Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro: what is the difference and which smartphone is better to choose?

Introduction: Why is the comparison still relevant?

Even 6 years after the release of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro remain popular in the secondary market, these models became legendary due to the balance of price and characteristics, and their differences still raise questions among buyers. In 2018, the price difference between the versions reached 30-40%, but did the Pro version justify its premium? Today we will examine the unique technical nuances that make these smartphones fundamentally different — from processors to camera capabilities.

It's important to understand that despite the same design and name, the Redmi Note 5 Pro is not just an "improved version", but actually a different device with a different architecture. For example, fast charging is only available in the Pro model, and the regular Note 5 uses an outdated chipset that can today become a bottleneck.

1. Processors: Snapdragon 625 vs Snapdragon 636 – 40% performance difference

The main difference is hidden under the body. Redmi Note 5 is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 (14 nm, 8 Cortex-A53 cores up to 2.0 GHz), while the Pro version received the Snapdragon 636 (14 nm, 8 Kryo cores 260 to 1.8 GHz). On paper, the difference in frequency seems small, but in practice:

• 📊 AnTuTu: 625 dials ~85,000 points, 636 — ~115 000 (+35%)
• 🎮 Games: At 636 PUBG Mobile is running on “Balanced” settings, and 625 requires reduction to “Low” settings"
• 🔋 Energy efficiency: Kryo 260 is 20% more economical at equal load

Critical: The Snapdragon 625 does not support the Vulkan API, which limits compatibility with modern games. For example, Genshin Impact on Redmi Note 5 will run only with errors, while the Pro version will cope with the minimum settings.

⚠️ Both chipsets do not officially support Android 12+. The latest firmware for the Redmi Note 5/5 Pro — MIUI 12.5 Android-based 10. Security updates terminated in 2022 year.

2 Cameras: Dual module vs single - difference in detail

Here, the Redmi Note 5 Pro is out ahead unconditionally. The conventional model has a single 12 MP camera (Sony IMX363 sensor, f/2.2 aperture), while the Pro version has a dual module:

• 📷 Main camera: 12 MP (Sony) IMX486, f/1.9) + 5 MP (depth)
• 🌃 Night shooting: The Pro-model implements the Multi-frame Noise Reduction algorithm, which is not available in the basic version
• 🎥 Video: Both models are filming 4K@30fps, but 5 Pro is available for stabilization EIS full HD

An example of the difference: when shooting a portrait, the Redmi Note 5 uses software blurring the background, while the Pro uses a second module for natural bokeh. In low light, the difference is 2 stops of exposure in favor of the Pro model.

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To improve shooting on Redmi Note 5 (not Pro) use the GCam application with config BSG_MGC_6.1.021. That'll add. HDR+ night mode programmatically.

3.Display: Same on paper, different in sensation

Both models received 5.99-inch IPS-resolution-screen 2160×1080 (18:9) brightness 450 But there are nuances:

• 🎨 Color Transfer: Note 5 Pro supports sRGB and DCI-P3, The base model is limited to sRGB.
• ☀️ Autobrightness: The Pro version implements a light sensor with 2026 adjustment levels (vs. 1024 in the conventional model)
• 🔄 Upgrade frequency: Both models are limited to 60Hz, but the Note 5 Pro has less input lag (65ms vs 72ms)

Key test: when viewed HDR-content (such as Netflix or YouTube) HDR) Redmi Note 5 Pro Shows 15% More Color Saturated With Hardware Support HDR10. The basic model emulates HDR software.

4. Battery and Charging: 4,000mAh vs 4,000mAh - but not all that simple

Both models are equipped with a battery capacity 4000 mAh, but here lies the main trap for buyers. - Redmi Note 5 Supports only standard charging 5V/2A (10W), The Pro version is compatible with Quick Charge. 2.0 (18W).

Differences in practice:

• ⚡ 0-100%: 2 hour 45 minutes 5 vs 1 hour 50 minutes 5 Pro
• 🔌 30 minutes of charging: 28% vs 45% respectively
• 🔋 Autonomy: Same (up to 2 days at average load), but Pro-model recovers charge faster

⚠️ Note: Use of Quick Charge Charge 3.0/4.0 Redmi Note 5 Pro will not give speed gain – the chipset supports only QC 2.0. Optimal adapter: original MDY-08-EM (18W).

Use the original charger|Avoid a discharge below 20%|Turn off "Autolight" in the settings|Update to the latest version MIUI-->

5.Memory and Storage: LPDDR4X vs LPDDR3 - Why it's Important

RAM in models differs not only in volume, but also in type. Redmi Note 5 received 3/4 GB of LPDDR3, and the Pro version – 4/6 GB of LPDDR4X.

• 🚀 Capacity: 25.6 GB/s y LPDDR4X vs 12.8 GB/s y LPDDR3
• 📱 Multitasking: On Note 5 Pro 6 GB RAM is simultaneously held to 12 applications in the background (against) 6-7 base-model)
• 💾 Storage: Both models are available in variants 32/64 GB, but Pro supports UFS 2.1 (anti-eMMC 5.1 conventionally)

Test in practice: when Chrome launches with 10 tabs and Instagram in the background of the Redmi Note 5 begins to slow down after 20 minutes, while the Pro version keeps smooth until rebooted.

6.Design and ergonomics: Same on the outside, different on the inside

The exterior models are identical: aluminum body, rounded edges, Micro-USB connector (yes, in 2018, this was the norm).

• 📶 Antennae: In Note 5 Pro implemented system 4×4 MIMO for LTE, which improves the reception of the signal 30%
• 🔊 Dynamics: Pro-version received stereo speakers (main) + The basic model is mono, whereas the basic model is mono.
• 🌡️ Heat sink: Note 5 Pro uses a copper plate thickness of 0.3 mm (versus 0.15 mm in the conventional model)

Interesting fact: despite the same weight (181 g), the Redmi Note 5 Pro is 0.3 mm thicker due to the additional heat dissipating layer. This is noticeable when using covers - some accessories for the base model may not work.

7.Price and relevance in 2026: Is it worth buying today?

In the secondary market (according to Avito and Yula data for May 2026), prices were distributed as follows:

• 💰 Redmi Note 5 (3/32 GB): 4 000–6 000 ₽
• 💰 Redmi Note 5 Pro (4/64 GB): 7 000–9 000 ₽
• 💰 Redmi Note 5 Pro (6/64 GB): 9 000–12 000 ₽

Should I overpay? Definitely yes, if:

• 📸 You need a camera (especially portrait mode and night photography)
• 🎮 You play mobile games (even lightweight ones like Brawl Stars)
• ⚡ You need a quick charge.

In other cases, the Redmi Note 5 will cope with basic tasks (calls, instant messengers, YouTube). 5G, their processors are no longer pulling up modern applications like CapCut or AI-social media filters.

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The main conclusion: Redmi Note 5 Pro justifies the overpayment only for photos and games. For everything else, the difference is not critical, but consider the outdated hardware and the lack of updates.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions