The Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro, released on November 23, 2018, was a mid-range smartphone from Xiaomi’s popular Redmi Note series, succeeding the Redmi Note 5 Pro. Priced at approximately $170 (₹13,999 in India) for the base model, it targeted budget-conscious consumers seeking robust performance, a large battery, and advanced camera features. With a 6.26-inch notched display, quad-camera setup, and Snapdragon 636 chipset, it aimed to compete in the fiercely contested sub-$200 segment against devices like the Realme 2 Pro, Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1, and Nokia 6.1 Plus. This review provides a detailed analysis of the Redmi Note 6 Pro’s hardware and software specifications, evaluates its performance, and compares it with other 2018 smartphones in a similar price range to assess its market position.
Hardware Specifications
Physical Design and Build
The Redmi Note 6 Pro features a metal unibody with Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) on the front, measuring 157.9 x 76.4 x 8.3 mm and weighing 182 grams. It’s slightly thicker and wider than its predecessor (Redmi Note 5 Pro) but offers a firm grip with curved edges. Durability tests indicate standard scratch resistance (level 6 Mohs hardness), but the glass front and metal back are prone to damage from drops, suggesting a case is advisable. Repairs, such as screen replacements, cost ~$50–$70 without warranty.
Available in Black, Blue, Red, and Rose Gold, the design is functional but dated compared to 2018 competitors like the Realme 2 Pro’s reflective back. It features P2i liquid-repellent nanotechnology for splash resistance but lacks an official IP rating, unlike the Nokia 6.1 Plus (IP54). The hybrid dual-SIM slot (nano-SIM + nano-SIM or microSD) limits simultaneous dual-SIM and storage expansion.
Display
The Redmi Note 6 Pro sports a 6.26-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD display (2280 x 1080 resolution, 403 ppi) with a 19:9 aspect ratio and a notch, a first for the Redmi Note series. With a peak brightness of 500 nits and an 86% screen-to-body ratio, it offers decent outdoor visibility but trails AMOLED displays like the Realme 2 Pro’s in contrast and vibrancy. The display supports sRGB and delivers good color accuracy, though some noted slight oversaturation. The notch, housing dual front cameras, was criticized for its size compared to the Realme 2 Pro’s dewdrop design.
Processor and Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (14nm, 8-core, 1.8 GHz Kryo 260) with an Adreno 509 GPU, the Redmi Note 6 Pro matches the Redmi Note 5 Pro’s performance. Available with 3GB/32GB, 4GB/64GB, or 6GB/64GB LPDDR4X RAM/storage configurations, it handles daily tasks, multitasking, and moderate gaming (e.g., PUBG on medium settings) well. Benchmarks like AnTuTu (115,000) and Geekbench (Single-core: ~1,300, Multi-core: ~4,800) show it lagging behind the Realme 2 Pro’s Snapdragon 660 (130,000) and far behind the iPhone XR’s A12 Bionic (~350,000). The 14nm process is less efficient than 7nm chipsets in premium 2018 flagships.
Storage
The base model offers 32GB (3GB RAM), with higher-end 64GB variants (4GB or 6GB RAM) using UFS 2.1. Storage is expandable via microSD (up to 256GB), but the hybrid slot forces a choice between dual SIMs or extra storage, unlike the Vivo Y89’s dedicated slot. The 64GB variants were ample for most users, supporting apps, media, and photos.
Battery
The 4,000mAh battery supports up to 18 hours of video playback or 70 hours of audio. Real-world tests show 7–8 hours of screen-on time, outlasting the Realme 2 Pro (3,500mAh) and Nokia 6.1 Plus (3,060mAh). It supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 (18W), achieving 50% charge in ~40 minutes with a compatible charger (not included; 10W charger in box). No wireless charging is available, a common omission in this segment. Battery life is a highlight, handling heavy use (gaming, streaming) with ease.
Cameras
The Redmi Note 6 Pro features a quad-camera setup, a first for Xiaomi:
- Rear: 12MP primary (f/1.9, 1.4μm pixels, Dual Pixel autofocus) + 5MP depth sensor (f/2.2, 1.12μm pixels).
- Front: 20MP primary (f/2.0, 1.8μm 4-in-1 Super Pixel) + 2MP depth sensor (f/2.2, 1.75μm).
The rear camera supports AI Scene Detection (27 scenes), AI Portrait 2.0, HDR, and lens flare effects, capturing vibrant, detailed daylight shots and decent low-light performance due to the large aperture and pixel size. The front camera excels in portrait selfies with good bokeh, though low-light selfies are average. It records 1080p video at 30fps with EIS, but lacks 4K support, unlike the Huawei Mate 20 Pro. The camera outperforms the Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1 but trails the Pixel 3 XL’s computational photography in low light.
