Today, we found three models sporting different hardware, but still offering solid specs along with the 1080p display. Lenovo K5 Note is a model sporting a large 5.5-inch screen, coming with mid-tier specs and affordable price. Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 brings large screen, metal body and powerful Snapdragon 650 for an incredible price, while Google Pixels offers top-of-the-line specs and premium metal chassis, with the appropriate pricing. Let’s see which one gives the most for the money.
Design, Dimensions
The largest model of the pack is Lenovo K5 Note. The phone measures 152 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm, an average size for a 5.5-inch device. Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 measures 150 x 76 x 8.7 mm, almost identical to the K5 Note, another average-sized 5.5-inch device. Google Pixel features a smaller, 5-inch screen, making it smaller than other two models. With dimensions of 143.8 x 69.5 x 8.5 mm, Google Pixel is one large 5-inch device.
Both the K5 Note and the Redmi Note 3 feature very similar design. Three soft keys on the front, a fingerprint sensor and the main camera placed on the upper middle part of the backside, with the speaker being placed on the lower back are the main details on both devices. They won’t attract many looks and are average-looking at best. Google Pixel features lots of space above and below the display, a feature usually reserved for cheaper models. Thick bezels and unattractive back side make the Pixel a bit bland on the outside.
Hardware, Display
Lenovo K5 Note is powered by Helio P10 (4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 coupled with Mali-T860MP2) chipset by MediaTek. The CPU part of the SoC is fairly powerful, with GPU being too weak for newest games. The phone features 3 GB or 4 GB of RAM along with 32 GB of expandable (SIM 2 slot) internal storage.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 packs a powerful Snapdragon 650 (4×1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 & 2×1.8 GHz Cortex-A72 along with Adreno 510 GPU) chipset, able to provide very snappy performance, with GPU being more than capable of running all latest game titles. We can also find 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of built-in storage (Standard Version), or 3 gigs of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage (High Version). The storage can be expanded via SIM 2 slot.
Finally, Google Pixel offers unmatched performance thanks to the combo of Snapdragon 821 (2×2.15 GHz Kryo & 2×1.6 GHz Kryo coupled with Adreno 530 GPU), 4 GB of RAM and a choice between 32 GB and 128 GB of internal storage (non-expandable). Superb hardware that will chew through anything without breaking a single drop of sweat.
The K5 Note and the Redmi Note 3 feature a 5.5-inch, 1080p, IPS LCD screens. They are large enough for comfortable web surfing, or for watching movies, while still having solid sharpness (401 ppi pixel density). The Pixel comes with a smaller, 5-inch 1080p AMOLED screen characterized by rich colors and deep blacks, Sharpness is great at 441 ppi pixel density, although the size can be too small for some users.
Camera
The K5 Note comes with a 13 MP (f/2.2) man camera, offering phase detection autofocus, dual-LED flash, and HDR; the main camera is capable of recording 1080p@30fps videos. Secondary camera counts 8 MP.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 features 16 MP (f/2.0) main camera, coming with phase detection autofocus, dual-LED flash, and HDR. It is capable of recording 1080p@30fps videos. The front-facing snapper has 5 MP (f/2.0) nad is capable of recording 1080p videos.
Google Pixel offers 12.3 MP (f/2.0) main camera lens, supporting EIS (gyro), phase detection & laser autofocus, dual-LED flash, and HDR. The camera supports 4K video recording, as well as the recording of 720p@240fps slow-motion videos. The selfie snapper has 8 MP (f/2.4) and is capable of 1080p video recording. The camera has a large (1.55µm) single pixel size, guaranteeing superb low-light performance.
Battery, Software
The Redmi Note 3 features a huge, 4050 mAh battery capable of lasting up to three days without a charge; Lenovo K5 Note comes with a 3500 mAh battery that should last a day or two before needing a charge. Google Pixel has a 2770 mAh battery, not as large as on two other models, but good enough for a full day of use.
Both the K5 Note and Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 run under Android Lollipop, while Google Pixel comes with the latest Android 7.0 Nougat (the 7.1 version should already be available for download). All three models have a fingerprint sensor; The Redmi Note 3 and Google Pixel support quick charging, with the Pixel being splash and dust resistant.
Conclusion
Out of two 5.5-inch devices, Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 is a much better device. Snapdragon 650, solid chassis, lots of RAM and the price of around Rs 12,000 ($175) for the 32 GB version make for a great balance between the price and features. Lenovo K5 Note (3 GB RAM, 32 GB ROM) can be found for Rs 12,000 ($175). If the phone was cheaper, it would be a solid 5.5-inch choice, but since the Redmi Note 3 cost the same, it’s better to skip the K5 Note and go for the Xiaomi model. Google Pixel is a flagship device, 32 Gb version is selling for Rs 57,000 (around $840). If you have the money and don’t mind the awkward design, the phone offers pure Android experience, superb camera, excellent screen and best hardware.