Redmi Note 5 Pro vs Mi A1: Which to Pick?

The Redmi Note 5 Pro and the Xiaomi Mi A1 are two popular mid-range phones from different eras of Xiaomi’s lineup. The Redmi Note 5 Pro wins on performance, battery life, and camera quality, while the Mi A1 offers a stock Android experience and a more compact metal body. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which one fits your needs.

Background and Positioning

The Mi A1 launched in September 2017 as Xiaomi’s first Android One device, a collaboration with Google that promised pure Android and faster updates. It was aimed at users who wanted a clean interface without MIUI’s bloatware and customizations. The Redmi Note 5 Pro arrived in February 2018, targeting budget-conscious buyers who wanted flagship-like performance and dual cameras. It ran MIUI, Xiaomi’s custom skin, and was part of the highly popular Redmi Note series known for value-for-money specs.

Design and Build Quality

Both phones have aluminum unibody constructions, but they differ in weight and feel. The Mi A1 is lighter at 165g and slimmer at 7.3mm, making it easier to handle with one hand. The Redmi Note 5 Pro is slightly heavier (181g) and thicker (8.1mm) due to its larger 4000mAh battery. The Note 5 Pro has a more modern 18:9 display with slim bezels, while the Mi A1 sticks to a traditional 16:9 screen with noticeable top and bottom bezels. If you prefer a compact, classic design, the Mi A1 is more comfortable; if you want a bigger screen in a similar footprint, the Note 5 Pro is the better choice.

Display and Multimedia

The Redmi Note 5 Pro sports a 5.99-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD with a 2160×1080 resolution and an 18:9 aspect ratio. It offers good brightness and color reproduction, though it’s not the sharpest panel. The Mi A1 has a smaller 5.5-inch Full HD display with a 1920×1080 resolution and a 16:9 ratio. Both are LCDs, so viewing angles are similar. The Note 5 Pro’s taller screen is better for watching widescreen videos and multitasking, but the Mi A1’s smaller screen is easier to use one-handed. Neither has a high refresh rate, but for everyday use, both are perfectly adequate.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Redmi Note 5 Pro packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor with an Adreno 509 GPU, while the Mi A1 uses the older Snapdragon 625 with an Adreno 506. The Note 5 Pro is significantly faster in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming, thanks to its newer architecture and better GPU. In real-world usage, the Note 5 Pro handles multitasking and heavy games like PUBG Mobile more smoothly. The Mi A1, however, runs stock Android 8.1 Oreo (upgradable to Android 9 Pie), which feels snappier than MIUI despite the older chip. The Note 5 Pro runs MIUI 9 (later MIUI 11), which is feature-rich but comes with ads and bloatware. If you prioritize software purity and timely updates, the Mi A1 wins; if raw performance matters more, the Note 5 Pro is superior.

Camera Comparison

Both phones have dual rear cameras, but they serve different purposes. The Redmi Note 5 Pro features a 12MP primary sensor (Sony IMX486) with a 5MP depth sensor, allowing for portrait mode with background blur. The Mi A1 has a 12MP wide-angle lens (Sony IMX386) and a 12MP telephoto lens (Samsung S5K3M3), enabling 2x optical zoom and a wider field of view. In daylight, the Note 5 Pro produces sharper, more detailed photos with better dynamic range. The Mi A1’s telephoto lens is useful for zooming without losing quality, but its low-light performance is weaker. The Note 5 Pro also has a 20MP front camera with a soft LED flash, while the Mi A1 has a 5MP front camera. For selfie lovers, the Note 5 Pro is clearly better.

Battery and Charging

The Redmi Note 5 Pro has a massive 4000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of heavy use and can stretch to two days with light usage. The Mi A1 has a smaller 3080mAh battery, which is adequate but may require a top-up by evening if you’re a heavy user. Both support fast charging (Quick Charge 2.0/3.0), but the Note 5 Pro’s larger capacity gives it a clear advantage in endurance. In our typical usage, the Note 5 Pro lasted 8-10 hours of screen-on time, while the Mi A1 managed 5-6 hours. If battery life is your top priority, the Note 5 Pro is the obvious choice.

Storage and Connectivity

Both phones come with 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. The Redmi Note 5 Pro has a dedicated microSD slot, so you can use two SIM cards and a memory card simultaneously. The Mi A1 has a hybrid slot, meaning you must choose between a second SIM or a microSD card. This is a significant difference for users who need dual SIM and expandable storage. Both support 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 (Note 5 Pro) vs Bluetooth 4.2 (Mi A1), and USB-C. The Note 5 Pro also has an IR blaster, which the Mi A1 lacks.

Common Problems and Issues

Owners of the Redmi Note 5 Pro have reported occasional MIUI bugs, such as notification delays and aggressive battery optimization killing background apps. Some users also complain about the screen’s auto-brightness being inconsistent. The Mi A1 has fewer software issues due to stock Android, but it suffers from a known hardware problem: the microphone can become muffled during calls after a while, often due to dust accumulation. Also, the Mi A1’s camera app can be slow to launch, and the telephoto lens is not used in low light. Neither phone has a water resistance rating, so keep them away from liquids.

How to Choose

To decide between the two, consider your priorities:

• If you want better performance, battery life, and a modern display, choose the Redmi Note 5 Pro.
• If you prefer stock Android, a lighter body, and optical zoom, choose the Mi A1.
• If you need dual SIM plus microSD, go with the Redmi Note 5 Pro.
• If you want faster software updates and a cleaner UI, the Mi A1 is better.
• If you take lots of selfies, the Note 5 Pro’s 20MP front camera is superior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which phone has a better camera for everyday photos?

For general photography, the Redmi Note 5 Pro produces more consistent, detailed shots in good lighting. The Mi A1’s telephoto lens is useful for zoom, but its low-light performance is weaker. If you take portraits, the Note 5 Pro’s depth sensor gives better edge detection.

Can I install custom ROMs on these phones?

Yes, both phones have active developer communities. The Mi A1 is easier to unlock and has official LineageOS support, while the Redmi Note 5 Pro also has many custom ROMs available, but unlocking the bootloader may require waiting for Xiaomi’s permission.

Which one is better for gaming?

The Redmi Note 5 Pro is better for gaming due to its Snapdragon 636 and Adreno 509 GPU, which handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at higher settings. The Mi A1’s Snapdragon 625 can run most games but with lower graphics settings and occasional frame drops.

Is the Mi A1 still worth buying in 2024?

As a used device, the Mi A1 is only worth it if you can find it very cheaply and value stock Android. Its hardware is outdated, and the battery may have degraded. The Redmi Note 5 Pro is also old, but its larger battery and better performance make it a slightly more viable budget option.

Do these phones support 4G VoLTE?

Yes, both support 4G VoLTE on most carriers, but the Redmi Note 5 Pro has better band coverage in some regions. Check your carrier’s compatibility before buying.

Final Verdict

In summary, the Redmi Note 5 Pro is the better all-rounder with superior performance, battery, and cameras. The Mi A1 appeals to Android purists who prefer a clean OS and a more compact build. If you can find both at similar prices, go for the Note 5 Pro; if you’re a stock Android fan, the Mi A1 is a solid choice despite its age.

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