Vernee Apollo Lite vs Xiaomi Redmi Pro


Now that Xiaomi has announced their new mid-range runner – the Redmi Pro, we decided to compare it to the similar in price and specs Vernee Apollo Lite.

READ: 10 things you must know about the Xiaomi Redmi Pro

Vernee Apollo Lite vs Xiaomi Redmi Pro: Spec Sheet

Specifications Vernee Apollo Lite Xiaomi Redmi Pro (X20 / X25)
Display 5.5″ Full HD IPS display 5.5″ Full HD OLED display
Processor Mediatek Helio X20 Mediatek Helio X20 / X25
GPU ARM Mali-T880 MP4 780MHz ARM Mali-T880 MP4 700MHz / 850MHz
RAM 4GB 3GB/4GB
Internal Storage 32GB 32GB / 64GB / 128GB
I/O USB Type-C, 3.5mm audio jack USB Type-C, 3.5mm audio jack
Back Camera SAMSUNG S5K5E8 16.0MP Samsung 5.0MP + SONY IMX258 13.0MP
Battery 3180mAh 4050mAh

As you can see, the two smartphones aren’t that off from each other. So, in what do they differ?

Vernee Apollo Lite vs Xiaomi Redmi Pro: What’s Different?

Let’s begin with the display, shall we?

The Vernee Apollo Lite sports a 5.5″ Full HD Sharp IGZO IPS display, while the Xiaomi Redmi Pro has 5.5″ OLED panel. Although Xiaomi publicized the display to have very high contrast ratio (60000:1) and more vivid colors, it all comes down to personal taste. Thus let’s call it a draw.

Xiaomi Redmi pro

Processor wise, the Vernee Apollo Lite and Xiaomi Redmi Pro both boast a deca-core Mediatek Helio X20. But as you may have noticed from the spec sheet at the beginning, the Xiaomi Redmi Pro also comes in a Mediatek Helio X25 variant, giving the customer a choice and that’s always a good thing.

Also note that the MTK Helio X20 on the cheapest Xiaomi Redmi Pro is slightly under-clocked at 2.1Ghz vs 2.3Ghz on the Vernee Apollo Lite.

On the graphics side, they are both powered by ARM Mali-T880 MP4 GPUs, clocked at different frequencies. The Vernee Apollo Lite’s GPU is clocked at 780Mhz vs 700Mhz on the cheaper Xiaomi Redmi Pro. While the more expensive versions of the Redmi Pro are clocked at 850Mhz.

Xiaomi Redmi pro

The “storage war” definitely favors the Xiaomi Redmi Pro, since it’s available in 3 different storage variants. You can get it with either 32GB, 64GB or a whopping 128GB of internal storage.

That said, you can only buy the 64GB and 128GB versions with the more expensive processor, thus exponentially rising the price.

Meanwhile the Vernee Apollo Lite only comes in a 32GB version with microSD expansion.

Xiaomi Redmi pro

Both smartphones feature a USB Type-C port and a 3.5mm audio jack. I feel like it’s still a good thing to inform you about, as many manufacturers (e.g. LeEco and Lenovo Moto) have gone full USB Type-C abandoning the aforementioned 3.5mm audio connector.

Gizchina News of the week


That said, Vernee also promises digital lossless audio output through USB Type-C, for “purists”. This is besides the analog audio output from the 3.5mm jack.

vernee-apollo-lite

The biggest difference between the two devices is in the camera department. While Vernee went with a Samsung S5K5E8 16.0MP with dual ISP and dynamic depth of field technology, Xiaomi decided to step up its game and integrate two cameras at the rear in order to create photos with shallow depth of field and thus have a blurry background (aka bokeh).

This result is achieved by using a primary camera, the 13-megapixel Sony IMX258 with an aperture of F/2, and a secondary 5-megapixel Samsung camera for depth information logging. Then a dedicated ImagiQ image processor does the magic.

Xiaomi Redmi pro

Another big factor in this comparison, is the battery capacity of the two smartphones. Once again, Vernee Apollo Lite’s battery doesn’t surprise us with an average-looking 3180mAh vs the massive 4050mAh battery on board of the Xiaomi Redmi Pro, even though the latter is still a thinner smartphone.

redmi-note-3-2

Fingerprint positioning is also different on the two devices. The Xiaomi Redmi Pro opts for a front home and fingerprint reader button, while the Vernee Apollo Lite rocks a rear fingerprint sensor.

This is mostly a matter of personal preference so there’s no real winner.

