Redmi Note 5 Pro Vs Galaxy On Max Was Upgrading Really Worth It

When Samsung launched the Galaxy On Max in late 2017, many users saw it as a premium mid-range contender. Around the same time, Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 5 Pro emerged as a benchmark buster in its price range. For consumers deciding between these two phones—or considering an upgrade from one to the other—the question wasn’t just about specs, but real-world value. Was switching from the Redmi Note 5 Pro to the Galaxy On Max, or vice versa, actually worth it?

This article dives deep into both devices, comparing their design, performance, camera capabilities, software experience, and long-term usability. The goal is not just to list features, but to evaluate whether the perceived upgrade translated into tangible benefits for everyday users.

Design and Build: Premium Feel vs Practical Durability

The Galaxy On Max stands out with its metal unibody design and 2.5D curved glass front, giving it a sleek, almost flagship-like appearance. At 163 grams, it feels solid without being overly heavy. The fingerprint sensor is embedded in the home button—a familiar layout for Samsung users.

In contrast, the Redmi Note 5 Pro also uses a metal body but opts for a more utilitarian design. It’s slightly heavier at 181 grams, partly due to its larger 4000mAh battery. While less flashy than the On Max, its build quality holds up well over time, especially in terms of grip and drop resistance.

Tip: If you prioritize aesthetics and brand prestige, the Galaxy On Max may appeal more. But if durability and comfort during extended use matter, the Redmi Note 5 Pro offers better ergonomics.

Performance Comparison: Snapdragon 636 vs Exynos 7870

Under the hood, the differences become stark. The Redmi Note 5 Pro is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 636, an octa-core processor built on a 14nm process. Paired with Adreno 509 GPU and up to 6GB of RAM, it delivered near-top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking in its class.

The Galaxy On Max, however, runs on Samsung’s in-house Exynos 7870—an older hexa-core chip based on a 14nm architecture but significantly less powerful. With Mali-T830 MP1 GPU and only 4GB of RAM, it struggles with high-end games and prolonged app switching.

In real-world benchmarks, the Redmi Note 5 Pro scored nearly double in multi-core tests on Geekbench. Users reported smoother animations, faster app launches, and better thermal management—especially during extended video playback or navigation.

“Processor choice can make or break a mid-range phone. The Snapdragon 636 gave Xiaomi a clear edge in responsiveness and future-proofing.” — Arjun Mehta, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse India

Camera Showdown: Low-Light Mastery vs Consistent Daylight Shots

One of the most debated aspects was camera performance. The Redmi Note 5 Pro introduced dual rear cameras (12MP primary + 5MP depth sensor) with large 1.25µm pixels, optimized for low-light photography. Its portrait mode, while software-heavy, produced natural bokeh effects and accurate skin tones.

The Galaxy On Max featured a single 13MP rear sensor with f/1.7 aperture—Samsung’s widest at the time for this segment. In daylight, it captured vibrant, well-saturated images with excellent dynamic range. However, in dim conditions, noise crept in quickly, and autofocus slowed down noticeably.

Front cameras were equally telling. The On Max’s 13MP selfie shooter had dedicated LED flash and beautification modes, popular among social media users. The Redmi Note 5 Pro countered with a 20MP front sensor and AI-powered face recognition, offering sharper details but sometimes over-sharpened textures.

Feature	Redmi Note 5 Pro	Galaxy On Max
Rear Camera	Dual: 12MP + 5MP, f/2.2 + f/2.0	Single: 13MP, f/1.7
Front Camera	20MP, f/2.0	13MP, f/1.9
Low-Light Performance	Excellent (large pixels)	Moderate (noise issues)
Portrait Mode	Natural background blur	Software-based, less refined

Battery Life and Charging: Real Endurance vs Moderate Use

The Redmi Note 5 Pro packs a 4000mAh battery, consistently delivering 1.5 to 2 days of moderate usage. Even under heavy load—YouTube streaming, GPS navigation, and social apps—it easily lasts a full day. It supports 5V/2A charging via micro-USB, reaching 50% in about 45 minutes.

