Xiaomi has launched Redmi 5 and Redmi 5 Plus smartphones in China. The main attraction of the Redmi 5 and Redmi 5 Plus is the integration of a full-screen display coupled with narrow bezels and 18:9 aspect ratio. While the Redmi 5 make use of the HD+ display, the Redmi 5 Plus is integrated with an FHD+ screen. The benefit of the new smartphones is that you can experience bezel-less display at the cheapest price.
Designed with a sport metal unibody, the fifth edition of the Redmi series features a symmetrical design. You will find the presence of the fingerprint sensor below the rear camera.
During the launch event, Xiaomi disclosed that the addition of a 1.25-micron pixel enables the smartphones to produce enhanced low-light photography. Furthermore, the selfie camera is equipped with a soft-toned selfie light paired with Beautify 3.0 mode. The company added that the rounded corners have been designed in such a way to reduce damages.
Display
The Redmi 5 features a 5.7-inch HD+ display with a resolution of 1440×720 pixels. However, the Plus variant offers a 5.99-inch FHD+ display with a higher resolution of 2160×1080 pixels.
Performance
The Redmi 5 is powered by a Snapdragon 450 processor running at a clock speed of 1.8GHz. However, the Plus variant offers a Snapdragon 625 processor based on 14nm FinFET technology with a 2.0GHz clock speed. Xiaomi has embedded Adreno 506 graphics processor. The Redmi 5 will be available in both 2GB and 3GB RAM variants. When it comes to the Plus, the device ships with 3GB and 4GB RAM options. While the storage capacity of the Redmi 5 measures 16GB and32GB, the Plus model will have 32GB and 64GB storage.
Camera
The rear camera is common for both smartphones. You will find a 12MP sensor with 1.25-micron pixels and LED Flash support. On the front, the smartphones ships with a 5MP sensor with Soft-Toned selfie light and Beautify 3.0 functionality. You can easily beautify the images using a wide range of filters.
Operating Platform
Even though Android 8.0 Oreo is currently available, Xiaomi has infused MIUI 9 based on Android 7.1 Nougat. You will be able to work with features such as split-screen functionality, improved notifications, and enhanced power saving Doze mode.
Battery
As the name suggests, the Redmi 5 Plus ships with a 4000mAh battery capable of delivering a standby time of 17 days. However, the standard Redmi offers a slightly lower 3300mAh battery with 12 days of standby time.
Pricing and Availability
The Redmi 5 is available in 2GB and 3GB RAM variants. The 2GB RAM model includes 16GB storage priced at CNY 799. The 32GB storage will have 3GB RAM and will be available at CNY 899. Regarding the Plus model, the 3GB RAM/32GB storage model will cost CNY 999. You will have to pay CNY 1299 for 4GB RAM and 64GB storage model. The newly launched smartphones will be available starting December 12. We don’t have any information about the expected launch of the devices in India. We expect the launch of Redmi 5 series in India round February 2018.
