Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (Redmi Note 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 Plus, also known as the Redmi Note 5 in India, is a feature-packed smartphone that combines affordability with impressive performance. With its sleek design featuring a glass front and an aluminum/plastic back, this device is both stylish and durable. The 5.99-inch IPS LCD display offers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, while the octa-core Snapdragon 625 processor ensures smooth multitasking. Capture stunning photos with the 12 MP main camera, and take beautiful selfies with the 5 MP front camera. The device also boasts a large 4000 mAh battery for all-day usage. With its competitive price and various variants available, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus is definitely worth considering for tech enthusiasts on a budget.

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, also known as the Redmi Note 5 in India, boasts an impressive design and build quality that exudes a premium look and feel. With its sleek design and slim form factor, it is easy to hold and operate with one hand. The device features a glass front, an aluminum/plastic back, and an aluminum frame, giving it a sturdy and robust construction. The materials used in its construction are of good quality, ensuring durability and longevity.

The Redmi 5 Plus has a modern aesthetic, thanks to its 5.99-inch IPS LCD display with minimal bezels. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 77.4% provides an immersive visual experience. The device's dimensions of 158.5 x 75.5 x 8.1 mm and weight of 180 g make it portable and comfortable to carry around.

The back panel of the Redmi 5 Plus houses the fingerprint sensor, which is conveniently located for easy access. The placement of buttons and controls on the device is ergonomic, allowing for effortless operation. The finishing touches on the device, such as the smooth texture and precise fit and finish, add to its overall appeal.

In terms of durability, the Redmi 5 Plus is built to withstand everyday use. Its construction and materials ensure that it can withstand daily wear and tear without compromising its functionality. Additionally, the device has a hybrid dual SIM slot and a microSD card slot, providing flexibility and expandable storage options.

Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (Redmi Note 5) impresses with its sleek design, premium build quality, and robust construction. It strikes a balance between aesthetics and functionality, making it an appealing choice for users looking for a reliable and stylish smartphone.

Display

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (Redmi Note 5) features a 5.99-inch IPS LCD display with a screen resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18:9. The large screen size provides an immersive viewing experience, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and gaming. The display offers sharp and detailed visuals with a pixel density of approximately 403 pixels per inch (ppi).

In terms of color accuracy and vibrancy, the Redmi 5 Plus delivers vibrant and saturated colors, enhancing the overall visual experience. The display also offers good brightness levels, making it easy to view content even under direct sunlight. Additionally, the wide viewing angles ensure that the screen remains clear and visible from different perspectives.

To protect the display from scratches and minor impacts, Xiaomi has incorporated Corning Gorilla Glass. This provides an added layer of durability and ensures the longevity of the screen.

The Redmi 5 Plus does not feature OLED technology, but its IPS LCD display still offers impressive performance. It lacks features like HDR and wide color gamut, which are typically found in higher-end smartphones. However, the display does come with a blue light filter, which reduces eye strain during prolonged use.

Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (Redmi Note 5) provides a large and vibrant display with good color reproduction and visibility. While it may not have all the advanced display technologies found in flagship devices, it still offers a satisfactory viewing experience at an affordable price point.

Performance

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, also known as the Redmi Note 5 in India, offers impressive performance in its price range. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset and an octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, this device delivers smooth and lag-free performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. The processor efficiency ensures a balance between performance and battery life, making it ideal for extended use.

In terms of GPU performance, the Adreno 506 GPU on the Redmi 5 Plus handles graphics-intensive tasks and gaming with ease. Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate the device's gaming capabilities, as it provides a satisfying gaming experience. The GPU benchmarks and gaming benchmarks show that the Redmi 5 Plus can handle most popular games, delivering smooth gameplay and high graphics scores.

The device's system optimization and thermal management contribute to its overall performance. The MIUI 12, based on Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), ensures a smooth user experience and enhances the device's performance. The thermal management system effectively regulates the device's temperature during prolonged usage, preventing overheating and maintaining optimal performance.