OUKITEL K4000 Lite in stock presale

Both the Vernee and Xiaomi mid-range devices run Android 6.0, but they will look totally different to your eyes. Whereas the Vernee Apollo Lite comes with a pretty much stock version of Android Marshmallow, the Xiaomi Redmi Pro will run MIUI 8, which is the newest version an highly customizable and user friendly Xiaomi’s baked version of Android. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out!

Xiaomi Redmi pro
Lastly, let’s check how much they cost (price at launch).

The Redmi Pro starts selling at 1499 Yuan ($225) for the 3GB RAM + 32GB (Helio X20) version, rising to 1699 Yuan ($255) for the 3GB RAM + 64GB Mediatek Helio X25 powered model, while the flagship 4GB RAM + 128GB variant will cost 1999 Yuan ($300). The Vernee Apollo Lite sells at $229.

Xiaomi Redmi pro

Vernee Apollo Lite vs Xiaomi Redmi Pro: Over to you!

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Now, let us know what you think! Are you going to get any of these devices? Which other smartphone would you consider buying?

Disclaimer: We may be compensated by some of the companies whose products we talk about, but our articles and reviews are always our honest opinions. For more details, you can check out our editorial guidelines and learn about how we use affiliate links.

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74 Comments

  1. Floans
    August 5, 2016

    i think most people can’t get Xiaomi Redmi Pro 3GB RAM version at only $225, resellers used to add their profit on the resell price and the purchase price of it is not much cheaper than the regular retail price in China.

    • Mr.Flying Zoom3rz
      August 6, 2016

      Actually dude I can order a grey Redmi Note 3 Pro (3/32) for just about $183 on Ali. Ge*kbuying also runs a promotion right now, they’re expecting a new restock of the phone at Aug 20th and are running nicely priced “preorders” right now.

      • bojan radovanovic
        August 6, 2016

        You are writing about other phone. Here is not word about Redmi 3 Note Pro, its about phone named Redmi Pro, which is presented some 10 days ago.
        And prices mentioned in text are Chinese…on aliexpress it costs 50$ more, but it is in pre-order status.

        • Mr.Flying Zoom3rz
          August 6, 2016

          Yea sorry about that. They’re using pretty much the same name lol!

          • bojan radovanovic
            August 7, 2016

            No problems, just to let you know that you are thinking on different device.
            Yes, they do… Naming, looks, hw… All similar 🙂

  2. Floans
    August 5, 2016

    the editor made a big mistake, the CPU of Apollo Lite is 2.3Ghz, it congifured MT6797. and Xiaomi redmi pro 3GB RAM version configured MT6797M 2.0Ghz.
    is the editor serious and honest to his job ?

    • Pierre
      August 5, 2016

      Hi, I apologize for the mistake, looks like the source I used was wrong.
      It’s been corrected now.
      By the way, Kimovil says the Xiaomi Redmi Pro Standard Edition is clocked at 2.1Ghz.

      • Mr.Flying Zoom3rz
        August 6, 2016

        Kimovil? Come on dude, kimovil is good for finding the best price for a phone, but use some other source for the hardware stuff like gsmarena or devicespecifications

        • Pierre
          August 6, 2016

          I usually check on different websites, but good luck finding the Vernee Apollo Lite on gsmarena. 😉

          • Mr.Flying Zoom3rz
            August 6, 2016

            They must be sick to not include it in their database. I believe they’ll add it soon, as you can find Redmi Note 3 Pro there.

          • Mr.Flying Zoom3rz
            August 6, 2016

            By the way I also like the kimovil site, it’s very useful and comes in handy always you need some info.

  3. Floans
    August 5, 2016

    gizchina is going to be more and more careless about the content they post

  4. Marc Professional
    August 5, 2016

    Hi,

    I just receive mu Vernee Apollo Lite and i’m realy impress by the build quality.

    The GPS work great and the phone is fast and smooth.

    Regards
    Marc

  5. Begbie
    August 5, 2016

    I also feel some Xianomi preference in this post.
    I would love to have a Redmi Pro, however as most of europe I cannot live without B20. The Pro is only available with MIUI so even if you love it or hate it, you have no other choice. The Apollo Lite is available with stock android so you have all the freedom to customize it or even flash Vernee OS or CM later.
    Not to mention that the Apollo is available in my country right now.
    The Redmi Pro is very interesting for me because of the special camera, however for the above mentioned reasons i will opt in for an Apollo Lite.

    • MaxPower
      August 5, 2016

      Stock Android is just like MIUI, you either love it or hate it.

      Root + 3rd party apps give you the freedom of customize your UI.
      It doesn’t matter if you’re on MIUI or AOSP.

      Both Xiaomi and Vernee don’t provide any sources: You can find ported roms for both devices made by external devs (using stock kernel).

