Xiaomi

Xiaomi Redmi 5: Pros and Cons

Android OS v7.1.1 (Nougat)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 MSM8953
Adreno 506
3 GB / 32 GB
5 inch (1080 x 1920 px)
16 MP, 4608 x 3456 px, autofocus

Xiaomi announced the launch of the Redmi 5 smartphone in 2017. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 MSM8953 SoC, and 3 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the Android OS v7.1.1 (Nougat) operating system. This phone has an IPS display, it provides wide viewing angles. This means the screen stays clear and consistent. This phone has only one rear-camera (16 MP, 4608 x 3456 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos. Let's explore what sets this device apart.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Xiaomi Redmi 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 Redmi 5 / 1

Xiaomi Redmi 5 specifications

BrandXiaomi
NameRedmi 5
ModelREDMI5
Release date2017

Weight, dimensions, colors

Colorsgold, gray
SIM typeNano SIM, Micro SIM

Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card. A micro SIM is larger than the current standard Nano SIM card but smaller than the older SIM card size.

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v7.1.1 (Nougat)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 625 MSM8953
CPUOcta-core 2 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUAdreno 506

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 comes with Android OS v7.1.1 (Nougat) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means users and developers have more control over the software. This CPU makes it ideal for running resource-intensive applications. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size5 inch
Resolution1080 x 1920 px
Multitouch supportyes

People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. The 5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Memory, storage

RAM3 GB
Internal storage32 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The smartphone has 3 GB of RAM. It can run many apps at once without much lag or slowness. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. Generally, a smartphone should have a minimum of 32 GB of internal storage. The Redmi 5 has 32 GB. You can expand the internal storage of the Redmi 5 (32 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera16 MP, 4608 x 3456 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera5 MP

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The main camera of Redmi 5 smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Bluetoothv4.2, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCno
FM radiono
USBmicroUSB 2.0, USB host
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. This Xiaomi phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Redmi 5 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. 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

TypeLi-Po 3680 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 3680 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The Redmi 5 does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, hall, light, proximity
SpecialsDual SIM, Fast charging, Quick Charge

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The fingerprint reader is a biometric security feature found in Redmi 5 smartphones. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use. With fast charging, you can get a significant amount of battery life in a few minutes of charging.

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

  • microSD slot
  • Dual SIM support

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no NFC feature
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
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Lucas Bradley 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.
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