THE BEASTS BATTLE: Redmi Note 5 vs ZenFone Max Pro M1

Which One Should You Buy?

Over the last few years, we have seen a drastic makeover in the Indian market where Xiaomi emerged to be one of the biggest smartphone manufacturers. The best thing about Xiaomi is that they introduce the budget smartphones and focuses on the pain points. Like, last year, we have seen that Xiaomi came up with larger battery smartphones with MIUI optimizations which helped in eking out maximum battery life.

No doubt in saying that regarding battery life, the Xiaomi’s smartphones leads the list. Last year Note 4 topped the list of best-selling phones with its decent specs and two-day battery life. And now, we have Redmi Note 5 which has the same battery life with a better camera and superb-built hardware. Since Xiaomi has a fantastic ability regarding undercutting its rivals, hence it is worrisome for Xiaomi as ASUS is effectively running in the race to beat the latter.

The ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M1 comes with the same Snapdragon chipset as that in Redmi Note 5, but it has a lower price with pure Android.

Recently, ASUS launched its much-awaited mid-range smartphone Zenfone Max Pro M1 in India. What makes it the most awaited one? It is that this smartphone is the one which marks the re-entry of ASUS in the segment of budget smartphones. While looking at its specifications and price, all we can say that it is a perfect competitor to recently launched XiaomiRedmi Note 5.

So, here today, we are with TWO mid-range smartphones, ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M1 and XiaomiRedmi Note 5.

DISPLAY

Both ASUS Zenfone and XiaomiRedmi came up with a same 5.99-inch full HD+ display with a resolution of 2160×1080 pixels and pixel density of 403ppi. Both the smartphones have identical panels and offer fantastic viewing angles with vibrant colors.

PROCESSOR

Coming to the next, we have a slight difference in the processor of both ASUS Zenfone and XiaomiRedmi. The ZenFone Max Pro M1 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor clocked at 1.8GHz while Redmi Note 5 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor clocked at 2GHz. And yes, we have the newest technology, Kyro in this chipset.

STORAGE/RAM

Both XiaomiRedmi Note 5 and ASUS Zenfone Pro come with 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage options. Also, ASUS has launched its base model with 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage. So, ASUS smartphone comes in three variants whereas XiaomiRedmi comes in only one option.

BATTERY

Coming to the battery of both smartphones, ASUS comes with 5000mAh battery while Xiaomi is offering the customers with 4000mAh battery. It significantly means that ASUS has a higher battery capacity.

CAMERA

The camera is the best segment for the photography lovers. Xiaomi is offering a 5MP front camera with a dedicated selfie-light and Beautify 4.0 AI algorithm, while ASUS is offering an 8MP front camera with a view angle of 85.5 degrees and f/2.0 aperture.

I clicked some sample images with both smartphones, few of them you can see below (Click to Enlarge)
ZenFone Max Pro M1 on the left, Redmi Note 5 Pro on the right:

OPERATING SYSTEM

With Zenfone Max Pro M1, ASUS comes with Android 8.1 Oreo which is the stock Android OS. So, ASUS has ditched its Zenfone UI.

While on the other hand, we have XiaomiRedmiNote 5 comes with Android 7.0 Nougat with MIUI 9 skin.

PRICE

Since both have the same configuration, the price of these two smartphones differs. The base version of Zenfone Max Pro M1 which comes with 32GB storage and 3GB RAM cost for 10,999 INR. It is a treat to their customers because nothing can beat it in its specs. And at this price point, Xiaomi can only offer the customers with Redmi Note 5.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro is better?

Since Xiaomi hasn’t changed the design of its smartphones lately but it opted for refining the aesthetics regarding differentiating the latest Note series from its other smartphones. So, the one we have is the Redmi Note 5 which is one of the best mid-range smartphones that has been sturdily-built with a top-notch finishing.

Honestly, you won’t get this feeling while holding on to Zenfone Max Pro M1 despite it comes with 5000mAh battery and even it is of same weightlike the latter. Max Pro M1 doesn’t feel sturdy at all. Also, there is nothing to get excited to have this smartphone in general terms of design.

Adding to this, you will notice that the display of Max Pro M1 doesn’t have any protection. And this means that you need to pick up a screen protector on your own. While on the other hand, though Xiaomi doesn’t have the Gorilla Glass version protection, yet it does have the protection against the tumbles.

Regarding the camera, there is no such differentiation but Redmi Note 5 wins out indoors, and Zenfone Max Pro M1 wins in outdoor shots. Even in low-light shots, RedmiNote 5 stands in the lead. All in all, the camera of Redmi Note 5 does better, but even ASUS has stated that they will alter the camera in the coming weeks. So, let’s hope for the same.

ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M1 is better?

Honestly, Zenfone Max Pro M1 wins in three areas from Redmi Note 5 which includes a value for money, software and battery life. Since the last reviews of its customers, ASUS took a new move with a pure Android version that is Android Oreo. And on the other hand, Xiaomi not yet announced that when RedmiNote 5 will get the Oreo update.

Regarding the stability updates, ASUS has done a great job despite the software experience needs a little more polishing to make it feel much better-optimized smartphone. Regarding battery, it might come out to be a winner.

Though Redmi Note 5 also have the two-day battery life yet Max Pro M1 edges out.

Finally, the price segment comes in where ASUS wins over Xiaomi because it makes the best deal with the best specs.

The major masterstroke by ASUS is offering pure Android, and you never know the buyers are switching between those allegiances.

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VERDICT

Now, here comes the most challenging question to answer, which you should buy- XiaomiRedmi Note 5 or ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M1?

There is no doubt in saying that Xiaomi offers affordable smartphones in every segment, but all thanks to its primary rival ASUS which is little worrisome for Xiaomi this time.

And if it wouldn’t be any supply issues, then ASUS might emerge as a potential winner because the maximum of Xiaomi customers are still waiting for the flash sales to get hold over the smartphone.