      • Mr.Flying Zoom3rz
        August 6, 2016

        I have to disagree on this. I always found that MIUI crap to be less responsive and slower compared to AOSP or CM roms. I had used a thousands of roms on different phones.

        • MaxPower
          August 6, 2016

          Neither him or me mentioned speed or responsiveness.
          His comment was about hate/love, customization, and freedom to install 3rd party roms

  6. Assefa Hanson
    August 5, 2016

    nah IGZO is the best screen technology hands down thing is beautiful as hell

  7. August 5, 2016

    I’m comparing the Vernee Apollo Lite with the Standard Xiaomi Redmi Pro because that’s the ones that a closely comparable. Amount the 2, I’ll take the Vernee Apollo Lite for sure. Considering that it had h higher RAM and coats about the same. Plus the versatility of the OS too.

  8. Liisess
    August 5, 2016

    i think most people can’t get Xiaomi Redmi Pro 3GB RAM version at only $225, resellers used to add their profit on the resell price and the purchase price of it is not much cheaper than the regular retail price in China.

    • Mr.Flying Zoom3rz
      August 6, 2016

      Actually dude I can order a grey Redmi Note 3 Pro (3/32) for just about $183 on Ali. The price of this phone has dropped down till the last few months which is normal. Ge*kbuying also runs a promotion right now, they’re expecting a new restock of the phone at Aug 20th and are running nicely priced “preorders” right now. Grey version for just $180 not to mention that they’re coupons for this site to shrink the cost even more. And the coupons actually work, not like the Gearcrap site where when you apply a coupon code they raise the initial price which is a bummer.

    • bojan radovanovic
      August 6, 2016

      You are writing about other phone. Here is not word about Redmi 3 Note Pro, its about phone named Redmi Pro, which is presented some 10 days ago.
      And prices mentioned in text are Chinese…on aliexpress it costs 50$ more, but it is in pre-order status.

    • Mr.Flying Zoom3rz
      August 6, 2016

      Yea sorry about that. They’re using pretty much the same name lol!

    • bojan radovanovic
      August 7, 2016

      No problems, just to let you know that you are thinking on different device.
      Yes, they do… Naming, looks, hw… All similar 🙂

  9. Liisess
    August 5, 2016

    the editor made a big mistake, the CPU of Apollo Lite is 2.3Ghz, it congifured MT6797. and Xiaomi redmi pro 3GB RAM version configured MT6797M 2.0Ghz.
    is the editor serious and honest to his job ?

    • Pierre
      August 5, 2016

      Hi, I apologize for the mistake, looks like the source I used was wrong.
      It’s been corrected now.
      By the way, Kimovil says the Xiaomi Redmi Pro Standard Edition is clocked at 2.1Ghz.

    • Mr.Flying Zoom3rz
      August 6, 2016

      Kimovil? Come on dude, kimovil is good for finding the best price for a phone, but use some other source for the hardware stuff like gsmarena or devicespecifications

    • Pierre
      August 6, 2016

      I usually check on different websites, but good luck finding the Vernee Apollo Lite on gsmarena. 😉

    • Mr.Flying Zoom3rz
      August 6, 2016

      They must be sick to not include it in their database. I believe they’ll add it soon, as you can find Redmi Note 3 Pro there.

    • Mr.Flying Zoom3rz
      August 6, 2016

      By the way I also like the kimovil site, it’s very useful and comes in handy always you need some info.

  10. Liisess
    August 5, 2016

    gizchina is going to be more and more careless about the content they post….

  11. Marc Professional
    August 5, 2016

    Hi,

    I just receive mu Vernee Apollo Lite and i’m realy impress by the build quality.

    The GPS work great and the phone is fast and smooth.

    Regards
    Marc

  12. Filipp
    August 5, 2016

    better is just to take Note 3 Pro and save about 70 bucks

  13. Guest
    August 5, 2016

    I also feel some Xianomi preference in this post.
    I would love to have a Redmi Pro, however as most of europe I cannot live without B20. The Pro is only available with MIUI so even if you love it or hate it, you have no other choice. The Apollo Lite is available with stock android so you have all the freedom to customize it or even flash Vernee OS or CM later.
    Not to mention that the Apollo is available in my country right now.
    The Redmi Pro is very interesting for me because of the special camera, however for the above mentioned reasons i will opt in for an Apollo Lite.

    • MaxPower
      August 5, 2016

      Stock Android is just like MIUI, you either love it or hate it.

      Root + 3rd party apps give you the freedom of customize your UI.
      It doesn’t matter if you’re on MIUI or AOSP.

