The Redmi Note line has long been a benchmark for the budget segment, but it was the seventh generation that divided the audience into two camps. Many users still puzzle over the choice between the standard version and the Pro model, since they are almost identical in appearance.
At first glance, it seems that the difference is minimal, but under the hood hides serious engineering decisions that affect the speed and quality of images. In this article, we will discuss the technical details so that you can make an informed choice when buying a used device or evaluating your current gadget.
Understanding the differences between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 and Redmi Note 7 Pro is critical, because overpaying for a Pro doesnβt always mean getting a better experience for a particular use case.
Design and ergonomics of housings
Both smartphones have a modern design with a drop-shaped cutout and glass panels, which for the budget segment was a pleasant surprise: the cases are protected by Gorilla Glass 5 glass in the front and rear, which increases their resistance to scratches in daily use.
Despite the visual similarity, the Redmi Note 7 Pro has a slightly different layout of the internal elements, which barely noticeably affects the weight distribution.The standard version feels slightly lighter in the hand, which can be important for those who spend a lot of time in games.
β οΈ Note: Despite the use of tempered glass, both smartphones are extremely sensitive to impacts on the ends.
The dimensions of the devices are almost identical, but the thickness of the Pro version may differ slightly due to the different design of the main camera module.
Screen: technology and color reproduction
Both machines are equipped. IPS-matrix with a diagonal of 6.3 inches and a resolution of FullHD+, But the color calibration and maximum brightness of the models can vary depending on the panel manufacturer, which has changed in different revisions.
Users often note that the Redmi Note 7 Pro has a slightly higher brightness margin, which makes reading information in the sun more comfortable. The standard model also shows good viewing angles, but in some instances there is a βglowβ effect at the edges at low brightness levels.
- π± Type of matrix: IPS LCD glass-plated
- π Pixel density: 412 ppi for both models
- βοΈ Protective coating: oleophobic coating present
- π Energy efficiency: optimized for charge savings
Importantly, the MIUI software shell allows you to flexibly adjust the color temperature and read mode on both devices, which helps to level the factory differences of the panels and customize the screen to your preferences.
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To extend the life of OLED-like IPS arrays, reduce the brightness in the room and use a dark interface theme.
Performance: Snapdragon 660 vs Snapdragon 675
The most fundamental difference lies in the hardware platform: the base Redmi Note 7 runs on the Snapdragon 660 chipset, which is a time-tested workhorse. In turn, the Redmi Note 7 Pro received a more modern Snapdragon 675, built on the architecture of the Kryo 460.
The difference in synthetic tests is about 30-40% in favor of the Pro version, which in real life is expressed in the faster launch of heavy applications and games. The architecture of the new processor allows you to more efficiently distribute tasks between the cores, reducing heat at peak loads.
The Adreno 612 graphics accelerator in the Pro version also outperforms the Adreno 512 of its predecessor, giving a noticeable increase in FPS in games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty, allowing you to set higher graphics settings.
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The Snapdragon 675 in the Note 7 Pro provides a margin of performance thatβs relevant even years after its release, while the SD660 is already struggling with todayβs heavy-duty apps.
It is worth considering that the cooling system in both smartphones is implemented through graphite gaskets and a copper tube, but due to the higher heat output of the new processor, the Redmi Note 7 Pro can be heated more actively in benchmarks.
Cameras: detailing and night shooting
The core module in the Redmi Note 7 is based on Samsungβs GM1 sensor with a resolution of 48 MP, a revolutionary step for the budget segment, allowing high-detailed images in good lighting.
The Pro version received the flagship at that time sensor Sony IMX586 also 48 MP. the Main difference is the size of the pixel and technology Quad Bayer: Sony allows you to combine pixels more efficiently, which gives a win in dynamic range and color reproduction.
| Characteristics | Redmi Note 7 | Redmi Note 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Primary sensor | Samsung GM1 | Sony IMX586 |
| Aperture | f/1.75 | f/1.75 |
| Pixel size | 0.8 ΞΌm (combination up to 1.6 ΞΌm) | 0.8 ΞΌm (combination up to 1.6 ΞΌm) |
| Video | 4K at 30 fps | 4K at 30 fps |
In low light conditions, the Redmi Note 7 Pro displays less digital noise. Image processing algorithms work better with Sony's matrix, keeping details in the shadows where the conventional version "smears" noise cancellation.
β οΈ Attention: 48MP is only available in good lighting. At night, the camera automatically switches to 12MP to combine the pixels.
Autonomy and charging speed
Both smartphones have a 4,000mAh battery, which was a great performance for 2019, but the power consumption of the Snapdragon 675 is optimized better thanks to 11nm versus 14nm of the Snapdragon 660.
The key advantage of the Pro version was the support of fast charging technology Quick Charge 4.0. Complete with the Redmi Note 7 Pro often supplied a power supply unit that allows you to charge the device much faster.
βοΈ Checking battery status
The standard Redmi Note 7 supports Quick Charge 3.0, which is also good, but the full charge cycle takes longer, meaning that the Pro version can be powered faster before leaving the house.
Memory and configuration options
The line offered various combinations of RAM and internal memory. The basic versions often came with 3 GB of RAM, which is the absolute minimum for a comfortable interface.
For the Redmi Note 7 Pro, configurations with 6 GB of LPDDR4X type RAM were available. This provides more aggressive application caching and fewer reboots of background processes.
- πΎ Memory Type: eMMC 5.1 (in some versions) UFS 2.1)
- π Reading speed: Affects the speed of application installation
- π Extension: microSD slot up to 256GB
- βοΈ Virtual Memory: Depends on the version MIUI
When buying a used device, be sure to check the type of internal memory. Versions with UFS 2.1 are much faster at writing and reading large files than common eMMCs.
The Secret Possibilities of Memory
Software and updates
Both devices originally launched on Android 9 Pie with the MIUI 10 shell, and have received several major updates over their lifecycle, reaching Android 10 and MIUI 12 in most regions.
Support for both smartphones is officially completed, but the development community continues to produce custom firmware. Redmi Note 7 Pro thanks to more powerful hardware better cope with heavy builds of Android 12 and 13 from third-party enthusiasts.
The Pro version has a higher stability on the stock firmware, especially when multitasking. Less RAM in the base Note 7 can lead to more frequent downloads of applications from memory.
β οΈ Attention: Before installing custom firmware, be sure to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi website, otherwise you risk getting a βbrick".
Conclusions and Comparisons
To sum up, the Redmi Note 7 Pro is a more balanced device with a margin of performance for the future. The difference in processor and camera justifies the overpayment if you plan to actively use your smartphone for photos and games.
But the regular Redmi Note 7 remains a worthy choice for the unassuming users who just need a reliable device for calling, instant messengers and watching videos, and its characteristics still allow you to comfortably solve basic tasks.
Choosing between these models today is more about choosing the status of a particular instance in the secondary market than it is about racing for specs, since both phones are no longer novelties.