(Note: we are referring to the Redmi 5 3GB/32GB variant here)
Honor 7A vs Redmi 5: Design
Both devices are reasonably compact, have 5.7-inch displays with 18:9 aspect ratio, and are very slim (the Redmi 5 is 7.7 mm, the Honor 7A is 7.8 mm). The 7A is slightly lighter than the Redmi 5 at 150 grams against 157 grams. Both are smart looking devices with metallic looking backs, but the Honor 7A is likely to appeal to more users because of its slightly more curvey sides which make it fit more easily into most hands. Its more shiny sides will also grab more attention, and well, the dual cameras on the back give it a modern, contemporary look while the Redmi 5 has the conventional single camera on the back. Winner: Honor 7A
Redmi 5 vs Honor 7A: Hardware
This is an interesting call. Both phones have 5.7-inch displays with 18:9 aspect ratios, and HD+ resolution. However, the display on the Honor 7A is distinctly brighter than the one on the Redmi 5. Both devices have octa-core processors from Qualcomm, paired with 3 GB RAM and 32 GB storage. The Redmi 5 has a slightly better processor (Snapdragon 450) as compared to the Snapdragon 430 on the Honor 7A, but the Honor 7A has a dedicated memory card slot, while the Redmi 5A has a hybrid SIM slot. Further tilting the scales in favor of the 7A is the fact that it has dual 13 and 2-megapixel cameras on the back, while the Redmi 5 has a single 12 megapixel one. The Honor 7A scores on the selfie department also, with an 8-megapixel camera against the 5-megapixel one on the Redmi 5. The Redmi 5 has a slightly bigger battery – 3300 mAh as against 3000 mAh – but the cameras, brighter display, and dedicated memory card swing this in favor of the Honor 7A. Winner: Honor 7A
Honor 7A vs Redmi 5: Software
This is really a no-competition. Yes, MIUI, Xiaomi’s interface is very popular, but Honor’s EMUI also comes with a number of innovations and tweaks, including the option to connect to multiple Bluetooth devices in party mode and also has a ride mode that answers calls by voice or text messages when you are driving. Most important of all, the Honor 7A comes with Android 8.0 out of the box while the Redmi 5 is still stuck on Android 7.1. What’s more, the Honor 7A has face unlock while the Redmi 5 does not, allowing you to unlock your phone by just looking at it. This is really not much of a competition, although both interfaces have their pros and cons. Winner: Honor 7A
Redmi 5 vs Honor 7A: Camera
This is again a no-contest. The Redmi 5 has a 12.0-megapixel rear camera and 5-megapixel front-facing camera. Though these are good performers, they cannot match the kind of detail and bokeh produced by the dual 13-megapixel and 2-megapixel cameras on the Honor 7A. The front-facing camera of the Honor 7A also wins the selfie battle, its 8.0-megapixel camera outgunning the 5.0-megapixel one of the Redmi 5. The Honor 7A also has a more feature rich camera app and lets you even adjust aperture size, something that is very rare at this price point. Winner: Honor 7A
Honor 7A vs Redmi 5: General performance
When it comes to general performance, both the phones are credible performers. Both can handle casual gaming well enough but might have some issues when you get into high-end gaming – it is not as if they cannot play Asphalt titles, but just that there will be the odd frame drop. We think the brighter display of the Honor 7A makes it a better device for playing games and videos. In terms of sound too, the party mode of the Honor 7A allows one to do more with one’s device, as compared to the Redmi 5. Sound quality is largely similar on both, though. Both phones will see off a day on a single charge of the battery, but we think the newer version of Android on the Honor 7A makes it seem just a little smoother overall. Call clarity and reception also seemed better on the 7A as compared to the Redmi 5 – and we could use both our SIM slots, along with a memory card! Winner: Honor 7A
Conclusion
The scores are there for everyone to see. The Redmi 5 is without a doubt a good device but the Honor 7A scores on its dual camera prowess, the newer version of Android and features like the ability to change aperture as well as face unlock. The choice, in the end, is yours, but in most cases, we think the Honor 7A has the edge over the Redmi 5.
