Zenfone Max Pro 6GB vs Redmi Note 5 Pro Camera
The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 (6GB) and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro both offer dual rear cameras, but the Redmi Note 5 Pro takes the lead in low-light and portrait shots, while the Zenfone Max Pro M2 delivers more consistent daylight colors. If you prioritize camera quality above all else, the Redmi Note 5 Pro is the better choice; if you need better battery life and a cleaner software experience, the Zenfone Max Pro M2 is a solid alternative.
Background: Two Budget Camera Contenders
Released in late 2018, the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 (6GB/64GB) and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro (6GB/64GB) were both aimed at the mid-range segment, offering dual cameras at an affordable price. The Redmi Note 5 Pro was launched earlier in February 2018 and quickly became a bestseller in India and other Asian markets. Asus followed with the Max Pro M2 in December 2018, positioning it as a battery-focused alternative with a cleaner Android experience.
Both phones use a 12MP primary sensor and a 5MP depth sensor, but the hardware and software processing differ significantly. The Redmi Note 5 Pro uses Sony’s IMX486 sensor with 1.25µm pixel size, while the Zenfone Max Pro M2 uses Sony’s IMX486 as well (in some variants) or a Samsung sensor, but the real difference lies in the image processing and camera app features.
Camera Specifications Compared
- Rear Primary: Redmi Note 5 Pro: 12MP f/1.9, 1.25µm pixels, dual-LED flash. Zenfone Max Pro M2: 12MP f/1.8, 1.25µm pixels, dual-LED flash.
- Rear Depth Sensor: Both: 5MP f/2.0 (used for portrait mode).
- Front Camera: Redmi Note 5 Pro: 20MP f/2.2 with soft LED flash. Zenfone Max Pro M2: 13MP f/2.0 with soft LED flash.
- Video: Both: 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 30fps, 720p at 30fps (slowed motion supported on both).
On paper, the Zenfone has a slightly wider aperture (f/1.8 vs f/1.9), which should let in more light, but the Redmi’s larger pixel size (1.25µm vs 1.25µm is same) and Xiaomi’s mature camera tuning give it an edge in practice.
Daylight Photography: Colors and Detail
In good lighting, both cameras capture sharp, detailed images. The Redmi Note 5 Pro tends to produce punchier, more saturated colors that look great on social media, while the Zenfone Max Pro M2 produces more natural, slightly muted tones. The Redmi’s HDR mode is more aggressive, recovering shadows better without blowing out highlights. The Zenfone’s HDR is more conservative, sometimes leaving highlights clipped in high-contrast scenes.
Detail-wise, both resolve fine textures well, but the Redmi Note 5 Pro has slightly better edge sharpness, especially in the corners of the frame. The Zenfone Max Pro M2 sometimes softens edges due to its noise reduction algorithm, which is more noticeable when you zoom into a photo.
Low-Light and Night Photography
Low-light performance is where the Redmi Note 5 Pro pulls ahead. The f/1.9 aperture combined with Xiaomi’s multi-frame noise reduction produces cleaner, brighter images with less grain. The Redmi’s night mode (added later via software update) further improves dynamic range and sharpness. The Zenfone Max Pro M2, despite the f/1.8 aperture, tends to produce darker, noisier images in low light. Its noise reduction smears details, and the autofocus can hunt in very dim conditions.
If you frequently shoot indoors or at night, the Redmi Note 5 Pro is the clear winner. However, the Zenfone’s camera app is simpler and faster to launch, which can help you capture fleeting moments.
Portrait Mode and Depth Effects
Both phones use a 5MP depth sensor to create bokeh effects. The Redmi Note 5 Pro’s portrait mode is more reliable: it accurately detects edges and blurs the background smoothly, even with complex hair strands. The Zenfone Max Pro M2’s portrait mode struggles with edge detection, often blurring parts of the subject or leaving a halo effect. The Redmi also offers a wider range of bokeh adjustments (aperture simulation from f/0.95 to f/8), while the Zenfone only offers a fixed blur level.