      Both Xiaomi and Vernee don’t provide any sources: You can find ported roms for both devices made by external devs (using stock kernel).

    • Mr.Flying Zoom3rz
      August 6, 2016

      I have to disagree on this. I always found that MIUI crap to be less responsive and slower compared to AOSP or CM roms. I had used a thousands of roms on different phones.

    • MaxPower
      August 6, 2016

      Neither him or me mentioned speed or responsiveness.
      His comment was about hate/love, customization, and freedom to install 3rd party roms

  14. gio
    August 5, 2016

    Me gustaría ver la comparación con el leeco le 2 pro y el xiaomi redmi pro

    • Pierre
      August 5, 2016

      Buena idea!

  15. Assefa Hanson
    August 5, 2016

    nah IGZO is the best screen technology hands down thing is beautiful as hell

  16. Michael Ogbonnaya
    August 5, 2016

    I’m comparing the Vernee Apollo Lite with the Standard Xiaomi Redmi Pro because that’s the ones that a closely comparable. Amount the 2, I’ll take the Vernee Apollo Lite for sure. Considering that it had h higher RAM and coats about the same. Plus the versatility of the OS too.

  17. Filipp
    August 5, 2016

    better is just to take Note 3 Pro and save about 70 bucks

  18. realjjj
    August 5, 2016

    The biggest difference is the display, you get a lot less with the Xiaomi and it’s 720p experience.
    The second biggest could be the software but it is too early to tell who wins there. If MUI8 stays slow and bloated or not.
    The 3rd biggest diff is price as the Xioami will have at least a 20% premium for quite a while for the cheapest version.
    Who has the best cam hard to say,mid range sensors for both. The difference will be made by software not hardware and Xiaomi has more resources ,easier for them to pay a 3rd party for some help.

    • Mr.Flying Zoom3rz
      August 6, 2016

      720p experience? It’s a FHD screen, is it that bad? Software wise I hate MIUI, but love CM so one more point for Vernee.

      • realjjj
        August 6, 2016

        No it is not a FHD screen, it’s only labeled as one..
        To keep it simple so everybody can understand, with Pentile you have full resolution for green and only 960×540 for blue and red. Regulators have failed to properly define the pixel and Pentile exploits that loophole. The resolution you get is far less than advertised, hence the 720p experience.

        • Mr.Flying Zoom3rz
          August 6, 2016

          Nice to know man, well I’ll guess that this phone is no longer in my list. Still looking into the Apollo Lite.

  19. Guest
    August 5, 2016

    Me gustaría ver la comparación con el leeco le 2 pro y el xiaomi redmi pro

    • Pierre
      August 5, 2016

      Buena idea!

  20. realjjj
    August 5, 2016

    The biggest difference is the display, you get a lot less with the Xiaomi and it’s 720p experience.
    The second biggest could be the software but it is too early to tell who wins there. If MUI8 stays slow and bloated or not.
    The 3rd biggest diff is price as the Xioami will have at least a 20% premium for quite a while for the cheapest version.
    Who has the best cam hard to say,mid range sensors for both. The difference will be made by software not hardware and Xiaomi has more resources ,easier for them to pay a 3rd party for some help.

    • Mr.Flying Zoom3rz
      August 6, 2016

      720p experience? It’s a FHD screen, is it that bad? Software wise I hate MIUI, but love CM so one more point for Vernee.

    • realjjj
      August 6, 2016

      No it is not a FHD screen, it’s only labeled as one..
      To keep it simple so everybody can understand, with Pentile you have full resolution for green and only 960×540 for blue and red. Regulators have failed to properly define the pixel and Pentile shamelessly exploits that loophole. The resolution you get is far less than advertised, hence the 720p experience.

    • Mr.Flying Zoom3rz
      August 6, 2016

      Nice to know man, well I’ll guess that this phone is no longer in my list. Still looking into the Apollo Lite.

  21. August 6, 2016

    OLED screen and dual camera for 299$, that’s too good to be true.

  22. Steven Fox
    August 6, 2016

    OLED screen and dual camera for 299$, that’s too good to be true.

  23. Zaya SARAA
    August 6, 2016

    apollo light has BIG advantage here in Europe B 20 LTE

  24. Zaya SARAA
    August 6, 2016

    apollo light has BIG advantage here in Europe B 20 LTE

  25. Sbz
    August 7, 2016

    Xiaomi? No, thanks. Nothing exciting, well maybe if you like a bloated slow MIUI 8. As of this moment, EVERYTHING Ciao-mi is a BIG No NO for moi.

    • Beloved Chairman Lei Jun
      August 8, 2016

      Why so much hate? Are you one of those nexus cringes?

