Battle of Mid-rangers: Nokia X6 (6.1 plus) Vs Redmi Note 5 pro Vs Mi A2 Vs Asus Zenfone max Pro M1

Hello Guys,

Let me start by telling you that the month of August was crazy. It was in fact super crazy. India saw many smartphones launched in this month and some of those are beast in performance but price was quite low. Yes, you guessed it. I was talking about Poco F1 and Honor Play. Both are priced at around 20000 rupees and surprisingly, the chipset offered is top of the line. From Krini 970 to Snapdragon 845, these 2 phones have shaken the industry and set a new standard. But, here, we are not talking about those 2 phones.

In this shaky month, Nokia launched its much awaited 6.1 plus and India's top mid range brand Xiaomi launched Mi A2. Both are android one devices and priced under 17,000 rupees. Xiaomi wanted it or not but the A2 actually challenges its own sister Redmi Note 5 pro which sells at 15,000. Similarly, the battery beast Asus zenfone max pro M1 has started selling its 6GB variant with an upgraded camera. Today, I will give you clear idea which is best for you though there is no particular winner. Every phone has its Pros and Cons. We will discuss those and I will tell you which mobile to go for. Just keep reading.

Let us start with the Ex-Champ of mobile phones i.e. Nokia.

Nokia 6.1 plus, Rs 15,999, Flipkart & Nokia store

Powered by 636 chip, this mobile is the most beautiful device under 20k. The only mobile which is as beautiful as 6.1 plus is its sibling Nokia 7 plus which sells around 23k. Apart from it, Nova 3i is another good looking phone. Nokia is known for its build quality and this phone is no exception. The most desired thing about this phone is, however, the form factor. Thanks to "apple invented" Notch. Lets admit it. The phones have gone bigger and many people want a smaller phone. When they can not get that with android mobiles, they switch to apple. With a type C port, this phone also comes with Quick charge 3.0 officially and it has android one integration. So, you can expect 2 android upgrades at least.

Pros:

1. Only notch phone with snapdragon 636 under 17k

2. Small form factor, stunning looks and great build quality

3. Type C port

4. Android One device with dual 4G/VOLTE support

5. Good front camera (Camera2API is present, so supports gcam)

Cons:

1. Average rear camera (Install gcam for better result)

2. Glass back means prone to cracks.

3. No LED notification light

4. Smaller 3060 mah battery

5. Flash sale

Redmi Note 5 Pro, Rs 14,999, Flipkart

This phone remains the champion of the segment. Powered by snapdragon 636, this phone is overall a great package and an all rounder. That's said, this mobile has some cons too. The phone has descent rear camera and the Xiaomi has put some great efforts in optimizing the camera. The battery is the biggest USP of this mobile. Powered by 4000 mah, this one easily beats Nokia 6.1 plus in this department. But, it supports only up to QC 2.0 (no official statement). The 6 inch display is sharp and vibrant.

Pros:

1. Good camera performance.

2. Feature rich MIUI

3. 4000 mah battery

4. Powerful 636 processor.

Cons:

1. Bugs keep on haunting this mobile/Update is an issue

2. Micro USB port

3. Copied and monotonous design (No notch)

Mi A2, Rs 16,999, Amazon

Under 17k, Mi A2 has done most of the things right with regards to processor and camera. Powered by Big brother of 636 i.e. Snapdragon 660, this is a quite good performer. The camera is outstanding. I mean to say that. Both sides cameras are probably best under 20k. The only near competitors to this mobile in camera segment are Nokia 7 plus and Poco F1 which are priced quite higher. The software interface is android one which means 3 years of software updates from google. However, it has some unpardonable cons like smaller battery, no expandable storage and removal of 3.5 mm jack (Seriously, why Xiaomi?). The display is also sub par. I still consider the Redmi note 5 pro has a better display than this.

Pros:

1. Cheapest phone with snapdragon 660

2. Android one integration

3. Outstanding camera performance

4. Type C port with Quick charge 4.0

Cons:

1. No memory expansion.

2. No 3.5mm jack

3. Sub-par display

4. Smaller 3000 mah battery

Asus Zenfone Max pro M1 (6GB), Rs 14,999, Flipkart 

The phone with a 6GB RAM and a 636 processor. What you might want more? Probably, the battery. But, thats 5000 mah. So, M1 is absolutely an all rounder. This mobile has a great close to stock UI. Multitasking experience is great. The phone has a good screen quality. This mobile almost ticks all boxes like Redmi note 5 pro.

Pros:

1. 5000 MAH batter

2. Close to stock UI

3. 6GB RAM

4. Descent camera performance

Cons:

1. Micro USB port

2. No fast charge support

Verdict: 

The verdict is simple. Every mobile is great in its own aspect. But, you have to understand your usage and needs.

If you want stunning looks, great build, Notch, software updates, smaller form factor, great brand value but can compromise little with low light camera and smaller battery, go for Nokia 6.1 plus. 

If you want a metallic phone, good camera, feature rich software and can compromise on software updates and micro USB port, go for Redmi Note 5 pro.

If you want better performer and camera is your only priority but ready to compromise on smaller battery and no 3.5mm jack, then go for Mi A2. Frankly, This mobile is recommended only for camera lovers. For rest, look at other 3.

If you want a metallic phone, Near to stock UI, Great battery life but can compromise on micro USB port and average camera performance, go for Asus Zenfone max pro M1.

Hope all of your doubts are clear. Happy shopping.

Keep smiling. Be kind.

With Love,

Ashis