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Xiaomi Redmi 6 vs Redmi 5: What’s the difference?

Xiaomi Redmi 6 doesn't look radically different from the Redmi 5, but there are some key changes under the surface. Here's a quick comparison between the Redmi 6 and Redmi 5.

Xiaomi Redmi 6 vs Redmi 5 comparison: Specifications, price, features, and more.

With the Redmi 5, Xiaomi’s Redmi series took a big step forward in design and performance, with an 18:9 aspect ratio display and a snappy Snapdragon 450 processor. The newly announced Redmi 6 looks and feels like an evolved, refined version of the Redmi 5. But the good news is that the Redmi 6 is a step-up from the Redmi 6 with a dual-camera setup and the latest MediaTek Helio P22 processor. Of course, you are getting a better-positioned budget smartphone. The question remains, will you ditch your Redmi 5 for the Redmi 6? Here’s a quick comparison between the two devices that will help you figure out whether it’s worth upgrading from a Redmi 5 or an older smartphone.

Xiaomi Redmi 6 vs Redmi 5: Design, display

Xiaomi Redmi 6 has a slightly altered design compared to the Redmi 5. But frankly, it will not make a huge difference in your purchasing decision. Both phones feature a polycarbonate pack panel with a brushed metal surface. The design of the Redmi 6 has a reflection of Redmi Note 5, which I feel is a welcome move.

The original Redmi 5 had a 5.7-inch HD+ (1440 x 720) 18:9 display, and I felt it was a standout feature of the device. The big change here is that the Redmi 6 has a smaller 5.4-inch HD+ (1440 x 720) display and an aspect ratio of 18:9. Even though you’re getting a slightly smaller display, Redmi 6 has a higher pixel density of 295ppi as opposed to 282ppi on the Redmi 5.

Also readXiaomi Redmi 5 review: Another sturdy budget smartphone

Xiaomi Redmi 6 vs Redmi 5: Hardware, software

Xiaomi Redmi 6 is powered by MediaTek’s Helio P22 SoC, which is an octa-core processor using a 12nm process. The company claims the processor consumes 48 per cent less power than comparable 28nm chipsets. Compared to the Redmi 6, Xiaomi Redmi 5 came with a Snapdragon 450 processor based on the 14nm process.

Redmi 6 comes in two variants; one with 3GB RAM and 32GB of internal memory and the other with 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage. And yes, it does come with a microSD card slot. Redmi 5 was launched in three variant: 2GB RAM + 16GB internal storage, 3GB RAM + 32GB of internal storage, and 4GB RAM + 64GB internal storage. This phone too had microSD support.

Redmi 5 runs on MIUI 9 which is based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat.

Speaking of software, Redmi 6 runs on MIUI 10 which is based on Android 8.1 Oreo. This is the latest version of MIUI. Redmi 5 runs on MIUI 9 which is based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat. Both phones include all essential connectivity options including dual-SIM, 4G VoLTE, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Redmi 6 has a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner and a non-removable 3000mAh battery. Redmi 5, on the other hand, came with a slightly bigger 3300mAh battery. The latter phone also had a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner.

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Also readRedmi 6, Redmi 6A with 5.45-inch 18:9 display launched: Price, specifications

Xiaomi Redmi 6 vs Redmi 5: Cameras

Perhaps the biggest highlight of the Redmi 6 has to be a dual-camera setup on the back. This is the first smartphone in the Redmi series to boast rear-facing dual cameras. The dual-camera setup includes a 12MP primary snapper and a 5MP secondary camera. Xiaomi claims the camera not just improves the photo quality, it reduces noise, in low-light conditions. Plus, the company has added several AI modes that enhanced the picture quality. On the front, there’s a 5MP selfie snapper with a built-in AI portrait mode.

Redmi 5 had an impressive camera, although it only came with a single 12MP camera on the back. And on the front, it featured a 5MP camera for taking self-portraits.

Xiaomi Redmi 6 has a slightly altered design compared to the Redmi 5.

Xiaomi Redmi 6 vs Redmi 5: Price

Xiaomi Redmi 6 is priced at Yuan 799 (or approx Rs 8,000) for the 3GB RAM model, while the 4GB RAM version comes for a cost of Yuan 999 (or approx Rs 11,000). Redmi 6 is till now limited to the Chinese market. Redmi 5, on the other hand, is already available in India. The 2GB RAM +16GB storage variant is priced at Rs 7,999, the 3GB RAM + 32GB storage will cost Rs 8,999, and the 4GB RAM + 64GB storage model costs Rs 10,999.

Anuj Bhatia is a personal technology writer at indianexpress.com who has been covering smartphones, personal computers, gaming, apps, and lifestyle tech actively since 2011. He specialises in writing longer-form feature articles and explainers on trending tech topics. His unique interests encompass delving into vintage tech, retro gaming and composing in-depth narratives on the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture. He covers major international tech conferences and product launches from the world's biggest and most valuable tech brands including Apple, Google and others. At the same time, he also extensively covers indie, home-grown tech startups. Prior to joining The Indian Express in late 2016, he served as a senior tech writer at My Mobile magazine and previously held roles as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. Anuj holds a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University. You can find Anuj on Linkedin. Email: anuj.bhatia@indianexpress.com ... Read More

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