      • Sbz
        August 8, 2016

        Honestly, I don’t if that reply was sent via bot or not, (lol)… either ways, is there any crime in not liking something? Nexus cringes? What the rubbish does that mean?

  26. Sbz
    August 7, 2016

    Xiaomi? No, thanks. Nothing exciting, well maybe if you like a bloated slow MIUI 8. As of this moment, EVERYTHING Ciao-mi is a BIG No NO for moi.

    • Beloved Chairman Lei Jun
      August 8, 2016

      Why so much hate? Are you one of those nexus cringes?

    • Sbz
      August 8, 2016

      Honestly, I don’t if that reply was sent via bot or not, (lol)… either ways, is there any crime in not liking something? Nexus cringes? What the rubbish does that mean?

  27. RudY
    August 8, 2016

    Apollo Lite after one week of intensive use.
    SHARP display – amazing
    GPS – perfect
    4G (B20) in Europe – perfect
    Fingerprint sensor – perfect
    Android 6.0 simple and pure, nothing blotware sucks – perfect
    Camera – very good – 4K video recording – really good
    OTG – perfect
    Pump express quick charge – uhhh, very speed
    USB Type-C losless music with LeEco earphone – WOW!
    …so, this is a very well-managed telephone!

  28. RudY
    August 8, 2016

    Apollo Lite after one week of intensive use.
    SHARP display – amazing
    GPS – perfect
    4G (B20) in Europe – perfect
    Fingerprint sensor – perfect
    Android 6.0 simple and pure, nothing bloatware sucks – perfect
    Camera – very good – 4K video recording – really good
    OTG – perfect
    Pump express quick charge – uhhh, very speed
    USB Type-C losless music with LeEco earphone – WOW!
    …so, this is a very well-managed telephone!
    oops and one more thing, Vernee come to Europe: http://vernee.eu/

  29. Trojan
    August 11, 2016

    Well I looked around for a descent low cost high spec China phone and this phone is what I chose due to X20 4GB ram 32GB rom low power 1080p screen 3180mAh AC wifi and camera’s that work, and the big plus of B20/800Mhz 4G it also has B40 if that’s what you need.

    Well I’ve had it a few weeks and am loving it, battery is lasting up to 2 days on average use. There’s been a couple of OTA updates which have improved a few things and also disabled 4K video and lowered CPU performance (Antutu score down on my phone from 93.5K to 88K) which i assume till they iron out thermal heat when running on full speeds.

    • Trojan
      August 11, 2016

      Oh and I got the phone for $199 -5% which come to189.05

    • Trojan
      August 11, 2016

      Almost forgot wanted a phone with gyroscope for Google Cardboard and VR

  30. Guest
    August 12, 2016

    Well I looked around for a descent low cost high spec China phone and this phone is what I chose due to X20 4GB ram 32GB rom low power 1080p screen 3180mAh AC wifi and camera’s that work, and the big plus of B20/800Mhz 4G it also has B40 if that’s what you need.

    Well I’ve had it a few weeks and am loving it, battery is lasting up to 2 days on average use. There’s been a couple of OTA updates which have improved a few things and also disabled 4K video and lowered CPU performance (Antutu score down on my phone from 93.5K to 88K) which i assume till they iron out thermal heat when running on full speeds.

    • Guest
      August 12, 2016

      Oh and I got the phone for $199 -5% which come to189.05

    • Guest
      August 12, 2016

      Almost forgot wanted a phone with gyroscope for Google Cardboard and VR

  31. kashan
    September 7, 2016

    Vkworld is set to launch their latest model Vkworld T1 plus kratos soon and they are ready to bang out in all over the chinese markets 😉 The phones has such a good size which is 6 inches large display with 2.5D gorilla glass display you can see the video review of it on youtube for further info!

  32. kashan
    September 7, 2016

    Vkworld is set to launch their latest model Vkworld T1 plus kratos soon and they are ready to bang out in all over the chinese markets 😉 The phones has such a good size which is 6 inches large display with 2.5D gorilla glass display you can see the video review of it on youtube for further info!

  33. Luis Amaral
    September 10, 2016

    I need to get a new phone.
    Can someone tell me what sensors these phones have? (Why doesn the reviews have a section about it)
    Capacity buttons, are they illuminated?

    And finally camera. I am realy curious to read reviews about the camera performances.

  34. Luis Amaral
    September 10, 2016

    I need to get a new phone.
    Can someone tell me what sensors these phones have? (Why doesn the reviews have a section about it)
    Capacity buttons, are they illuminated?

    And finally camera. I am realy curious to read reviews about the camera performances.