For selfie portraits, the Redmi Note 5 Pro’s 20MP front camera captures more detail and its soft LED flash helps in low light. The Zenfone’s 13MP front camera is decent but produces softer images and less accurate background blur.
Video Recording and Stabilization
Both phones record 4K video at 30fps, but the Redmi Note 5 Pro has better electronic image stabilization (EIS) in 1080p mode, resulting in smoother handheld footage. The Zenfone Max Pro M2 lacks EIS entirely, so videos can look shaky. The Redmi also has a dedicated slow-motion mode (720p at 120fps), while the Zenfone offers slow-motion through a separate setting that is less user-friendly.
Audio recording is comparable on both, with decent clarity but no wind noise reduction.
Software and Camera App Experience
The Redmi Note 5 Pro runs MIUI, which includes a feature-rich camera app with modes like Panorama, Time-lapse, Pro, and AI scene detection. The AI mode automatically adjusts settings for specific scenes (food, sunset, etc.), which can be hit or miss but is useful for casual shooters. The Zenfone Max Pro M2 runs stock Android 8.1 (upgradable to Android 9), and its camera app is simpler, lacking AI modes and advanced controls. However, some users prefer the cleaner interface and faster processing.
MIUI also offers a built-in photo editor with more tools than the Zenfone’s basic editor. Both allow manual control (Pro mode) for ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, but the Redmi’s Pro mode has a histogram and focus peaking, which are helpful for advanced users.
Common Problems and How to Address Them
- Shutter lag on Zenfone: The camera app can take a moment to focus and capture. Try tapping the screen to focus manually or use the volume button as a shutter key.
- Overexposed highlights on Redmi: In HDR mode, sometimes highlights get blown out. Turn off HDR and manually adjust exposure by tapping on a brighter area.
- Portrait edge errors on both: Ensure the subject is well-lit and the background is not too busy. Hold the phone steady and keep a distance of 1-2 meters from the subject.
- Low-light noise on Zenfone: Use the Pro mode to lower ISO (e.g., 400) and increase exposure time, but use a tripod or steady hand to avoid blur.
- Video stabilization on Zenfone: Use a gimbal or hold the phone with both hands and move slowly. Consider using 1080p mode, which is slightly smoother than 4K.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better front camera?
The Redmi Note 5 Pro has a 20MP front camera with a soft LED flash, which produces sharper and brighter selfies, especially in low light. The Zenfone Max Pro M2’s 13MP front camera is adequate but less detailed.
Can the Zenfone Max Pro M2 take good low-light photos with GCam?
Yes, installing Google Camera (GCam) on the Zenfone Max Pro M2 can significantly improve low-light performance, as the software processing is better than the stock app. However, GCam may not support all features like portrait mode on the front camera, and stability can vary.
Does the Redmi Note 5 Pro support 4K video?
Yes, both the Redmi Note 5 Pro and the Zenfone Max Pro M2 support 4K video recording at 30fps. However, the Redmi has better stabilization in 1080p mode.
Which phone has better battery life?
The Zenfone Max Pro M2 has a 5000mAh battery, which easily lasts two days with moderate use, while the Redmi Note 5 Pro has a 4000mAh battery that lasts about a day and a half. If battery life is your priority, the Zenfone wins.
Are there any camera updates for these phones?
Both phones received Android 10 updates, but camera improvements were limited. The Redmi Note 5 Pro received a night mode via MIUI updates, while the Zenfone Max Pro M2 received minor camera stability fixes. Neither is likely to receive further major camera updates.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The Zenfone Max Pro M2 has a Snapdragon 660 processor, while the Redmi Note 5 Pro has a Snapdragon 636. The Zenfone is slightly faster in gaming, but both can handle most games at medium settings.
Final Verdict
For camera performance, the Redmi Note 5 Pro is the better choice: it offers more consistent low-light shots, better portrait mode, and a more feature-rich camera app. The Zenfone Max Pro M2 is not far behind, but its camera is less reliable in challenging conditions. If you can accept the trade-off of a larger battery and stock Android, the Zenfone is still a good option, but for photography, the Redmi Note 5 Pro is the winner.
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