Xiaomi Redmi 5 Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 is a smartphone that promises to deliver a remarkable user experience at an affordable price. With its sleek design, featuring a glass front and aluminum/plastic back, this device is both stylish and durable. The 5.7-inch IPS LCD display offers immersive visuals and a wide viewing angle. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 chipset and running on Android Nougat with MIUI 11, the Redmi 5 provides smooth performance for everyday tasks. The device comes in various RAM and storage options, ensuring that you can choose the right variant based on your needs. The 12MP rear camera captures stunning photos, while the 5MP front camera is perfect for selfies. With a 3300mAh battery, you can enjoy extended usage without worrying about running out of power. The Redmi 5 is available in different colors, including Black, Gold, Light Blue, and Rose Gold. With its impressive features and competitive price, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 is a smartphone worth considering.

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 boasts an aesthetically pleasing design that is both sleek and modern. The device features a compact form factor with dimensions of 151.8 x 72.8 x 7.7 mm and weighs in at a comfortable 157g. The combination of a glass front, aluminum/plastic back, and plastic frame gives it a premium look and feel. The device is available in four attractive colors - Black, Gold, Light Blue, and Rose Gold - allowing users to choose according to their preferences.

The Redmi 5 sports a smooth texture and finishing touches that enhance the overall grip and ergonomics. The slim bezels surrounding the 5.7-inch IPS LCD display contribute to a higher screen-to-body ratio, providing an immersive viewing experience. The Corning Gorilla Glass protection adds durability and safeguards the screen from scratches and minor impacts.

The construction and build quality of the Redmi 5 are commendable. The device feels robust and sturdy in hand, ensuring long-term durability. The buttons and controls are well-placed and offer a satisfying tactile feedback. The hybrid dual SIM slot allows users to expand the storage using a microSD card while still enjoying dual SIM functionality.

The Redmi 5's design and build prioritize portability and one-handed usability. Its lightweight frame and compact dimensions make it easy to carry and operate with a single hand. The overall fit and finish of the device are impressive, showcasing Xiaomi's commitment to delivering a high-quality product.

In conclusion, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 presents a well-designed smartphone with a sleek and premium physical appearance. Its robust construction, ergonomic design elements, and attention to detail make it an attractive choice for users seeking a device that combines style and functionality.

Display

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 features a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels and an 18:9 aspect ratio. The screen size is decent for consuming content and provides a good balance between usability and portability. The display offers a pixel density of approximately 282 pixels per inch, resulting in reasonably sharp visuals.

In terms of color accuracy and vibrancy, the Redmi 5's display performs adequately. While it may not offer the same level of color reproduction as OLED displays, it still delivers pleasing and vibrant colors. The brightness levels are decent, allowing for comfortable indoor usage. However, outdoor visibility can be a bit challenging under direct sunlight.

To protect the display, Xiaomi has included Corning Gorilla Glass, although the specific version is unspecified. This adds a layer of durability and helps guard against scratches and minor impacts. The viewing angles of the Redmi 5 are decent, ensuring that the colors and details remain consistent when viewing the screen from different angles.

The device does not feature any advanced display technologies such as HDR or wide color gamut support. However, it does offer features like an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare and a blue light filter to minimize eye strain during prolonged usage. The display also supports adaptive brightness, which adjusts the screen's brightness based on ambient lighting conditions.

Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 5's display is suitable for everyday usage, offering a good viewing experience with decent color reproduction and sharpness. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end displays, it provides a satisfactory visual experience considering its price range.

Performance

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 is powered by the Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 chipset, which features an octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and Adreno 506 GPU. This combination ensures a smooth and lag-free performance, making it suitable for everyday tasks and light gaming. In terms of processor benchmarks, the Redmi 5 scores well, with GeekBench giving it a score of 4018 (v4.4). The GPU benchmarks also show good performance, with GFXBench recording a score of 6.8fps (ES 3.1 onscreen).

