Xiaomi’s gift is its uncanny ability to package great hardware (sometimes flagship-level) and offering it at a sensible price. Sure, it can do the premium, high-end devices like the Mi MIX 2S, but it’s the guilt-free devices that win the hearts of the general consumer.
One of its 2018 winners is the Redmi Note 5. Sure, it’s nothing you’ve not seen before in terms of design, but it’s undoubtedly well-made and looks premium even. We’ve been impressed with it, and we’ve detailed that in our review. It’s certainly the leader in its class and the one to beat (of course, ASUS’ ZenFone Max Pro has a word or two to say about that).
Under the hood, the device rocks a 14nm octa-core Snapdragon 636 with flagship-level Kryo 260 cores. It’s a pretty punchy mid-ranger and comes with 3GB or 4GB of RAM with 32GB or 64GB of storage.
Where it excels is in the camera department. It packs a commendable 12MP + 5MP f/1.9 dual-camera setup on the rear, with large 1.4-micron pixels and Dual Pixel autofocus.
The front isn’t shabby – a 13MP f/2.0 with AI-powered Beautify 4.0 enhancement, complemented by a soft selfie light.
Battery-wise it rocks too, packing a 4,000mAh battery that charges via micro-USB.
The latest great news for consumers is that Xiaomi has slashed the price of the Redmi Note 5.
Here’s the deal:
- 3GB RAM + 32GB of storage – MYR699 (previously MYR749)
- 4GB RAM + 64GB of storage – MYR869 (previously MYR869)
Could this be a move to thwart the ZenFone Max Pro? ASUS’ mid-range competitor with 3GB RAM + 32GB storage currently retails also for MYR699 (although Tuesday flash sales on Lazada put it down to MYR599). The 4GB RAM + 64GB storage model on the other hand sells for MYR849. So they’re pretty similarly priced.
Let’s not forget that the ZenFone Max Pro has a larger 5,000mAh battery and runs stock Android, if that’s your fancy.
