Why is the Redmi Note 7 and 7 Pro still relevant?
Even 5 years after the release of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 and Redmi Note 7 Pro remain in demand in the secondary market. These smartphones have become legendary due to the combination of performance, build quality and affordable price. But what are the fundamental differences between the basic and pro version? Should you overpay for the Redmi Note 7 Pro, or will the Redmi Note 7 cope with modern tasks as well?
In this article, we'll look at all the key differences, from processors and cameras to design and autonomy, and you'll learn which model is best for gaming, taking photos, multitasking and long-term non-recharging, and at the end, you'll find an FAQ that answers the most common questions about these smartphones.
If you're planning on buying a used device or just wondering about the history of the Redmi Note line, this information will be useful. Let's start with the most important thing: hardware.
1. Processors: Snapdragon 660 vs Snapdragon 675 - how noticeable is the difference?
The main difference between the Redmi Note 7 Pro and the regular version is the processor. The base model received the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14 nm), and the pro version - the Snapdragon 675 (11 nm). On paper, the difference in architecture and core frequencies seems small, but in practice it affects:
- 🎮 Game Performance: Snapdragon 675 is better optimized for heavy-duty projects PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty in Medium Settings.
- 🔋 Energy efficiency: 11-nm process technology 675th chip reduces heating and battery consumption at long loads.
- 📊 Multitasking: Redmi Note 7 Pro Switches between Apps Faster Thanks to Improved Memory LPDDR4X (against LPDDR4 base-model).
But it's not that clear. In everyday tasks like social media, messengers, video, the difference between chips is almost invisible. The real performance gains in synthetic tests (AnTuTu, Geekbench) are about 15-20%, but in games, it can be as high as 30% at maximum graphics settings. If you're not a gamer, it makes no sense to overpay for a 675 CPU.
The Snapdragon 660 in the Redmi Note 7 warms up more under prolonged loads, which can lead to trottling (lower performance), which the Note 7 Pro solves with more efficient cooling and an optimized chip.
⚠️ Note: If you plan to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), note that the Snapdragon 675 has a wider firmware selection and greater stability.
2 Cameras: 48 MP vs 12 MP - should you believe megapixels?
One of the most talked-about differences is the main camera. The Redmi Note 7 Pro has a Sony IMX586 48 MP (binning up to 12 MP), and the base model has a Samsung GM1 12 MP. On paper, the difference is huge, but in practice it all depends on the shooting conditions.
| Parameter | Redmi Note 7 (12 MP) | Redmi Note 7 Pro (48 MP) |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor resolution | 4000×3000 | 8000×6000 (with 4-in-1) binning |
| Aperture | f/2.2 | f/1.8 |
| Night photography | Yes, but with noise. | Better detail, less noise |
| Video 4K | No. | Yeah, 30 fps. |
| Front camera. | 13 MP, f/2.0 | 13 MP, f/2.0 (unchanged) |
During daylight hours, the difference between the cameras is minimal, with both smartphones delivering bright and detailed images, but at dusk or in artificial light, the Note 7 Pro benefits by:
- 🌃 Lighter aperture f/1.8 (against f/2.2 base-model).
- 📸 Better noise processing thanks to larger pixel sizes after binning.
- 🎥 Support 4K-Video that is not available in Redmi Note 7.
But there’s a downside: 48-megapixel photos take up much more space (up to 20MB per RAW shot) and they require more resources to process. Unless you plan on printing large-format photos or professionally editing them, 12 MP from the Note 7 will be enough.
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To enable full 48 MP shooting on the Redmi Note 7 Pro, go to Camera Settings → Resolution → 48 MP. Note that this mode turns off HDR and night mode.
3. Display: the same screens or is there a catch?
At first glance, the screens of both models are identical:
- 📱 Diagonal: 6.3 inches.
- 🔳 Permission: 2340×1080 (Full HD+).
- 🎨 Type of matrix: IPS LCD drop-necked.
- 🔦 Brightness: up to 450 nits.
But there are a few nuances that are rarely mentioned.
First, the Redmi Note 7 Pro uses better Gorilla Glass 5 (against Gorilla Glass 4 in the base model), which means better protection against scratches and chips when falling. Second, the color calibration in the Pro version is a little more accurate — especially when viewing. HDR-content.
But both screens have one problem: they have a mediocre automatic brightness, and in sunny weather, the image may appear dim, and in dark rooms it may appear too bright. IPS-Xiaomi matrices from the period.
⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi Note 7/7 Pro, be sure to check the screen for yellow spots, which are a very common problem in these models, because they come from the detachment of the LED backlight and they get worse over time.
4. Battery and charging: who will live longer without an outlet?
Both models have a 4,000mAh battery, but they have different battery life, and the reason is because of the processor and software optimization.
- ⚡ Redmi Note 7 (Snapdragon 660): on average, it lasts 1.5-2 days with moderate use (social networks, messengers, 3-4 hours of screen time).