Benchmark tests and synthetic benchmarks further highlight the Redmi 5 Plus' performance prowess. It achieves impressive scores in CPU benchmarks, showcasing its processing power and multitasking capabilities. App loading speeds are fast, thanks to the efficient processor and system optimization.

Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (Redmi Note 5) offers commendable performance for its price range. Its chipset performance, GPU benchmarks, and gaming capabilities make it a suitable choice for users who prioritize a smooth user experience and lag-free performance. Whether it's everyday tasks, multitasking, or gaming, the Redmi 5 Plus delivers a reliable and efficient performance, providing a satisfying experience to its users.

Software and User Interface

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, also known as the Redmi Note 5 in India, runs on the Android 7.1.2 Nougat operating system, with a planned upgrade to Android 10 and MIUI 12. This software combination provides users with a user-friendly interface and a smooth overall experience. Xiaomi's MIUI is known for its extensive customization options, allowing users to personalize their device according to their preferences.

In terms of pre-installed apps, the Redmi 5 Plus comes with a range of useful applications, including the Xiaomi App Store, Mi Video, Mi Music, and Mi Remote. However, some users may find these pre-installed apps as bloatware, as they take up storage space and cannot be uninstalled.

One notable feature of the software is the presence of a hybrid dual SIM slot, which allows users to either expand their storage using a microSD card or use two SIM cards simultaneously. This flexibility is beneficial for users who require additional storage or need to use two different SIM cards.

The Redmi 5 Plus also offers additional features such as an infrared port, which enables the device to function as a universal remote control for various appliances. This can be convenient for users who want to control their TV or other electronic devices using their smartphone.

Overall, the software on the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus provides a user-friendly interface, extensive customization options, and useful pre-installed apps. However, the presence of bloatware may be a downside for some users.

Camera

The camera of the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (Redmi Note 5) offers impressive features for photography enthusiasts. It boasts a 12-megapixel rear camera with an aperture of f/2.2 and a larger pixel size of 1.25 μm, which allows for better low-light sensitivity. The dual-pixel phase detection autofocus (PDAF) ensures quick and accurate focusing, resulting in sharp and detailed images. The camera also features dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama mode, enhancing the overall image quality and dynamic range.

In daylight photography, the Redmi 5 Plus captures vibrant and natural colors with good sharpness and detail. The camera's sensor size and aperture contribute to excellent image quality, ensuring well-exposed shots with balanced contrast. The device performs well in indoor photography too, producing clear and noise-free images with its noise reduction capabilities.

For low-light photography and night scenes, the Redmi 5 Plus excels with its low-light sensitivity and noise reduction algorithms. The camera's night mode further enhances the image quality in dimly lit environments, allowing for brighter and more detailed shots.

The device also offers various camera features such as portrait mode, HDR, and panorama mode, giving users the flexibility to capture stunning and creative shots. Additionally, the Redmi 5 Plus supports video recording in 4K resolution, providing high-quality videos with excellent detail. Video stabilization ensures smooth footage, and slow-motion and time-lapse options add creativity to video recording. The device supports multiple video formats, allowing users to choose the most suitable option for their needs.

Overall, the camera of the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (Redmi Note 5) delivers impressive performance across different photography scenarios, offering users a versatile and capable tool for capturing their memories.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (Redmi Note 5) comes with a non-removable 4000mAh Li-Po battery, which offers impressive battery life. The device boasts a power-efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset and an optimized MIUI 12 interface, which helps in conserving battery life and enhancing power efficiency. Users can expect a standby time of up to several days with moderate usage. The battery performance of the Redmi 5 Plus is commendable, providing a good screen-on time and delivering a reliable backup for day-to-day tasks. However, it does not support fast charging, as it only comes with a 10W wired charger. This means that charging the device to full capacity may take a bit longer compared to smartphones with fast charging capabilities. Nevertheless, the battery optimization features in MIUI 12 help in maximizing the battery usage and minimizing unnecessary battery drain. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (Redmi Note 5) offers a decent battery capacity and performance, making it suitable for users who prioritize long-lasting battery life.

