The Vodafone Smart Platinum 7 and Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (often referred to as the Redmi Note 5) were popular mid-range contenders. Both offered compelling features for their price, but cater to different user priorities. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Vodafone Smart Platinum 7 boasts a faster processor and quicker charging, while the Redmi 5 Plus excels in battery endurance and sunlight readability. Ultimately, the Redmi 5 Plus offers better value for money, especially if battery life is paramount, while the Platinum 7 is preferable for those prioritizing performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 - Global |
| EDGE | Yes | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, June. Released 2016, June | 2018, February. Released 2018, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum/plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 154 x 75.7 x 7 mm (6.06 x 2.98 x 0.28 in) | 158.5 x 75.5 x 8.1 mm (6.24 x 2.97 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 155 g (5.47 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) | - |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~534 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~71.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.99 inches, 92.6 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A72 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8976 Snapdragon 652 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 510 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) | Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), planned upgrade to Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.6", 1.12µm, PDAF | 12 MP, f/2.2, 1.25 μm, dual pixel PDAF |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | Hi-Fi audio
| - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3, 50% in 30 min | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Gold, Blue, Rose Gold |
| Models | VFD 900 | MEG7, MEI7 |
| Price | About 380 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.47 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -29.7dB / Crosstalk -91.8dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 104h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1431:1 (nominal), 2.913 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 71dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 87dB
|
| Performance | - |
GeekBench: 4309 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 3.4fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Vodafone Smart Platinum 7
- Faster Processor
- Quick Charging (QC3)
- Potentially better camera detail
- Lower Battery Life
- Less Sunlight Readable Display
- Potentially higher price
Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (Redmi Note 5)
- Exceptional Battery Life
- Excellent Sunlight Display
- Budget-Friendly
- Good Value
- Slower Processor
- Slower Charging (10W)
- Potentially less detailed camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 5.5-inch display, but the Redmi 5 Plus shines with its exceptional contrast ratio (1431:1 nominal, 2.913 in sunlight), making it significantly easier to view in bright conditions. The Platinum 7's display is good, but lacks the same level of sunlight visibility. Resolution is likely FHD on both, but specifics are needed for a definitive comparison.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is subjective and depends on individual preferences. While both offer Photo/Video capabilities, the Redmi 5 Plus likely benefits from Xiaomi's image processing. The Platinum 7's camera might offer slightly better detail due to the Snapdragon 652, but low-light performance is likely comparable. Detailed camera samples would be needed for a more accurate assessment.
Performance
The Vodafone Smart Platinum 7 holds a clear advantage here. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 chipset with a combination of Cortex-A72 and Cortex-A53 cores offers noticeably better performance than the Redmi 5 Plus's Snapdragon 625. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading times on the Platinum 7.
Battery Life
The Redmi 5 Plus is the undisputed champion in this category. Its endurance rating of 104 hours is significantly higher than what the Vodafone Smart Platinum 7 likely offers. If battery life is your top priority, the Redmi 5 Plus is the clear winner.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Vodafone Smart Platinum 7? Users who prioritize performance and faster charging, and are willing to trade off some battery life. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (Redmi Note 5)? Users seeking exceptional battery life, excellent sunlight display visibility, and a budget-friendly option.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Vodafone Smart Platinum 7 still worth buying?
It depends on your priorities. If you need a faster phone and quick charging, it might be, but be aware of the shorter battery life. Consider its current price and availability compared to newer alternatives.
❓ What is the main difference between the Redmi 5 Plus and Redmi Note 5?
They are essentially the same phone. The Redmi Note 5 was the rebranded name for the Redmi 5 Plus in some markets.
