The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 was the third-best selling device in India during Q2 2018, according to a Counterpoint report released last month. The Redmi Note 5 was virtually unchallenged in the sub-Rs 10,000 price category since the start of this year, thanks to the 18:9 display and beefy 4000mAh battery, which kept buyers intrigued. However, after six months of its launch, the Redmi Note 5 has got a battle from an unlikely Infinix Note 5, which on paper, seems like a better buy over the Redmi Note 5. The Infinix Note 5 is the company's first Android One smartphone and it has several other features such as 4500mAh battery, MediaTek Helio P23 chipset and a 16MP front-facing snapper. Read on to know which smartphone should go you choose between the Infinix Note 5 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 5.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 vs Infinix Note 5: Design and Display
The Redmi Note 5 is entirely constructed out of metal which adds a premium feel to the handset. The Infinix Note 5 sports polycarbonate body which indeed looks like glass. Looks wise, the Infinix Note 5 is a better option as it comes in attractive colour options- Ice Blue, Milan Black, and Berlin Grey. Despite sporting a larger 4500mAh battery, the Infinix Note 5 weighs 175 grams, which is on the lower side when compared to the Redmi Note 5's 180 grams weight.
Display side of things, both the devices sport a 5.99-inch panel with Full HD+ resolution and 2.5D curved glass on top. Infinix stated the Note 5's display has 500 nits of brightness levels and an 85% screen-to-body ratio. The Redmi Note 5's 5.99-inch display also gets bright enough and has 1000:1 contrast ratio.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 vs Infinix Note 5: Hardware and Battery
Both the smartphones differ a lot when it comes to internal hardware. The Redmi Note 5 has the proven Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset, coupled with 3GB/4GB of RAM and 32GB/64GB of internal storage. The Infinix Note 5 is powered by the MediaTek Helio P23 SoC, also clubbed with 3GB/4GB of RAM and 32GB/64GB of internal storage. Another area where the Infinix smartphone shines is the storage expansion area- Yes, the Infinix Note 5 has a dedicated microSD card slot, but the Redmi Note 5 has a hybrid microSD card slot.
In the battery department as well, the Infinix Note 5 has the upper hand as it packs a slightly larger 4500mAh battery and the best part is the fast charging support. Infinix is even bundling a fast charger inside the retail box. The Redmi Note 5 comes armed with a 4000mAh battery and it lacks fast charging support.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 vs Infinix Note 5: Software
The Infinix Note 5 is the cheapest Android One to purchase in India because it's priced at Rs 9,999. The phone runs a stock version of Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box and the company is even promising future software updates, possibly Android P. The Redmi Note 5 is currently running MIUI 9.5 update which is based on Android 7.1 Nougat. While MIUI comes with a host of features, the Infinix Note 5 runs stock version, meaning it doesn't offer any such features.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 vs Infinix Note 5: Cameras
Both the Redmi Note 5 and Infinix Note 5 has a 12MP sensor on the rear side. The Redmi Note 5's rear camera has f/2.2, 1.25 microns pixel size, 5P Lens and PDAF. The Infinix Note 5's rear camera has a 1.25 microns pixel size and f/2.0 aperture. Infinix also added a quad-LED flash on the rear side.
In the selfie camera department, the Infinix Note 5 is a clear winner as it packs a 16MP shooter as opposed to the Redmi Note 5's 5MP shooter. The camera app on the Infinix Note 5 comes loaded with a lot of features such as AI-beauty mode, AI-based portrait mode for both front and rear cameras and so on.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 vs Infinix Note 5: Pricing and Conclusion
Xiaomi has priced the Redmi Note 5 at Rs 9,999 and Rs 11,999 for the 3GB RAM and 4GB RAM variants. The Infinix Note 5 also retails at the same price of Rs 9,999 for the 3GB RAM/32GB storage option and Rs 11,999 for the 4GB RAM/64GB storage option.
The Infinix Note 5 has a lot going for it in the sub-Rs 10,000 price category. It has stock Android, decent mid-range processor which we have earlier seen on devices such as Oppo F5, a bigger battery than the Redmi Note 5 and of course, a batter selfie camera too. So if you have the above-mentioned features on top of your list, then the Infinix Note 5 should be your best bet. The first sale of the Infinix Note 5 will begin on August 31 at 12 PM, exclusively on Flipkart.
