When choosing between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 and the Redmi Note 5 Pro, many users are faced with a dilemma: which is better โ budget reliability or advanced features for a moderate fee? These models, released in 2018, still remain relevant in the secondary market due to balanced characteristics and time-tested stability. But what exactly are these smartphones different, and should you overpay for the Pro version?
In this article, weโll break down 10 key differences between the Redmi Note 5 and the Redmi Note 5 Pro, including processors, cameras, screen, battery and software. Youโll learn which tasks each model does best, and youโll be able to make informed choices โ especially if youโre planning to buy a used device in 2026. And for those who already own one of these models, weโve provided unique tips for optimizing performance and extending lifespan.
1.CPU and performance: Snapdragon 625 vs Snapdragon 636
The main โironโ difference between the models lies under the body. Redmi Note 5 is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor (14 nm, 8 Cortex-A53 cores, frequency up to 2.0 GHz), while the Note 5 Pro received a more powerful Snapdragon 636 (14 nm, 8 Kryo 260 cores, frequency up to 1.8 GHz for small and 2.2 GHz for large cores). On paper, the frequency difference does not seem critical, but the architecture of Kryo provides 30-40% better performance in games and heavy applications.
In everyday tasks (social networks, instant messengers, video viewing), both smartphones show the same smoothness, but when you launch modern games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile, the difference becomes obvious:
- ๐ฎ Redmi Note 5: average graphics settings, possible slowdowns in dynamic scenes
- ๐ฎ Redmi Note 5 Pro: high settings, stable 30-40 FPS
- ๐ In the AnTuTu 9 test (2026): ~100,000 points for the Note 5 vs. ~130,000 Note 5 Pros
- ๐ Snapdragon 636 more energy efficient at high loads โ the battery runs slower
โ ๏ธ Both models support Quick Charge 3.0, But there is a standard charger in the 5V/2A. For full fast charging, you will need to buy an adapter separately (we recommend Xiaomi). 18W Quick Charge 3.0).
Camera: dual module vs single
The difference is fundamental: the Redmi Note 5 has a single main camera at 12 MP (Sony IMX363 sensor, f/2.2 aperture), while the Note 5 Pro received a dual module: 12 MP (main, Sony IMX486, f/1.9) + 5 MP (for background blurring).
| Parameter | Redmi Note 5 | Redmi Note 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera. | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/1.9 + 5 MP (depth) |
| Front camera. | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 20 MPP, f/2.2 s LED-flash |
| Video | Full HD 30 FPS | Full HD 30 FPS + EIS |
| Night shooting | Medium quality | Better detail thanks to f/1.9 |
| Portrait mode | Software (artificial blur) | Hardware (real bokeh) |
The Note 5 Pro front camera stands out especially: the 20 MP with a soft flash allows you to take selfies with high detail even in poor light. For comparison, the 5MP frontal Note 5 at dusk makes noticeable noise. Examples:
- ๐ Note 5 Pro better copes with night shooting thanks to more light-powered optics (f/1.9 vs f/2.2)
- ๐ค Portrait mode on Note 5 Pro implemented hardware โ background blur looks more natural
- ๐ฅ Video on Note 5 Pro is electronically stabilized (EIS), The Note 5 has no stabilization.
๐ก
To improve your photos on the Redmi Note 5, use the GCam (Google Camera) app with a config for the Snapdragon 625. This will add HDR+ mode and night vision.
3.Display: same size, different quality
Both models have 5.99-inch IPS-resolution-screen 2160ร1080 (Full HD+) side-relation 18:9. But there are nuances:
- ๐ฆ Redmi Note 5 Pro has 10% greater brightness (up to 450 nits vs 400 nits in Note 5)
- ๐จ Color reproduction in the Pro-version is more accurate thanks to factory calibration (ฮE ~1.5 vs ~2.0)
- โ๏ธ Oleophobic coating on Note 5 Pro retains fingerprint resistance longer
In everyday use, the difference is not critical, but when viewed HDR-The Note 5 Pro features richer colors and better contrast, and itโs worth noting that the Note 5 Pro has support for Sunlight Display, a technology that automatically adjusts contrast in bright sunlight.
