Introduction
Do we have a good one for you today – the Google Pixel XL takes on the Xiaomi Redmi Pro High Edition (chosen because it matches up with the Pixel XL). The sleek polished glass and metal backed Pixel XL has an interesting look to it, while the brushed metal backed Redmi Pro has a sleek and slippery look and feel, although it does have an odd area in the top front where plastic meets the metal. Both devices are a solid build and professional looking in every way. Let’s look at any similarities these two devices may have and then we will look at each one individually.
The Google Pixel XL and the Xiaomi Redmi Pro have a few things in common. Both devices start with a 5.5-inch display, both use AMOLED technology, although they are different resolutions. This means the physical dimensions are close, with the Pixel XL just slightly larger, but the Redmi Pro weighs in 6 grams heavier – most likely due to the battery. Both use high-end processors, but from different manufacturers. They both offer a 32GB variant, but only the Redmi Pro has expandable memory. The Pixel XL has a great camera area, and it will satisfy any photo buff, whereas the Redmi Pro has a dual camera that takes great pictures and is fun to play with according to our review. They both have a large enough non-removable battery to get you through the entire day. They both have a fingerprint sensor for unlocking your phone, but the Redmi Pro lacks NFC to authorize mobile sales as well. The usual suspects are there – WiFi, Bluetooth v4.2, GPS, and a reversible Type-C USB port for charging and data transfer.
Please take a careful look at the detailed Specifications Comparison chart below and here you will see just how these two great devices stack up against one another – click on the “View Full Comparison” link at the end of the chart to expand the details. After that, we will look at each device in greater depth and point out some of its pros and cons. From all of this information, we will try to determine the winner based on specs and execution of design and functions.
Specifications
Google Pixel XL
The Google Pixel smartphones are the first to include Goggle Assistant in the device, allowing you to communicate directly with Google Home. Google is hoping that if you buy one device, you will want them all. As Google leaves the Nexus line in the past, the new Pixel models add a newly polished glass and metal design with a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. The pricing is steep for both models, but it does not seem to be affecting sales very much. For this comparison, we will be looking at how well the high-end Google Pixel XL stands up to the new Xiaomi Redmi Pro High Edition.
The Google Pixel XL sports a 5.5-inch QHD AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels with 531 pixels-per-inch (PPI.) Google used the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 quad-core processor with a dual-core clocked at 1.6GHz and a dual-core clocked at 2.15GHz. This Snapdragon 821 works with the Adreno 530 GPU to provide the device with excellent graphics capabilities. It packs 4GB of DDR4 RAM and 32GB or 128GB of the faster UFS memory as there are no means to expand the built-in memory. Google did include a large 3450mAh battery for power, and it has rapid charge capabilities.
With all of the competitive cameras, we were hoping that Google would include an excellent camera in the flagship Pixel XL, but here, it turns out they included it in both models. The primary camera has a 12.3MP sensor, with an aperture of f/2.0, phase detection autofocus (PDAF,) a dual-tone LED flash, and opting to use EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) over OIS. The system works as DxOMark tested the camera and awarded it the highest rating yet for a smartphone camera. Google also included a generous 8MP front-facing camera (FFC) that comes with an f/2.0 aperture, a 1.4µm pixel size and 1080p video support that will give you some great social media selfies to share with your friends as well as video chatting.
Google Pixel phones are selling well; however, the pricing is rather high for a device without many ‘bells and whistles’ such as a heart rate monitor, true waterproofing, or memory expansion. You do get the advantage of Google Assistant built into the device; that is if you plan to use it with other Google products such as Google Home. It is running Android 7.1 Nougat out of the box and will receive the fastest software updates. It does have an IP53 rating against dust and splashing water. The Pixel XL measures in at 154.7 x 75.7 x 8.6mm and weighs in at 168 grams. There are three different colors available: Quite Black, Very Silver, and Really Blue (a limited edition color.) The Pixel XL comes with either 32GB or 128GB of storage, and it will cost you about $770 for the 32GB model.
Xiaomi Redmi Pro High Edition
The Xiaomi Redmi Pro has three configurations – Standard, High Edition, and Exclusive Edition – we will be looking at the High Edition to match more closely to the Pixel XL. The entire device is engulfed in brushed metal that adds a certain beauty and toughness to the device, but also makes for a slippery handle. It also has an intriguing dual camera arrangement on the back. Let’s see just how it holds up to the flagship Pixel XL.
The Xiaomi Redmi Pro comes with a 5.5-inch FHD AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels with a respectable 401 PPI. Xiaomi uses the Mediatek MT6797T Helio X25 Deca-core clocked at 2.3GHz. For graphic demands, the Redmi Pro includes the powerful Mali-T880 MP4. It packs 4GB of RAM and 32GB of the memory that can be expanded 256GB via a microSD card. It packs a massive non-removable 4050mAh battery for power.
The dual camera on the Redmi Pro worked great – the smaller 5MP one used for depth did not always know where to focus, but the main 13MP took excellent shots for the most part. It uses an aperture of f/2.0, phase detection autofocus (PDAF,) a dual-tone LED flash. Xiaomi also included a 5MP FFC that should offer up some great selfies to share with your friends on social media as well as video chatting.
The Xiaomi Redmi Pro is a beautiful design with its brushed aluminum body. The antennas are at the top and bottom of the device, much like an iPhone 7. The Redmi Pro’s large battery will easily last over a day. It does not cover LTE bands in the US, only up to 3G. The device measures in at 151.5 x 76.2 x 8.2mm and weighs in at 174 grams. It comes in Silver, Gold, Gray and it will cost you about $275 for the 64GB model.
…And The Winner Is…
The Final Word
I put up the picture of the Google Pixel XL as the winner of this comparison only because it has the specification advantages – QHD display, slightly better processor, better, if not less intriguing camera, some protection against splashing water, more RAM, and includes NFC for mobile payments. It comes with Android 7.1 Nougat and will get the fastest upgrades. It is pricey at $770, and this is where the questions arise. Does it offer enough for a device that costs this much?
The Xiaomi has the same size AMOLED display, a terrific processor, great camera, expandable memory, a larger battery, and is beautifully designed. Its main drawbacks are that there is no NFC chip, and there are no LTE capabilities in the US. However, it only costs about $275 for, a device that could be cheap carry-around phone for pictures, phone calls, texting or emails, or playing games or watching videos. While the Redmi Pro is a great bargain, the Google Pixel XL definitely outclasses it, but at a high price.
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