When it comes to gaming capabilities, the Redmi 5 offers a decent gaming experience. The Adreno 506 GPU provides satisfactory graphics scores, allowing for smooth gameplay in most popular games. While it may struggle with more demanding titles, it handles casual and mid-range games without any issues. The Redmi 5's system optimization ensures that gaming performance is optimized, reducing lag and providing a smooth user experience.

In terms of multitasking performance, the Redmi 5 performs reasonably well. The Snapdragon 450 chipset, coupled with up to 4GB of RAM, allows for smooth switching between apps and efficient multitasking. App loading speeds are relatively fast, minimizing waiting times and enhancing the overall user experience.

One area where the Redmi 5 excels is its thermal management. The device remains cool even during extended gaming sessions, thanks to the efficient chipset and system optimization. This ensures that performance does not suffer due to overheating, allowing for a consistently smooth gaming experience.

In benchmark tests, the Redmi 5 performs admirably, with synthetic benchmarks showcasing its processor efficiency and GPU capabilities. The device achieves competitive benchmark scores, indicating its ability to handle everyday tasks with ease. Gaming benchmarks also highlight its gaming performance, showcasing its suitability for casual and mid-range gaming.

Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 offers a commendable performance for its price range. With its Snapdragon 450 chipset, Adreno 506 GPU, and efficient system optimization, it provides a smooth and lag-free user experience. While it may not be the most powerful device on the market, it offers adequate performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming.

Software and User Interface

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 runs on Android 7.1.2 Nougat operating system with MIUI 11 customization. This combination provides a smooth and user-friendly interface for the device. MIUI 11 offers a range of customization options, allowing users to personalize their Redmi 5 according to their preferences. It also includes several pre-installed apps that enhance the user experience. However, some users may find the presence of bloatware on the device, which could affect the overall performance.

The Redmi 5 is powered by the Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 chipset and an octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, which ensures efficient performance for everyday tasks. The device comes in different RAM and storage variants, with options ranging from 2GB to 4GB of RAM and 16GB to 64GB of internal storage. The presence of a microSDXC card slot allows for expandable storage, providing ample space for multimedia files and apps.

In terms of the camera, the Redmi 5 features a 12 MP rear camera with f/2.2 aperture and 1.25µm pixel size, capable of capturing detailed photos. It also includes features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode. The front-facing camera is 5 MP and supports 1080p video recording.

Connectivity options on the Redmi 5 include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, GLONASS, and BDS. The device also includes a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass.

The Redmi 5 is powered by a non-removable 3300 mAh Li-Po battery, which offers decent battery life. It supports 10W wired charging. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 provides a reliable and user-friendly software experience, making it a suitable choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Camera

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 boasts a single 12-megapixel rear camera with an aperture of f/2.2 and a pixel size of 1.25 μm. This setup allows for crisp and detailed images, especially in well-lit conditions. The camera performs admirably in daylight photography, producing images with natural colors and good sharpness. The sensor size and lens combination contribute to a decent dynamic range, capturing a wide range of light and shadow in outdoor photography. However, in low-light situations, the camera struggles a bit with noise reduction and low-light sensitivity, resulting in reduced image quality. For night photography, the Redmi 5 offers a night mode that improves low-light performance by capturing multiple exposures and combining them to reduce noise and enhance details. The camera also includes features like portrait mode, HDR, and panorama mode, allowing users to experiment with different photography styles. When it comes to video recording, the Redmi 5 can shoot in full HD resolution and offers video stabilization for smoother footage. Additionally, it supports slow-motion video and time-lapse, providing users with creative options for capturing moments. Overall, the camera on the Xiaomi Redmi 5 delivers satisfactory performance for everyday photography needs, especially in well-lit conditions.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 comes with a non-removable Li-Po 3300 mAh battery, which provides a decent battery life. The device offers a standby time of up to several days, making it suitable for users who don't constantly use their phones. However, the battery capacity may not be sufficient for heavy users who frequently engage in resource-intensive tasks. The phone supports 10W wired charging, which is not the fastest charging technology available but still gets the job done. Unfortunately, the Redmi 5 does not support wireless charging options.