Battery and autonomy: who holds the longer?
Both models are equipped with non-removable batteries with a capacity of 4000 mAh, but the operating time is different due to the optimization of the processors:
- ๐ฑ Redmi Note 5: Up to 1.5 days with moderate use (social media, calls, video)
- ๐ฑ Redmi Note 5 Pro: Up to 2 days with more energy efficient Snapdragon 636
- ๐ Both smartphones support Quick Charge 3.0, but the full charging cycle takes up a lot of time. ~2.5 hours
โ ๏ธ Note: If you buy a used device, be sure to check the battery status through the AccuBattery app. 3000 mic (75% The cost of a new battery for both models โ ~1500-2000 ruble.
Interestingly, despite having the same capacity, the Note 5 Pro is better at keeping the charge in standby mode thanks to MIUI optimization for the Snapdragon 636. For example, with 100% charge and the screen off, the Note 5 loses ~5% per night, and the Note 5 Pro only ~2-3%.
Memory and storage: configuration options
The manufacturer offered different options:
| Model | RAM | ROM | MicroSD slot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 5 | 3/4 GB | 32/64 GB | Yeah (hybrid) |
| Redmi Note 5 Pro | 4/6 GB | 64GB | Yeah (hybrid) |
Key points:
- ๐พ Note 5 Pro is only available in variants 4/64 GB and 6/64 GB, whereas Note 5 budget-based 3/32 GB
- ๐ Both smartphones use a hybrid slot: either the second one. SIM, either microSD (up to 256 GB)
- ๐ 6 GB of RAM in Note 5 Pro are relevant for multitasking โ for example, when working with 10+ tabs
How to check the actual amount of memory?
6. Design and ergonomics: metal vs metal
The exterior is almost identical: the aluminum body, the rounded edges, the fingerprint scanner on the back.
- ๐ Note 5 Pro is 2 grams heavier (181 g vs 179 g) and 0.2 mm thicker due to dual camera
- ๐จ Note 5 Pro is available in Black, Gold, Blue and Pink, while Note 5 is available in the first three colors.
- ๐ A 3.5 mm headphone connector and an infrared port (for control equipment) are in both models
Both smartphones are comfortable in the hand thanks to the rounded side faces, but the Note 5 Pro is a little slippery due to the glossy back panel (the Note 5 has a matte one).
7.Software: Support for Updates
At the time of release, both models were running MIUI 9 (based on Android 7.1 Nougat), but the update history is different:
- ๐ค Redmi Note 5 gets its latest major update MIUI 12 (Android 9 Pie)
- ๐ค Redmi Note 5 Pro caught up to MIUI 12.5 (Android 10)
- ๐ Both models no longer receive official security updates (the latest is September 2021)
โ ๏ธ Note: Installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) can improve performance, but it will take away the official warranty (if it still works) and some features. MIUI, Second Space or App Lock.
To extend the service life, we recommend:
โ๏ธ Optimizing the old Xiaomi
8.Price and relevance in 2026
In the secondary market (for example, on Avito or Yula), prices vary:
- ๐ฐ Redmi Note 5 (3/32 GB): 4 000โ6 000 ruble
- ๐ฐ Redmi Note 5 (4/64 GB): 6 000โ8 000 ruble
- ๐ฐ Redmi Note 5 Pro (4/64 GB): 8 000โ10 000 ruble
- ๐ฐ Redmi Note 5 Pro (6/64 GB): 10 000โ12 000 ruble
Should I pay more for the Pro version in 2026?
Alternatives for comparison:
- ๐ Redmi 9A (2020 โ cheaper, but weaker in productivity
- ๐ Poco M3 (2020 โ better price/quality ratio (Snapdragon 662, 6000 mAh)
- ๐ Redmi Note 10 (2021) - more relevant, but more expensive (from 15 000 rubles used)