Xiaomi Mi 5: Pros and Cons
Xiaomi announced the launch of the Mi 5 smartphone in 2015. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.2 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996 SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. It comes with Android OS v5.1 (Lollipop) out of the box, and a Li-Po 3030 mAh, non-removable battery. The IPS display panel has good color accuracy. It can display a wide range of colors, this makes visuals look more lifelike and vivid This smartphone has a single camera on the back (16 MP, 2988 x 5312 px, autofocus). Is this phone a good value for its price? My review aims to answer that question by the end.
Table of Contents
- Xiaomi Mi 5 specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Xiaomi Mi 5 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.
Xiaomi Mi 5 specifications
| Brand | Xiaomi |
|---|---|
| Name | Mi 5 |
| Model | MI5 |
| Release date | 2015 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Colors | black, gold, pink, white |
|---|
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | Android OS v5.1 (Lollipop) |
|---|---|
| SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996 |
| CPU | Quad-core 2.5 GHz Kryo |
| GPU | Adreno 530 |
The Xiaomi Mi 5 comes with Android OS v5.1 (Lollipop) out of the box. Google has integrated many services with Android. These include Google Maps, Gmail, and Google Drive. The mid-range CPU can deliver fast, efficient performance for many tasks. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | IPS |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 5.2 inch |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
The 5.2 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. The 5.2 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 4 GB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 64 GB |
| Memory card slot | no |
The Xiaomi Mi 5 comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. Having more RAM alone does not guarantee better performance. 64 GB of storage is usually seen as good for a smartphone. It should be enough for most users. The internal storage of the Xiaomi Mi 5 (4 GB) cannot be expanded.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 16 MP, 2988 x 5312 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | Dual LED |
| Selfie camera | 8 MP |
The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The Mi 5 does not have optical image stabilization (OIS).
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G / 3G / 4G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | v4.2, A2DP |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS |
| NFC | no |
| FM radio | yes |
| USB | USB Type-C |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
The Xiaomi Mi 5 supports 4G/LTE networks. This phone like all modern smartphones, is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Mi 5 smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
| Type | Li-Po 3030 mAh, non-removable |
|---|
The Li-Po 3030 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The battery of Mi 5 isn't removable without voiding the warranty.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, compass, light, proximity |
|---|---|
| Specials | Certified IP67 dustproof and waterproof, MIUI 7 |
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer provides information about the smartphone's movement in three axes. These are X (horizontal), Y (vertical), and Z (depth). The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. The Mi 5 is safe and durable. It is IP67-rated to be dustproof and waterproof. It is built for outdoor use.
Verdict, pros and cons
Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Xiaomi phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.
Pros
- adequate memory
- IP67 certified protection
Cons
- limited-size screen
- non-expandable storage
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 5G support
- no NFC feature
- low-capacity battery
- no fingerprint reader
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.
I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.