In terms of battery performance, the device offers power efficiency and optimization features to maximize battery life. The battery usage can be managed through the battery saver and battery management settings, allowing users to control their battery drain and backup. The charging speed and efficiency are satisfactory, although not exceptional. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 provides a reliable battery experience for moderate smartphone usage.

Connectivity and Networking

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 offers a range of connectivity options to keep users connected on the go. It supports GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE network technologies, ensuring compatibility with various carriers. With its hybrid dual SIM feature, users can conveniently use two SIM cards simultaneously. In terms of wireless connectivity, the Redmi 5 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n standards, allowing for fast and reliable internet access. Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP and LE support enables seamless wireless communication with other devices. While the Redmi 5 does not have NFC capability, it does feature an infrared port for added convenience. For data transfer and charging, the device utilizes a microUSB 2.0 port. Additionally, the Redmi 5 offers GPS, GLONASS, and BDS for accurate navigation. Users can also create a mobile hotspot to share their internet connection with other devices. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 provides a comprehensive range of connectivity options to keep users connected and facilitate seamless communication.

Additional Features

Additional Features of Xiaomi Redmi 5:

- Standout Features: The Xiaomi Redmi 5 comes with a range of impressive features that make it stand out in its price range. It boasts a large 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with an 18:9 aspect ratio, providing an immersive viewing experience. The device also sports a sleek design with a glass front and an aluminum/plastic back.

- Water and Dust Resistance: Unfortunately, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 does not come with water or dust resistance capabilities. It is important to note that the device does not have an official IP rating, so it is advisable to keep it away from water and dust to prevent any damage.

- Advanced Sensors: The Redmi 5 is equipped with a range of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. These sensors enhance the overall user experience by providing features like screen rotation, gesture control, and secure device unlocking.

- Battery Life: With its 3300mAh non-removable battery, the Redmi 5 offers decent battery life. It has an endurance rating of 83 hours, which means it can last through a full day of regular usage.

- Connectivity Options: The device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and GPS, allowing for seamless connectivity. It also features a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

- Infrared Port: The Redmi 5 includes an infrared port, enabling users to control various home appliances and electronics using their smartphone.

Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 offers a range of useful features, including a large display, advanced sensors, and decent battery life. However, it lacks water and dust resistance capabilities, so users should handle it with care.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a range of features at an affordable price. When comparing it to other related devices in the market, we can see how it stacks up against the competition.

In terms of specifications, the Redmi 5 comes with a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor and comes with options for 2GB, 3GB, or 4GB of RAM, depending on the variant. The device also offers multiple storage options, ranging from 16GB to 64GB.

Compared to other phones in a similar price range, such as the Samsung Galaxy J6 or the Motorola Moto G6 Play, the Redmi 5 holds its own. While it may not have the highest resolution display or the most powerful processor, it offers good performance for basic tasks and provides decent battery life with its 3300mAh battery.

One of the standout features of the Redmi 5 is its camera capabilities. It sports a 12MP rear camera with PDAF and a 5MP front-facing camera for capturing selfies. The device also comes with features like HDR and panorama mode. While it may not compete with flagship devices like the iPhone X or the Samsung Galaxy S9 in terms of camera quality, it offers good value for money in its price range.

In terms of market positioning, the Redmi 5 aims to provide an affordable smartphone option for budget-conscious consumers. It competes with other budget-friendly devices from brands like Samsung, Motorola, and Huawei. Xiaomi's pricing strategy for the Redmi 5 focuses on offering competitive pricing while still delivering a solid set of features.

Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 is a solid option for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of flagship devices, it offers good performance, a decent camera, and a competitive price point. It is worth considering for those who want a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a satisfactory user experience. With its sleek design and Gorilla Glass protection, it provides durability and a premium feel. The 5.7-inch IPS LCD display is immersive, although the 720p resolution may not be as sharp as some higher-end devices. The Snapdragon 450 processor and multiple RAM options ensure smooth multitasking and decent performance. The camera quality is decent for its price range, capturing detailed photos with its 12MP rear camera. The battery life is commendable, lasting for extended periods of usage. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 is a reliable choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a well-rounded smartphone experience.