Connectivity and Networking

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (Redmi Note 5) offers a range of connectivity options to ensure a seamless user experience. It supports various network compatibilities, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, allowing users to stay connected on the go. With its dual SIM capability, users can conveniently switch between two SIM cards for better network coverage or to manage personal and work contacts separately. Additionally, the Redmi 5 Plus features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n standards, enabling fast and reliable wireless internet connections. The device also supports Wi-Fi Direct, allowing for direct peer-to-peer file sharing between compatible devices. Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP and LE ensures smooth connectivity with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as headphones, speakers, or smartwatches. GPS, GLONASS, and BDS provide accurate positioning and navigation capabilities, making it easier for users to find their way around. The inclusion of a microUSB 2.0 port allows for easy data transfer and charging. However, it's important to note that the Redmi 5 Plus does not support NFC or wireless charging. Overall, the connectivity features of the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus cater to the needs of users who require reliable network connections and seamless data transfer capabilities.

Additional Features

• Standout Features: The Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (Redmi Note 5) offers several standout features that make it a compelling choice. With its large 5.99-inch display and 18:9 aspect ratio, you can enjoy immersive visuals and a more cinematic viewing experience. The device also boasts a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor and up to 4GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and responsive performance.


• Water and Dust Resistance: Unfortunately, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus does not come with any official water or dust resistance rating. It is advisable to handle the device with care and protect it from water and dust exposure.


• Wireless Charging: The Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus does not support wireless charging. You will need to charge the device using the included microUSB cable and charger.


• Advanced Sensors: The Redmi 5 Plus is equipped with a range of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhance the overall user experience and enable features such as auto-rotation, gesture control, and accurate positioning.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, also known as the Redmi Note 5 in some regions, is a smartphone that offers impressive features and specifications at an affordable price point. When comparing it to related devices in the market, it stands out as a strong contender.

In terms of market positioning, the Redmi 5 Plus competes with other budget-friendly smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy A10 and the Huawei Y7 Prime. It offers a larger display compared to these devices, with its 5.99-inch IPS LCD screen. The 1080 x 2160 pixel resolution and 18:9 aspect ratio provide a vibrant and immersive viewing experience.

In terms of performance, the Redmi 5 Plus is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset and an octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. While it may not match the processing power of flagship devices like the iPhone 12 or the Samsung Galaxy S21, it delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Benchmark comparisons show that it performs well against its competitors in the same price range.

One of the standout features of the Redmi 5 Plus is its impressive battery life. With its 4000 mAh non-removable battery, it offers a great endurance rating of 104 hours, making it ideal for users who need a device that can last throughout the day without frequent recharging. This sets it apart from other devices in its price range.

In terms of pricing, the Redmi 5 Plus is priced at around 180 EUR, making it a highly cost-effective option for consumers looking for a budget-friendly smartphone. Its competitive pricing strategy allows it to gain a strong foothold in the market and attract price-conscious buyers.

Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (Redmi Note 5) offers a compelling package with its large display, decent performance, impressive battery life, and affordable price. While it may not have the high-end features and specifications of flagship devices, it provides excellent value for money and positions itself as a strong competitor in the budget smartphone market. Its competitive advantage lies in its cost-effectiveness and its ability to deliver a satisfying user experience at an affordable price point.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (Redmi Note 5) offers a compelling package for potential buyers. With its large 5.99-inch display and slim bezels, it provides an immersive viewing experience. The Snapdragon 625 chipset ensures smooth performance, and the option of 3GB or 4GB RAM caters to different user needs. The 12MP rear camera captures impressive photos, and the 5MP front camera is suitable for selfies. The device also boasts a massive 4000mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting usage. However, the absence of NFC and the use of microUSB 2.0 may disappoint some users. Overall, the Redmi 5 Plus (Redmi Note 5) offers great value for its price, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.