The Galaxy On Max has a smaller 3300mAh battery. While efficient thanks to the Exynos chip, it rarely exceeds a full day with screen-on times above 5 hours. Fast charging is limited to 5V/1.5A, making top-ups slower compared to competitors.

For users who travel frequently or rely on their phone as a productivity tool, the Redmi Note 5 Pro offered significantly better peace of mind.

Tip: Always consider actual battery throughput over capacity alone. The Redmi Note 5 Pro's combination of large battery and power-efficient display made it a standout for endurance.

Software Experience: MIUI vs TouchWiz – Customization vs Simplicity

Xiaomi’s MIUI 9 (upgradable to later versions) brought a wealth of customization options: themes, second space, app lock, and gesture controls. While feature-rich, some users found it bloated, with occasional ads in system apps unless manually disabled.

Samsung’s TouchWiz (later rebranded as Experience) on the Galaxy On Max felt cleaner and closer to stock Android. Updates were more consistent through Samsung’s ecosystem, though the interface lacked the depth of MIUI’s tools. Bixby couldn’t compete with Google Assistant, but basic voice commands worked reliably.

Long-term support favored Samsung slightly. The Galaxy On Max received two major Android updates (Nougat to Oreo), while Redmi Note 5 Pro eventually got Pie—but with delays and limited rollout initially.

Mini Case Study: Priya’s Upgrade Dilemma

Priya, a college student in Hyderabad, owned a Redmi Note 5 Pro since early 2018. By 2019, she considered upgrading to the Galaxy On Max after seeing ads highlighting its “premium design” and “Samsung reliability.” She traded in her Note 5 Pro for ₹8,000 and bought the On Max at ₹13,990.

Within weeks, she noticed lag when using Instagram Reels and WhatsApp status loading. Battery didn’t last through her campus days. The camera struggled in indoor classrooms, producing grainy images. After six months, she sold it and returned to a newer Xiaomi model.

“I thought Samsung meant better quality,” she said. “But I missed the speed and battery life I had before. The upgrade didn’t feel like progress.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Galaxy On Max better than the Redmi Note 5 Pro?

No, overall. While the Galaxy On Max has a slightly better display and brand appeal, the Redmi Note 5 Pro outperforms it in processing power, battery life, camera versatility, and value for money.

Can the Galaxy On Max run PUBG Mobile smoothly?

Only on very low settings. The Exynos 7870 and Mali-T830 GPU struggle with sustained performance. Frame drops and overheating are common. The Redmi Note 5 Pro handles medium settings far more comfortably.

Which phone has better resale value?

Historically, Samsung devices hold value slightly better due to brand trust. However, because the Redmi Note 5 Pro remained popular longer and had wider service availability, its depreciation curve was flatter in India’s secondary market.

Checklist: Was Your Upgrade Worth It?

Use this checklist to evaluate your own experience:

• ✅ Did the new phone perform faster in daily tasks?
• ✅ Did battery life improve or at least match your previous device?
• ✅ Is the camera noticeably better in your typical lighting conditions?
• ✅ Does the software feel intuitive and stable over time?
• ✅ Have you needed to revert to an older phone or replace it sooner than expected?

If you answered “no” to three or more, the upgrade likely wasn’t worth it.

Conclusion: Value Matters More Than Brand

Choosing between the Redmi Note 5 Pro and Galaxy On Max wasn’t just about specs—it was about understanding what each device delivered in practice. Despite Samsung’s marketing push around premium design and trusted software, the Redmi Note 5 Pro consistently outperformed its rival in areas that matter most: speed, battery, and camera flexibility.

Upgrading solely for brand prestige often leads to disappointment. Real value lies in longevity, performance consistency, and how well a phone adapts to your lifestyle. In this matchup, the Redmi Note 5 Pro proved that innovation and user-centric engineering can outweigh legacy branding.

💬 Did you make the switch between these phones? Share your experience in the comments below—your insight could help others avoid a costly upgrade mistake.