Connectivity
The device supports dual SIM (4G VoLTE), LTE Cat.6 (up to 300 Mbps), Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS (A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS). It includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, FM radio, and USB 2.0 (micro-USB, not USB-C). Connectivity is reliable, with dual VoLTE support standing out in this segment. The IR blaster enables remote control functionality, a feature absent in most competitors.
Sensors
Includes a rear fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, ambient light, and compass. The fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, and AI face unlock is included but less secure than the iPhone XR’s Face ID.
Audio
The single bottom-firing speaker is adequate but lacks the depth of stereo speakers in premium devices like the iPhone XS Max. The 3.5mm jack supports high-quality audio, and bundled earphones (not always included) are basic. Audio performance is functional for calls and media but unremarkable.
Software Specifications
Operating System
The Redmi Note 6 Pro shipped with Android 8.1 Oreo and MIUI 10, later upgradable to Android 10 with MIUI 12. Key features included:
- AI Features: Scene detection (32 rear, 12 front scenes), AI Portrait 2.0, and AI face unlock.
- Full-Screen Gestures: Swipe-based navigation for notch optimization.
- Security App: RAM cleaner, battery manager, and data usage tools.
- Pre-installed Apps: Amazon, Facebook, Netflix, and regional apps like Dailyhunt, adding bloatware.
- Customization: Themes, lock screen styles, and dual apps for social media.
Software support ended in 2022 (three years of major updates, four years of security patches), shorter than the iPhone XR’s seven years (up to iOS 18) and Nokia 6.1 Plus’s Android One updates (up to Android 10). MIUI is feature-rich but cluttered compared to the stock Android on the Mi A2 or Nokia 6.1 Plus.
Software Issues
Early MIUI 10 builds had issues like notification delays and aggressive app management, partially fixed in updates. The Android Pie update (MIUI 10.3) was briefly rolled out but suspended due to bugs, frustrating users. Bloatware and ads in MIUI were common complaints, unlike the cleaner OxygenOS on the OnePlus 6T or Android One on the Nokia 6.1 Plus.
Performance and User Experience
The Redmi Note 6 Pro delivers smooth performance for its price, with fast app launches and reliable multitasking on the 6GB RAM variant. The Snapdragon 636 handles casual gaming and daily tasks well but struggles with high-end games on max settings compared to the Realme 2 Pro’s Snapdragon 660. The IPS LCD display is vibrant for media and browsing, though its brightness and contrast lag behind AMOLED competitors. The 4,000mAh battery is a standout, offering all-day usage, and the quad-camera setup impresses in daylight with good portrait effects, though low-light performance trails the Pixel 3 XL.
MIUI 10 is customizable but bloated, with ads detracting from the experience. The 3.5mm jack, IR blaster, and dual VoLTE add versatility, but the micro-USB port and hybrid SIM slot feel dated. The notched display and improved cameras were incremental upgrades over the Note 5 Pro, making it less compelling for existing users.
Comparison with Smartphones in the Same Range
The Redmi Note 6 Pro launched at $170 (₹13,999 for 4GB/64GB), targeting the sub-$200 segment. Below is a comparison with 2018 competitors in a similar price range: Realme 2 Pro ($200), Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1 ($175), Nokia 6.1 Plus ($200), and Vivo Y89 (~$210). Prices reflect 2018 MSRP for base models in India or equivalent.