- ⚡ Redmi Note 7 Pro (Snapdragon 675): thanks to the 11-nm process technology can last up to 2-2.5 days in the same scenario.
Both models support fast charging Quick Charge 4.0, but the package comes with a 10W adapter. To take full potential (up to 18W), you will have to buy a charger separately. A full charge cycle from 0 to 100% takes about 2 hours with the original adapter.
The important thing is that battery degradation: after 3-4 years of active use, battery capacity can drop to 70-80% of the original. This is normal for lithium polymer batteries, but the Note 7 Pro wear is a little slower due to a more efficient chip.
Avoid full discharge (keep the charge at 20–80%)
Turn off background activity of unnecessary applications
Use a dark theme (AMOLED is not available, but IPS saves charge too)
Do not leave your smartphone on charge after 100%
Update the software (in new versions) MIUI Optimized energy consumption)-->
5. Design and Assembly: What to look for when buying?
The Redmi Note 7 and Note 7 Pro are almost identical.
- 🏗️ Body: plastic frame with 2.5D-front-glass.
- 🎨 Colors: black, blue, red (the Pro also had a gradient version of "Neptune Blue").
- 🔍 Fingerprint scanner: located on the back, works fast and accurately.
- 💧 Protection: Both models have IP53 (dust and splash protection, but do not withstand immersion in water.
But there are a few key differences:
1.Weight and thickness: The Note 7 Pro is 5 grams heavier (186g vs. 181g) due to the more massive cooling system.The difference is imperceptible, but if you're picky about weight, it's worth considering.
2. build quality: the Pro version slightly better handled the gaps between the body and the screen. in the base model over time may appear backlash display (especially if the smartphone is often dropped).
3. Connectors: Both models have a 3.5 mm audio jack, USB Type-C and Infrared port for control of equipment. However, the Note 7 Pro uses a more reliable Type-C connector (less often loosened when used actively).
How to tell the difference between a fake Redmi Note 7 Pro?
6.Software: Relevance of Updates in 2026
Both models originally ran on Android 9 Pie with the MIUI 10 shell. For now (2026), official support for updates has long been discontinued, but there are important nuances:
- 🤖 Redmi Note 7: The latest version MIUI — 12.5 (based on Android 10.
- 🤖 Redmi Note 7 Pro: Updated to Receive Update MIUI 13 (Android 11) thanks to the popularity of the model.
This means that the Note 7 Pro has:
- 🔒 More recent security patches (although they are already outdated).
- 🎯 Support for new features MIUI, For example, improved mode "Dark theme" and navigation gestures.
- 🛠️ More opportunities to unlock the bootloader and install custom firmware.
If you buy a smartphone in 2026, consider that without custom firmware (like LineageOS 20 or Pixel Experience 13), it will not be safe to use. Older versions of Android are vulnerable to viruses and do not support modern applications (such as new versions of WhatsApp or banking applications).
⚠️ Note: When installing custom firmware on Redmi Note 7/7 Pro may stop encrypting data (due to Snapdragon limitations) 660/675). This means that after the reboot, the system will require you to enter a password, even if you are using a fingerprint.
7.Price and relevance in 2026: Is it worth buying?
In the secondary market (2026), the prices for the Redmi Note 7 and Note 7 Pro vary depending on the state of:
| Model | "Like new" state | Good condition (scratches) | B/U with wear (battery < 80%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 7 (3/32GB) | 5 000–6 500 ₽ | 4 000–5 000 ₽ | 3 000–3 500 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 7 (4/64GB) | 6 500–7 500 ₽ | 5 000–6 000 ₽ | 3 500–4 500 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 7 Pro (4/64GB) | 7 500–9 000 ₽ | 6 000–7 000 ₽ | 4 500–5 500 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 7 Pro (6/128GB) | 9 000–11 000 ₽ | 7 500–8 500 ₽ | 5 500–6 500 ₽ |
Who will be the Redmi Note 7 in 2026?
- 📱 Those looking for an inexpensive spare smartphone for calls and social networks.
- 🎮 Gamers on a budget (but only for lightweight games like Brawl Stars or Mobile Legends).
Who should consider the Redmi Note 7 Pro?
- 🛡️ Buyers who want a more durable device (best build, Gorilla Glass 5).
But there are alternatives: For the same money (or a little more in 2026), you can find:
- 🆕 Redmi Note 10/11 (more modern processor, AMOLED-screen, best cameras).
- 📱 POCO M4 Pro (90 Hz screen, Snapdragon 695).
- 🔋 Realme 8 (superfast charging) 30W, AMOLED).
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If you need a smartphone for gaming or multitasking, it’s best to consider models on Snapdragon. 720G/732G (for example, POCO X3 NFC or Redmi Note 10 They are not much more expensive, but more productive in 1.5–2 once.