Introduction: Want the best device in the budget segment? Let’s have a look at the two best devices that most people can afford today, the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro and Redmi Note 5. Both look and feel very much similar and almost look indistinguishable from the front. Let us dissect and compare them in all areas.
Display and build quality: Both the devices pack 5.99 inch 18:9 aspect ratio displays which are identical but the ZenFone has better viewing angles. Both the phones do not support corning gorilla glass which is okay for the price range they come in for. ASUS packs a metal design whereas Redmi has a metallic frame with plastic back.
Specifications: ASUS packs a better and speedier processor, the snapdragon 628 whereas Redmi is a bit behind with Snapdragon 625. The Zenfone is snappier and doesn’t generate a lot of heat unlike Redmi which does while playing graphically demanding games. Both come in two variants of 3GB/4GB RAM and 32GB/64GB internal support. In the area of expandable storage, the Zenfone trumps the Redmi as it is expandable up to 2 TB where as Redmi can handle only till 128 GB. The Redmi supports IR blaster whereas the Zenfone doesn’t. Both the devices support dual 4G sims.
Camera: The Zenfone is a clear winner here with its dual rear cameras of 16 MP and 5 MP whereas the Redmi has only one rear camera of 12 MP. Both have 5MP front cameras catering to selfie addicts. Both have LED flashlights and support notifications too.
Software: Again the Zenfone trumps the Redmi with its latest Android 8.1 Oreo support. The Redmi device comes with Android 7 OS on top of MIUI, the standard skin of Redmi devices. Asus also promises bi-monthly security updates for the Zenfone which is really good to keep the lag behind. There’s plenty of OEM made apps and distinctive features on both the devices.
Battery: Battery performance is a big deal these days with innovation happening in that area. The Zenfone is a clear winner again as it rocks a 5000 mAh battery whereas the Redmi note 5 packs 4000 mAh one. The 1000 mAh makes a lot of difference as the Zenfone can easily last more than one day on average to extreme use whereas the Redmi needs to be charged at the night.
The pricing of Asus Zenfone Max Pro is 10,999 INR for the 3GB RAM variant and Redmi note 5 starts at INR 9999.
Verdict : There you go. The Asus Zenfone beats the Redmi note 5 in all the areas of performance, camera, build quality and battery life. Go for it if you want a budget smartphone at this price point. The Both are similar looking but the Redmi note 5 is simply lagging behind the Asus Zenfone Max Pro in camera and battery. Software too is a major issue as the Zenfone promises regular patch updates and almost feels like stock android.