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro | Realme 2 Pro | Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1 | Nokia 6.1 Plus | Vivo Y89 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Base) | ~$170 (₹13,999, 4GB/64GB) | ~$200 (₹13,990, 4GB/64GB) | ~$175 (₹14,999, 6GB/64GB) | ~$200 (₹15,999, 4GB/64GB) | ~$210 (₹14,500, 4GB/64GB) |
| Display | 6.26″ IPS LCD, 2280×1080, 403 ppi | 6.3″ IPS LCD, 2340×1080, 409 ppi | 6.0″ IPS LCD, 2160×1080, 402 ppi | 5.8″ IPS LCD, 2280×1080, 432 ppi | 6.26″ IPS LCD, 2280×1080, 403 ppi |
| Processor | Snapdragon 636 (14nm, 8-core) | Snapdragon 660 (14nm, 8-core) | Snapdragon 636 (14nm, 8-core) | Snapdragon 636 (14nm, 8-core) | Snapdragon 626 (14nm, 8-core) |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 32/64GB + microSD (256GB, hybrid) | 64/128GB + microSD (256GB, dedicated) | 64GB + microSD (2TB, dedicated) | 64GB + microSD (400GB, hybrid) | 64GB + microSD (256GB, dedicated) |
| Battery | 4,000mAh, 18W fast | 3,500mAh, 18W fast | 5,000mAh, 10W fast | 3,060mAh, 18W fast | 3,260mAh, 10W fast |
| Rear Camera | 12MP (f/1.9) + 5MP (f/2.2, depth) | 16MP (f/1.7) + 2MP (f/2.4, depth) | 16MP (f/2.0) + 5MP (depth) | 16MP (f/2.0) + 5MP (depth) | 16MP (f/2.0) + 2MP (depth) |
| Front Camera | 20MP (f/2.0) + 2MP (depth) | 16MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.0) |
| OS | Android 8.1 (up to Android 10, MIUI 12) | Android 8.1 (up to Android 9, ColorOS) | Android 8.1 (up to Android 10, stock) | Android 8.1 (up to Android 10, Android One) | Android 8.1 (up to Android 9, Funtouch) |
| Water Resistance | P2i splash resistance | None | None | IP54 | None |
| Connectivity | Dual SIM, LTE Cat.6, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0, 3.5mm | Dual SIM, LTE Cat.6, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0, no 3.5mm | Dual SIM, LTE Cat.4, Wi-Fi n, BT 5.0, 3.5mm | Dual SIM, LTE Cat.4, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0, USB-C | Dual SIM, LTE Cat.6, Wi-Fi n, BT 4.2, 3.5mm |
| Dimensions | 157.9 x 76.4 x 8.3mm, 182g | 156.7 x 74 x 8.5mm, 174g | 159 x 76 x 8.5mm, 180g | 147.2 x 71 x 8mm, 151g | 154.8 x 75.1 x 7.9mm, 149g |
| Additional Features | IR blaster, AI face unlock | None | FM radio, face unlock | USB-C, Android One | Face unlock |
Analysis
- Redmi Note 6 Pro: Offers a quad-camera setup, large 4,000mAh battery, and 3.5mm jack at a competitive price. Its Snapdragon 636 is solid but outperformed by the Realme 2 Pro’s Snapdragon 660, and MIUI’s bloatware and short updates (Android 10) are drawbacks.
- Realme 2 Pro: Features a faster Snapdragon 660, dedicated microSD slot, and premium dewdrop notch design. Its smaller battery and lack of 3.5mm jack are trade-offs, with updates limited to Android 9.
- Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1: Boasts a massive 5,000mAh battery and stock Android, but its camera and display are less competitive. Updates to Android 10 match the Redmi Note 6 Pro.
- Nokia 6.1 Plus: Offers stock Android One, USB-C, and a compact design with IP54 protection. Its smaller battery and average camera performance are weaknesses, with updates to Android 10.
- Vivo Y89: Features a dedicated microSD slot and lightweight design but is held back by the older Snapdragon 626 and limited updates (Android 9). Its camera is comparable but less versatile.
The Redmi Note 6 Pro’s quad cameras and battery life were strong, but its incremental upgrades and MIUI bloat faced stiff competition from the Realme 2 Pro’s performance and design.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent 4,000mAh battery life with 18W fast charging.
- Quad-camera setup with strong daylight and portrait performance.
- Vibrant 6.26-inch Full HD+ display with Gorilla Glass.
- Competitive price (~$170) with 3.5mm jack and IR blaster.
- Expandable storage up to 256GB.
- Reliable Snapdragon 636 for daily tasks.
- Dual VoLTE and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.
Cons
- Incremental upgrade over Redmi Note 5 Pro.
- MIUI 10 is bloated with ads and pre-installed apps.
- Software support limited to Android 10 (three years).
- Hybrid SIM slot limits dual-SIM and storage use.
- Micro-USB port instead of USB-C.
- Large notch and IPS LCD lag behind competitors’ designs.
- Average low-light camera performance.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro was a solid mid-range smartphone in 2018, offering a compelling mix of a large battery, quad-camera setup, and reliable performance at ~$170. Its 4,000mAh battery and AI-enhanced cameras were highlights, making it ideal for budget-conscious users prioritizing photography and endurance. However, its incremental upgrades over the Redmi Note 5 Pro, bloated MIUI software, and dated design (large notch, micro-USB) made it less competitive against the Realme 2 Pro’s faster chipset and sleeker design or the Nokia 6.1 Plus’s stock Android experience.