Redmi Buds 6 vs Buds 5: Know the Differences

A few months back, Redmi launched the Redmi Buds 5 in India, and just a few months later, they introduced the Redmi Buds 6 with some improvements in key areas.

This raises a couple of important questions: Do these improvements really make a noticeable difference? And was it necessary to release the Redmi Buds 6 so soon after the Buds 5?

Here’s a detailed comparison of the Redmi Buds 6 vs Buds 5 to help you decide which one offers better value for money and which one you should choose.

Redmi Buds 6 vs Buds 5 Specifications

Redmi Buds 6 vs Buds 5 Differences

Case Design

At first glance, the case of the Redmi Buds 6 looks almost identical to the Buds 5. However, a closer look reveals subtle differences, such as the repositioning of the bar-style LED. While the Buds 5 had this inside the case, the Buds 6 now has it on the outside, making it easier to check battery status without opening the case.

Sound Quality

The Redmi Buds 5 comes with a 12.4mm titanium driver, while the Buds 6 has a dual-driver setup: a 12.4mm titanium driver paired with a 5.5mm micro piezoelectric driver. This setup is meant to improve bass and clarity in the highs.

In real-world use, though, the difference isn’t very noticeable. The Buds 6 offers slightly enhanced sound quality, with a better soundstage and marginally richer bass. However, both offer balanced audio with clear vocals and crisp trebles, but neither is designed for heavy bass enthusiasts.

While ANC on the Buds 6 slightly narrows the soundstage, the sound quality difference isn’t substantial enough for casual listeners to feel a marked difference.

ANC

The Redmi Buds 5 features 46dB ANC, while the Buds 6 offers 49dB ANC. The difference, while small on paper, is noticeable in practice. The Buds 5 performs decently but leaves room for improvement, especially with high-pitched sounds.

The Buds 6, with its 49dB ANC, does a better job of making high-pitched sounds feel more distant and less intrusive, providing a more effective noise cancellation experience.

Bluetooth Version

The Buds 6 comes with Bluetooth 5.4, which offers a slight edge over the Buds 5’s Bluetooth 5.3. The 5.4 version provides more stable connections, lower latency, and better battery efficiency. While the differences might not be immediately noticeable in daily use, the enhanced security and smoother audio transmission are beneficial for the overall experience.

Battery Life

Both the Buds 5 and 6 offer the same battery life: 7.5 hours at 75% volume with ANC off, and 5 hours with ANC on. The Buds 6 offers an additional 4 hours of battery life when using the case at 50% volume. However, this improvement is marginal in real-world use.

Call Quality

Both the Buds 6 and 5 feature dual microphones with AI ENC. While call quality is similar on both, the Buds 6 offers a slight edge with its 9m/s noise reduction, improving call clarity over the 6m/s reduction on the Buds 5. Call quality is quite good indoors but average in noisy environments for both models.

Redmi Buds 6 vs Buds 5 Similarities

Earbuds Design & Build

The design of the earbuds is identical in both the Buds 6 and Buds 5, with only a slight difference in the case design. Both models feature a stem-style design, with the earbuds angled at 45 degrees to improve fit and comfort. The build quality is solid for both, despite the plastic construction.

Fit and Comfort

Due to the similar design, the fit and comfort are nearly identical on both models. You can wear either set of earbuds for hours without discomfort.

After testing, no issues were found in terms of comfort for both models. However, users with very small ears may face some challenges, but in general, both models should be comfortable for most users.

The Buds 6 weigh 5 grams, while the Buds 5 weigh 5.1 grams, making the weight difference negligible and not affecting comfort.

Features

Both the Buds 6 and Buds 5 share most features, including dual connection, in-ear detection, app support, touch controls, and more, all of which function well on both models. However, the Buds 6 stand out with the addition of 360° spatial audio, a feature not available on the Buds 5. Other than this, the features are identical across both models.

Pricing

As of this comparison, the Redmi Buds 6 is priced at Rs 2799, while the Buds 5 costs Rs 2499.

With just a Rs 300 difference, the Buds 6 offers better value, thanks to improvements in ANC, slightly better sound quality, and marginally improved battery life.

However, rumors suggest that the price of the Buds 6 may increase to Rs 2999. If this happens, the Redmi Buds 5 could become the better value-for-money option, as it offers nearly the same experience as the Buds 6 for a lower price.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?

In simple words, the decision comes down to pricing. If the price difference is Rs 300 and the Redmi Buds 6 is available for Rs 2799, then the Buds 6 is the better option.

However, if the Buds 6 is priced at Rs 2999, then the Buds 5 becomes the better choice, as the improvements in the Buds 6 do not justify the Rs 500 price difference.

Before purchasing either of these earbuds, keep in mind that both emphasize sound clarity and deliver a balanced sound profile.
If you prefer deep, heavy bass and an enhanced audio experience, there are better alternatives from brands like OnePlus, Realme, or even boAt.

Best Alternatives to Redmi Buds 6 and Buds 5

In our honest opinion, these are the best alternatives to the Redmi Buds 6 and Buds 5, as they all deliver a solid audio experience along with a variety of additional features.

FAQs

That concludes our Redmi Buds 6 vs Buds 5 comparison. If you still have any doubts, feel free to ask in the comment section.

Also, share your thoughts on whether you agree or disagree with this comparison.

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