#SmartphonesFaceoff: Xiaomi Mi A2 v/s Redmi Note 5 Pro
What's the story
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro has been dominating the mid-budget price segment since its launch in February this year. And now, the company's latest mid-budget offering, the Mi A2, looks primed to cut into Redmi's market share. Interestingly, both the phones sport identical designs and share similar specs, but which one is right for you? Here is our comprehensive comparison.
Design
At a glance
In terms of design, both Redmi Note 5 Pro and Mi A2 sport a unibody metal design with a similar looking rear panel, thanks to vertically-stacked rear cameras and fingerprint sensor. Even up front, both the phones sport an edge-to-edge display with slim top and bottom bezels. However, with a slimmer body, chamfered edges and neat-looking back-panel, Mi A2 has an upper hand.
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All about the screen
In terms of display, both the Redmi Note 5 Pro and Mi A2 feature a 5.99-inch full-HD+ (1080x2160 pixels) display with an 18:9 aspect ratio, and 2.5D curved Gorilla Glass 5. In this department, it is clearly a tie.
Primary Camera
For the shutterbugs
The Redmi Note 5 Pro sports a dual rear-camera setup comprising a 12MP, f/2.2 primary sensor and 5MP secondary sensor with an f/2.0 aperture. On the other hand, the Mi A2 gets a dual rear-camera setup with 12MP+20MP Sony sensors with an aperture of f/1.75, phase-detection autofocus and dual-tone LED flash. Winner: Mi A2 as its sensors have a much wider aperture.
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For the love of Selfies
In terms of the front camera, both the Xiaomi phones sport a 20-megapixel camera sensor with a soft-light LED flash module. Notably, both the phones also havd AI-powered features such as Scene Recognition, Portrait Mode, Background Bokeh, and Smart Beauty 4.0. It is another tie.
Internals
All the important stuff
The Mi A2 is powered by Snapdragon 660 processor with AI engine, paired with up to 6GB RAM and up to 128GB internal storage (non-expandable). The Redmi Note 5 Pro gets Snapdragon 636 processor coupled with 4GB/6GB RAM options and 64GB internal storage which is expandable via microSD card. Again, with a superior processor, Mi A2 is a better option to consider.
Sensors & Software
Lifeblood of your smartphone
In terms of onboard sensors, both the phones have an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, digital compass, gyroscope, proximity sensor and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. However, in terms of software, they offer different UX. The Mi A2 runs stock Android as part of Android One programme while the Redmi Note 5 Pro runs Android Oreo-based MIUI 9. It is a personal preference here.
Battery & Connectivity
Staying connected
The Mi A2 supports 4G VoLTE, dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11a/c, Bluetooth v5.0, GPS, and a USB Type-C port, but there is no 3.5mm headphone jack. Redmi Note 5 Pro has similar specs but comes with a headphone jack (an advantage). Moreover, Redmi Note 5 Pro sports 4,000mAh battery while Mi A2 has 3,000mAh battery with Quick Charge 4 support. Winner: Redmi Note 5 Pro.
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Pricing: The deciding factor
The Redmi Note 5 Pro costs Rs. 14,999 for the 4GB RAM/64GB storage variant, while the 6GB RAM/128GB option costs Rs. 16,999. On the other, Mi A2 costs Rs. 16,999 for the 4GB RAM/64GB storage variant while the 6GB RAM/128GB variant will be launched soon.
Our result
How things stack up!
With a slimmer design, stock Android experience, better processor, and cameras, Mi A2 is a good option to consider. However, with a bigger battery pack, a headphone jack and a lower price point, the Redmi Note Pro 5 is still a great buy. That said, Mi A2 is our winner here despite it being a little more expensive.