Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: Which one to choose – 4/64 or 6/64?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, released in 2018, is still one of the most talked-about devices in the budget segment, often called the “favourite” for its combination of characteristics and price, which makes it a popular choice in the secondary market. However, before buying, a reasonable question arises: what kind of modification should you buy to keep the device relevant and fast in today’s conditions?

The main difficulty of choosing lies in the confusing nomenclature: the device came out under different names in different regions, and the specifications of the versions 4/64 GB and 6/64 GB have significant differences. Wrong choice can lead to disappointment, since the performance and quality of shooting directly depend on the specific revision of the processor. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances so that you can make an informed decision.

It's important to understand that this is about buying a used device or inventory, since the model has officially been discontinued. So the key factors will be the state of the battery, the presence of traces of repair and, of course, the internal stuffing. The global version with the model code M1803E7SG is equipped with a Snapdragon 636 processor, which is significantly more powerful than the Chinese counterpart on the Snapdragon 630.

Key differences between versions and modifications

The first thing that customers face is the presence of two main hardware variants: the Chinese version, known as the Redmi Note 5 Pro, is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 chipset. The global version, which was officially sold in Europe and Russia, received the more advanced Snapdragon 636. The difference in performance between them reaches 20-25%, which is a critical indicator in 2026.

There is also confusion about memory, with the most common configurations being 3/32, 4/64 and 6/64 GB. If you're looking for a device that makes instant messengers and social media comfortable, the minimum comfortable threshold is a bundle of 4 GB of RAM. The 3 GB variant is already struggling to cope with today's heavy applications.

⚠️ Warning: When buying, make sure to check the model in the About Phone section. If the model name says "Redmi Note 5 Pro", it's the Chinese version. If just "Redmi Note 5" is most likely global. LTE In some regions, the lack of Russian from the box.

Also worth paying attention to support for Quick Charge technology. 636 supports fast charging QC 3.0, which allows you to charge the battery with capacity 4000 about a m 2 Chinese version of the 630 The chip is limited to slower protocols, which increases the charging time to the 2.5-3 hours.

Performance comparison: Snapdragon 630 vs 636

The heart of the smartphone is the processor, and that's where the big difference lies. The Snapdragon 636 is more slim and has a more efficient Kryo 260 core architecture. It's not just the synthetic test boost, it's actually smoother, and apps open faster and multitasking is more stable.

The difference is also noticeable in games: the global version is able to run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at medium settings with acceptable FPS, while the Chinese version will have difficulties even at minimal settings. For casual gamers, the choice is obvious: only SD 636.

• 🚀 Snapdragon 636: 8 cores, process technology 14 nm, graphics Adreno 509, Antutu ~115,000 points.
• 🐢 Snapdragon 630: 8 cores, process technology 14 nm, graphics Adreno 508, Antutu ~90,000 points.
• 🔋 Energy efficiency: SD 636 consumes less energy at peak loads.
• 📶 Modem: SD 636 uses a more modern modem X12 LTE, better-connected.

But don't discount the 630 version, if your budget is tight and you don't have game requirements, it's a viable option, it's great for YouTube, navigation and calls, but if you have to decide which one to choose, the global version is clearly the priority.

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The difference in processors determines not only the speed of work, but also the relevance of the smartphone. Snapdragon 636 will extend the life of the device for another 1-2 years of active use.

Cameras: Dual module and shooting quality

One of the big things that Redmi Note 5 was buying was a dual main camera, which consists of a 12MP wide-angle module (Sony IMX486) and a 5MP telephoto lens to determine depth of field, and it was the presence of Sony's sensor that set this model apart from competitors at the time.

During the day, the smartphone takes great pictures with good detail and dynamic range. Portraits mode works correctly, cutting off the background well thanks to the second module. However, at night, the situation gets worse: the lack of optical stabilization (OIS) leads to lubricants, and software noise emitting sometimes “wash” the image.

⚠️ Note: In the secondary market, there are often instances with replaced cameras for cheaper counterparts, and you can check this by taking a test photo in good light: if the detail is low and the colors are faded, the sensor is probably not the original Sony.

The 13MP front camera is equipped with an LED flash and supports “Beauty” mode using artificial intelligence. Its capabilities are quite enough for video calls and selfies on social networks, although it does not write 4K video, limiting itself to Full HD at 30 frames per second.

Screen and multimedia capabilities

The smartphone display is a IPS-diagonal 5.99 resolution 2160×1080 pixels (format) 18:9). The density of pixels is 403 ppi, which provides a clear picture. Color rendering is set up quite brightly, albeit with a slight departure to cold tones, which is typical for Xiaomi devices.

Corning Gorilla Glass is the protector of the screen, but the generations may have been different in different batches. Either way, having a protective glass is a plus. 450 nits of brightness is enough for indoors, but it can be a bit difficult to read in the direct sun.

The multimedia part is represented by the presence of a 3.5 mm headphone jack and support for the aptX HD codec. This allows you to transmit high-quality audio over Bluetooth. The speaker is only one located on the bottom end, and it is quite loud, but there are no extra basses.

Memory, batteries and autonomy

Autonomy is one of the great trump cards of this model. 4000 mAh in conjunction with an energy-efficient screen and processor makes it easy to withstand 1.5-2 a day of moderate use, even in the 2026 Many of the copies show excellent results.

But when you buy a used device, the battery status is a lottery, and if the previous owner was actively playing or using the navigator, the capacity could degrade to 70-80%, and you can check this through the engineering menu or special diagnostic applications.

As for memory, it's standard for its time: a hybrid slot. You can set two. SIM-card SIM Support for memory cards up to 256 GB allows you to solve the problem of lack of space for photos and videos.

Table of comparison of characteristics of modifications

So for ease of decision, we're going to bring the basics together into a single table, and that's going to help you quickly navigate the differences between the versions.

As you can see from the table, the Indian version is also based on a good processor, but the camera sensors there may differ from the top Sony, so when choosing which to choose, it is better to focus on the global version labeled M1803E7SG.

Frequent problems and advice on the choice of b / d

Buying a smartphone that is several years old requires you to be prepared for certain risks. One of the common problems of the Redmi Note 5 is the plume dump of the main camera module or speaker, which manifests itself in periodic loss of sound or camera errors.

It's also worth looking closely at the case for autopsy marks, the screws at the bottom may be torn off and the sealing pad missing, suggesting that the phone was opened, possibly to replace the battery or repair after a fall.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid devices that unlock the bootloader without being able to lock it back. These phones were often used for mining or software testing, and their resource could be exhausted. You can check status in the About Phone menu with a quick click on the version. MIUI.

Another important thing is that it supports updates, and the device officially stopped at Android 9 (MIUI 12), although there are custom firmware, and if you want security and fresh patches, that's something you need to consider, but for basic tasks, the current firmware is still quite relevant.

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When buying from hand, be sure to reset your phone to factory settings in the presence of the seller, which will make sure that the device does not have hidden accounts Mi Cloud (Mi Account), locking which will turn the phone into a “brick”.

The final verdict: should I take in 2026?

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 in 2026 is a great choice as a first smartphone for a child, a phone maker, a navigator in a car or a media remote for a smart home. Its performance is still enough for basic tasks, and the presence of NFC (in some rare versions, but more often it is not) and an infrared port makes it versatile.

If you choose between modifications, the answer is clear: look for a global version on the Snapdragon 636 with 4 or 6 GB of RAM. The price difference in the secondary market is minimal, and the performance and quality gains of the cameras are worth it.

In conclusion, this smartphone has proven to be reliable over time, and thousands of devices are still in service, delighting owners, and the key is to find a good instance in good technical condition.