The battle begins with the new Xiaomi Mi 5X looking similar to the flagship device, Mi 6. However, amid similarities in the outward display and dual camera setup, both smartphones offer very different specifications, key features, and pricing. So which model is a better buy for you? Let’s find out below.
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Specifically, the Mi 6 has a smaller 5.15-inch FHD display, resulting in higher PPI and sharper output overall. Consumers who enjoy using large screen smartphones would prefer the Xiaomi Mi 5X and its 5.5-inch FHD display. Yet, the screen of the Mi 6 boasts reduced glare and 0.15-nit adjustments and up to 500nits brightness while the Mi 5X has max 450nit brightness.
We can argue that both Mi shooters have the same dual-camera setup of 12MP primary plus 12MP 2x zoomed sensor. But in terms of quality, the Mi 6 trumps the Mi 5X because of the wider aperture (f1.8 vs f2.2) and larger sensor, which is helpful in lowlight scenarios.
Xiaomi Mi 6
Specs-wise, the Xiaomi Mi 5X is powered by the 2.0 GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor. On the other hand, the Mi 6 is equipped with 2.45GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor. However, the Mi 5X only packs 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. The Mi 6 is clubbed with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of ROM but has a 6GB RAM/128GB ROM variant.
The Xiaomi Mi 5X is awaited by those who are expecting it to be bundled with the Android Nougat-based MIUI 9. The Mi 6 is currently running the MIUI 8.2 as of now. Of course, it will be also upgradable upon the global release of the MIUI 9.
The Xiaomi Mi 6 is already available locally thru online stores and is priced about P20,000+ for the 4GB model and P23,000+ for the 6GB + 64GB which is almost half compared to the price of high-end flagship phones.
Just a couple of weeks ago, the Mi 5X was launched in China and is about to be released in the Philippines too. It is expected to retail for P11,000 to P14,000 with the 4GB RAM on board.
So if you’re really up for an affordable flagship experience and decent specs, go for the Xiaomi Mi 5X. But if you prefer a top-class camera and very solid performance, then the Mi 6 is already a bargain for most.
Xiaomi Mi 5X with dual camera
| SPECS, PH Price | Xiaomi Mi 5X | Xiaomi Mi 6 |
| Display | 5.5 inches LTPS IPS LCD, 403ppi | 5.15 inches IPS LCD, 428ppi |
| Size | 155.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm, 165g weight | 145.2 x 70.5 x 7.5 mm, 168g |
| Design | Unibody metal | Ceramic back, Splash resistant |
| Colors | Black, Gold, Rose Gold | Ceramic Black, Black, Blue, White |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 | Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 |
| Processor | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4×2.45 GHz Kryo & 4×1.9 GHz Kryo) |
| Graphics | Adreno 506 | Adreno 540 |
| Memory | 64 GB, 4 GB RAM, microSD | 64/128 GB, 6 GB RAM storage, microSD |
| Main Camera | Dual 12 MP (26mm, f/2.2; 50mm, f/2.6), phase detection autofocus, 2x optical zoom, dual-LED flash | Dual 12 MP (27mm, f/1.8, OIS 4-axis & 52mm, f/2.6), 2x optical zoom, phase detection autofocus, dual-LED flash |
| Multimedia | 2160p@30fps, 720p@120fps | 2160p@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Front camera | 5 MP selfie, 1080p | 8 MP selfie, 1080p |
| Connectivity | WiFi ac, Bluetooth 4.2, Fingerprint Sensor, Dual SIM | WiFi ac, Bluetooth 5.0, Fingerprint Sensor, Dual SIM |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor at the back | Fingerprint sensor on home button |
| OS | Android 7.1 Nougat, MIUI 9.0 | Android 7.1 Nougat, upgradeable to MIUI 9.0 |
| Battery | Non-removable Li-Ion 3080 mAh battery, | Non-removable Li-Po 3350 mAh battery |
| Ports | USB Type-C 1.0 | USB Type-C 1.0 |
| Official PH Price | PHP 11,000 to 14,000 SRP | PHP 19,000 to P23,000 SRP |
| Availability date | August 2017 | April 2017 |
| Where to buy | Official Xiaomi store, Online stores | Official Xiaomi store, Online stores |
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