The Redmi Note 5 Pro has dominated the budget smartphone market ever since it launched earlier this year. The Zenfone Max Pro M1 was released just after and proved to be quite a contender against the reigning champion. The recently launched Mi A2 has begun taking over this segment of the market with its impressive spec list being offered at an attractive price.
The Redmi Note 5 Pro retails for Rs. 14,999 for its 4GB RAM + 64GB storage offering, while a 6GB RAM + 64GB storage model can be purchased for Rs. 16,999
The Mi A2 also comes in a 4GB RAM +64GB storage configuration which retails for Rs. 16,999 in India.
The Zenfone Mac Pro M1 can be bought for as low as Rs. 10,999 for its 32GB RAM + 32GB storage configuration. You can upgrade to the 4GB RAM + 64GB storage model for just Rs. 12,999. Another version of this phone with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage recently came out (review). This version costs Rs.14,999.
Nokia 6.1 Plus vs Redmi Note 5 Pro vs Mi A2 vs Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1: Display, Design
The Nokia 6.1 Plus is the only phone here that offers a premium-feeling glass construction built around an aluminium frame. The other three devices offer dull-looking aluminium constructions.
The Nokia phone also leads the pack in the display department with its 5.8-inch LCD which offers Full HD+ resolution with 81.5percent screen-to-body-ratio and 19:9 aspect ratio. The other three smartphones in this comparison offer 5.99-inch Full HD+ screens with 18:9 aspect ratios and close to 77percent screen-to-body ratios.
Nokia 6.1 Plus vs Redmi Note 5 Pro vs Mi A2 vs Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1: Performance, Software
The most powerful phone in this comparison is the Xiaomi Mi A2 with a Snapdragon 660 chipset. This Chipset offers an octa-core CPU with four of its cores clocked at 2.2 GHz for performance, and the other four clocked at 1.8 GHz for battery saving. The icing on the cake is that this phone comes with stock Android 8.1 Oreo which is lighter on the system and will offer faster software updates.
While the Nokia 6.1 Plus and Zenfone Max Pro M1 are also Android One devices, they come with a Snapdragon 636 SoC onboard which offers an octa-core CPU that only clocks as high as 1.8GHz. This same processor is found on the Note 5 Pro. However, this device offers its own custom skin over the Android OS and it only recently received the update to Android 8.0 Oreo.
Nokia 6.1 Plus vs Redmi Note 5 Pro vs Mi A2 vs Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1: Camera
The Xiaomi Mi A2 offers the best camera setup here as it is capable of recording 4K videos via its 12MP + 20MP rear camera combo. The front camera also measures an impressive 20MP.
The Zenfone Max Pro M1 looks like it would fall behind with its 13MP + 5MP rear camera paired with an 8MP selfie shooter. However, this is just for the two base variants as the 6GB RAM model of the Zenfone Max Pro M1 offers a 16MP + 5MP rear setup with a 16MP selfie shooter. Furthermore, all variants of this device are capable of 4K video recording as well.
The Nokia 6.1 Plus doesn’t necessarily lag behind as it also offers a 16MP + 5MP setup at the back, while the front camera measures 16MP. You also get 4K recording here.
The Redmi Note 5 Pro comes with a 12MP+5MP rear camera setup paired with a 16MP front shooter. While the rear camera performed surprisingly well in our review, it is the only one here not capable of 4K video recording.
Nokia 6.1 Plus vs Redmi Note 5 Pro vs Mi A2 vs Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1: Battery
The battery segment is one aspect where the Zenfone Max Pro M1 prevails with its massive 5000mAh capacity cell. This battery charges over a microUSB port and features 10W fast charging. The Redmi Note 5 Pro is next with its 4000mAh battery that supports Quick Charge 2.0 over its microUSB port.
While both the Nokia 6.1 Plus and Mi A2 might come with unimpressive capacity batteries (3060mAh and 3000mAh respectively), they do charge over USB type-C and feature significantly faster charging times. While the Nokia phone settles for Quick Charge 3.0 supports, the Mi A2 takes it a step further by being the first phone in India to support Quick Charge 4.0.
Nokia 6.1 Plus vs Redmi Note 5 Pro vs Mi A2 vs Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1: Verdict
While the Mi A2 offers the most compelling package with its powerful chipset and 4K video recording-capable camera, it does demand the highest premium here. You would not be giving up too much if you decide to save your Rs.1,000 and go with the Nokia 6.1 Plus. You will get almost the same real-world performance along with better aesthetics for marginally less money.
The 6GB RAM model of the Zenfone Max Pro M1 can also be a decent alternative as it offers a better battery and similar camera setup as the Nokia, and only lacks in its outer appearance. You would even be saving another Rs.1,000 here.
As for the Redmi Note 5 Pro, while it is still a competent offering, it does feel like the phone has come very close to the end of its life cycle.
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