card. The audio jack is also absent in this phone.
DISPLAY
Redmi Note 5 Pro:
With an IPS Panel of 5.99′, Redmi Note 5 Pro provides an amazing display. Settings of colour, contrast, and saturation have been set to the best condition automatically, but the users can adapt these settings to modes like the Increased contrast mode, Cool temperate, and many others.
The standard mode of Note 5 Pro produces excellent quality of images. The brightness levels of the mobile can go very high. There are very few, if any, problems in visibility in sunlight. The display is firmly attached to the glass of Note 5 Pro, which helps to produce a lively image.
Redmi Note 6 Pro:
According to the latest trends in smartphones, the notch of the Redmi Note 6 Pro is colorful, which may or may not be attractive to people depending on their taste. The display of 6.26′ is protected by Gorilla Glass, and it has a high pixel density of 403ppi. The brightness of the mobile is also excellent, and it can go up to 480 nits. However, in sunlight visibility, Redmi Note 6 Pro is average as some problems can be noticed while using the mobile from different angles in bright sunlight.
Colour accuracy and saturation of the mobile are perfect from the default settings, but the users can adapt these settings via different modes and options, including Automatic Contrast, Warm, or Cool Mode.
CAMERA
Redmi Note 5 Pro:
Redmi Note 5 Pro has a single selfie-camera of 20 Mega-Pixels with an LED flash, and the dual-camera arrangement of primary 12MP camera and a secondary 5MP at the back of the mobile.
The camera application is similar to previous Redmi smartphones. HDR Auto mode is absent, and can only be turned on manually. Unfortunately, the mobile does not support 4K video recording.
Talking about the quality of the picture of Redmi Note 5 Pro, in high-light situations, images captured were highly impressive with appropriate color saturation, brightness, and contrast. Photos look smooth and detailed.
Images taken in low-light conditions are decent with some noise, color inaccuracy, and minor detail imprecision. Overall, the quality of the photos is good.
Redmi Note 6 Pro:
The camera of Redmi Note 6 Pro has the same specifications as in Redmi Note 5, which includes a 12MP primary camera and a 5MP secondary camera, along with the dual-LED flash. The secondary camera is used for depth sensing and to focus on an object properly. It is important to capture good shots, especially in portrait mode.
In the camera app, the mode of the camera can be adjusted by simply swiping to the left or right. In order to switch to the front camera, a button is visible in the application. For flash mode, HDR, and filters, toggles are present. To enhance the pictures by manifold, AI mode is also present, which can be turned on by simply tapping on the toggle for AI.
Pictures taken in broad daylight produce an excellent result as the phots are extremely detailed, sharp and have good colours with minimum noise. Photos taken in the night or low-light conditions are detailed as well; however, lack of optical stabilization makes them a little blurred on many occasions. Thus, the progress of the camera can be declared above average or decent overall.
SPEAKERS
Redmi Note 5 Pro:
A single speaker of Redmi Note 5 Pro manages to give out a decent loud sound; however, the audio quality is average. At high volume, the sound gets distorted, and the volume has to be decreased.
The headphone can be connected to the Redmi Note 5 Pro through the 3.5mm headphone jack or the support of Bluetooth 5.0. The quality of the sound through both of these options is good. Sound can be changed a little bit through the default equalizer if you have the Xiaomi headphones.
Redmi Note 6 Pro:
There is a single speaker at the bottom of Redmi Note 6 Pro. Its audio output is excellent as the volume can go very high and also maintains the clarity and richness of the sound.
Through headphones, the loudness of the sound took some hit, and there were slight distortions in the clarity of the sound. Overall, the audio quality is great and should satisfy the users.
PERFORMANCE
Redmi Note 5 Pro:
Redmi Note 5 Pro is one of the first, if not the first, mobile to use Snapdragon 636 chipset. It is an octa-core chip that provides a smartphone will all the power necessary to ensure its efficient and reliable performance.
Upon using the mobile for a long period of time, no major issues can be noticed. On heavy gaming, however, slight overheating can be felt, but there are no lags in gaming or streaming.
Redmi Note 6 Pro:
Redmi Note 6 Pro is powered by Snapdragon 636, and there many variants available on the basis of RAM, which includes 3GB of RAM, 4GB of RAM, or 6GB of RAM. The advantage of this fact is that the users can opt for the variant which suits their usage. Heave games and users should buy the Note 6 Pro with 6GB of RAM, so they can enjoy the mobile smoothly.
SOFTWARE
Redmi Note 5 Pro:
MIUI 9, which is based on Android 7, is installed in Redmi Note 5 Pro. It is very identical to other Xiaomi mobiles. All of the options, like the quick toggles, security application, in-built apps, and widgets, are placed in their traditional space with no major changes.
With time, Xiaomi has tried its best to improve the MIUI and make it user-friendly; however, it has started to look mundane now due to lack of innovation and creativity. Xiaomi really needs to up their game in terms of software updates of Xiaomi smartphones, including Redmi Note 5 Pro.
Redmi Note 6 Pro:
MIUI’s own software is used in Redmi Note 6 Pro, like in every other Xiaomi smartphone. Despite heavy criticism at the lack of app drawer in MIUI, Xiaomi has not added this feature in this mobile as well. The option of face unlock has been added to modernize the experience of the mobile.
All of the other features are the same as the previous Redmi mobiles. Mi applications are set as default applications for cloud, gallery, music, weather, calendar, and all of the other primary apps. Security app is present to manage RAM, cache deletion, applications, storage, and battery.
BATTERY
Redmi Note 5 Pro:
Redmi Note 5 Pro gives an impressive battery capacity. With one complete day of usage, you can expect to get about 9 hours of screen time, which is outstanding for mobile of this price. Quick Charge 2.0 is supported.
A full charge of the mobile from 0 to 100% took about two and a half hours. Ordinary micro USB is present in Redmi Note 5 Pro, which is a disappointment as most of the latest mobiles have already shifted to USB Type-C port.
Redmi Note 6 Pro:
Powered by a large battery of 4,000mAh, Redmi Note 6 Pro can easily provide power for a whole day on regular usage with some heavy usage. It supports regular charging, and about 30% of the battery is charged in 35 minutes. On the battery test, it is found that the mobile loses about two hours of battery on the continuous usage of the camera.
WHICH ONE YOU SHOULD BUY?
Redmi Note 6 Pro should be your smartphone choice because, with a large immersive screen and a good battery life, it offers all the important things one is looks while buying a smartphone. Moreover, the camera of Redmi Note 6 Pro is amazing and captures great photos along with good video recording. Therefore, you should definitely go for Redmi Note 6 Pro.