The Lenovo K7 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The K7 aims for affordability with a Unisoc chipset, while the Redmi Note 5 Pro leverages Qualcomm's Snapdragon 636 for a more robust experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 636 chipset, built on a smaller 14nm process, provides a substantial performance advantage over the Lenovo K7’s Unisoc SC9863A, making it better suited for demanding tasks and gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 13 | 2018, February 14. Released 2018, February |
| Status | Cancelled | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | - | 158.6 x 75.4 x 8.1 mm (6.24 x 2.97 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 0 (5.68 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~276 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 92.6 cm2 | 5.99 inches, 92.6 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636 (14 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 509 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9, MIUI 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | - | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12 MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3", 0.9µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | Yes | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, QC2 |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black | Black, Champagne Gold, Rose Gold, Lake Blue |
| Models | - | MEI7S, MEI7 |
| Price | - | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.33 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 107737 (v7)
GeekBench: 4696 (v4.4) |
Lenovo K7
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer longer standby time due to less powerful chipset
- Simpler software experience (potentially)
- Significantly weaker performance
- Less efficient chipset leading to potential throttling
- Likely inferior camera quality
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 636
- Faster charging with QC2 support
- More responsive user experience
- Slightly higher price
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- More complex software (potentially)
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Redmi Note 5 Pro's positioning, it likely features a higher resolution and potentially better color accuracy than the K7. The K7, aiming for cost savings, likely utilizes a simpler panel. Bezels are also likely to be more prominent on the K7.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, it's difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, Xiaomi typically invests more in camera technology. The Redmi Note 5 Pro likely features a larger main sensor and more sophisticated image processing algorithms than the Lenovo K7. The Redmi Note 5 Pro’s image processing will likely result in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The K7 likely relies on software enhancements to compensate for a less capable sensor.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (14nm) significantly outperforms the Lenovo K7’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 14nm process node of the Snapdragon 636 translates to greater power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling under sustained load. The Redmi Note 5 Pro’s CPU, with its 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores, offers a noticeable speed boost over the K7’s 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. This difference is particularly evident in app launch times and multitasking.
Battery Life
While the battery capacities aren't specified, the Redmi Note 5 Pro benefits from 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 2.0 (QC2). This significantly reduces charging times compared to the K7, which likely utilizes a slower charging standard. The Snapdragon 636’s power efficiency also contributes to potentially longer real-world battery life on the Redmi Note 5 Pro, despite potentially having a similar capacity to the K7.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo K7 if you need a basic, ultra-affordable smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light web browsing, and battery life is paramount. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro if you prioritize smoother multitasking, gaming, and a more responsive user experience, and are willing to spend slightly more for a significantly improved chipset and faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Lenovo K7 struggle with modern mobile games?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is a low-end chipset and will likely struggle with graphically demanding games. Expect low frame rates and significant lag, even on lower settings. The Redmi Note 5 Pro’s Snapdragon 636 is far better equipped for gaming.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro's Quick Charge 2.0 require a special charger?
While the Redmi Note 5 Pro supports Quick Charge 2.0, it will still charge with a standard 5W charger, albeit much slower. To take full advantage of the 18W charging, you'll need a charger that specifically supports Quick Charge 2.0 or Power Delivery (PD).
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Snapdragon 636 in the Redmi Note 5 Pro will provide a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience for everyday tasks. App launch times will be faster, and multitasking will be less prone to lag compared to the Lenovo K7.
