5 Best Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Alternatives You Can Consider Buying

By Deepak Rajawat • Updated On 20 Feb 2018

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One of the Xiaomi’s most anticipated smartphones, the Redmi Note 5, is now out. The self-proclaimed all-rounder succeeds the super successful Redmi Note 4 which has certainly set the bar really high.

The Note 5 basically adds an 18:9 panel to the Redmi Note 4. This was one prominent feature missing on the Note 4, and with the new swanky panel, the phone is better equipped to keep the cash registers ringing, at least for a few more months.

But if you feel that simply a new display isn’t much of a change, and are looking for alternate options available in and around the same budget, then you should consider these options:

1. Xiaomi Mi A1

Xiaomi’s very own Mi A1 could be an impressive buy in this budget. On the hardware front, the Redmi Note 5 and Mi A1 are almost at par which one another. Each includes Snapdragon 625 mobile processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage.

Where the Mi A1 topples its younger sibling is software and optics performance. It comes running on stock android and is now upgradeable to Oreo. The dual camera on the rear is a tried and tested performer too.

Mi A1 Related Posts

Mi A1 Lowest Price Till Date: ₹12,999

Xiaomi Mi A1 Advantages and Disadvantages

Xiaomi Mi A1 Pros

Stock Android
Premium design
Reliable Performance
Fast charging

Xiaomi Mi A1 Cons

Average battery life
slippery

2. Infinix Hot S3

As the Transsion Holding subsidiary, Infinix, aims to expand its presence in the Indian market, it has crammed most sought-after trends and Android Oreo in its affordable Hot S3. It sports a 5.65-inch display, appealing design, Snapdragon 430 chipset, and 4GB of RAM.

The 20-megapixel selfie camera is also an important attribute of the phone. At the launch event, Infinix said it will be rolling out face unlock feature via an OTA update. Thus, if you’re looking for a selfie phone under 10k, in that case, the Infinix Hot S3 is worth considering.

Infinix Hot S3 Review

Lowest Price Till Date: ₹ 8,999 / ₹ 10,999

Infinix Hot S3 Advantages and Disadvantages

Infinix Hot S3 Pros

Looks good, comfortable to handle
Excellent battery backup
dependable performance
Android Oreo-based software
Dedicated card slot

Infinix Hot S3 Cons

Display quality
Audio quality

3. Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro

If performance is your prime area of concern, then you can’t go wrong with the Redmi Note 5 Pro. Launched alongside the Note 5, it packs best-in-class innards which makes it a good buy for its price.

It rocks powerful Snapdragon 636 SoC which is the latest budget offering from Qualcomm. The Redmi Note 5 Pro boats comparatively better optics in dual rear camera setup and 20-megapixel selfie camera. Xiaomi offers in 4GB/6GB RAM options with 64GB RAM.

Lowest Price Till Date: ₹13,999 / ₹16,999

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro Advantages and Disadvantages

Redmi Note 5 Pro- Pros

Excellent battery backup
Dependable performance
Good Selfies
Sharp display

Redmi Note 5 Pro Cons

Design
Hybrid slot

4. Vivo V7

Aesthetics is the biggest let down in the Redmi Note 5 and that is one area Vivo V7 stands out. The self-proclaimed selfie expert boasts of significantly better exterior as it brims with an 18:9 display with slim bezels, 2.5D glass, rounded edges and metallic finish.

For this phone, Vivo has roped in a Snapdragon 450 chipset and coupled it with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. The phone comes with a 24-megapixel selfie camera and a 16-megapixel rear camera. If you can stretch your budget just above Rs 15,000 than the Vivo V7 is a worthy alternative.

Lowest Price Till Date: ₹15550

Vivo V7 Advantages and Disadvantages

Vivo V7 Pros

Great design
Fast face unlock and fingerprint sensor
Dedicated card slot
Good selfie camera

Vivo V7 Cons

Low display resolution

5. Asus Zenfone 3

Asus Zenfone 3

Yes, it is almost one and half years old, but still, it is a worthy buy as it is currently retailing at a discount of Rs. 10,000 from its official launch price. If you pit it against Redmi Note 5, you will find that both phones share almost identical specifications.

It pins down the Redmi Note 5 on the mat with tempting looks and superior build quality. It comes with a 7.7mm slim metallic waistline and enticing all glass front and back. It also features a good rear camera with OIS and after recent Oreo update, it is a worthy competitor to Redmi Note 5.

Lowest Price Till Date: ₹10,969 / ₹15,250

Asus Zenfone 3 Advantages and Disadvantages

Asus Zenfone 3 Pros

Wonderful Camera
Great quality IPS LCD Display
Feels premium and compact
Smooth performance

Asus Zenfone 3 Cons

Attracts smudges
Dated UI

Top 5 Redmi Note 5 Challengers Worth Considering

Since Xiaomi doesn’t maintain a large inventory for its smartphone, it has a long history of a supply shortfall. This strategy has clearly worked well for the company so far and we don’t expect any changes. Therefore, we expect a limited number of Redmi Note 5 units up for grabs for at least 1 – 2 months on Flipkart and Mi.com. If you are yet to narrow down your search, then you can consider these Redmi Note 5 alternatives.

10 Best Phones Under Rs. 15,000 To Buy In 2018

Deepak Rajawat

Deepak Rajawat is a technology journalist and editor with over 12 years of experience in both print and digital media. Before transitioning to online journalism, he contributed to renowned publications including Hindustan Times and The Statesman.

At Smartprix, Deepak reviews smartphones, laptops, TVs, and soundbars, with a focus on answering the real-world questions that matter most to consumers. Over the past decade, he has reviewed more than 1,000 devices, combining hands-on expertise with a user-first approach.

A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Calcutta University, Deepak also follows emerging technologies closely—including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). Earlier in his career, he covered sports with the same passion he now brings to tech.

He is based in Noida and joined Smartprix in September 2015.

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