Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus in 2026: should you buy or choose an analogue?

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, released in 2018, is still found on the secondary market and in some online stores at an attractive price. But how relevant is it in 2026, when even budget innovations offer Full HD+ screens, 5G and multi-camera modules? In this article, we will analyze the real capabilities of the model, compare it with modern counterparts and help determine whether to spend money on this device or better consider alternatives.

The Redmi 5 Plus is a classic long-running budget phone with reliable hardware but outdated software. Its main trump cards are the Snapdragon 625 processor (which is still considered one of the most energy-efficient in its class), a capacious battery for 4000 mAh and a durable metal body. However, the lack of support for new versions of Android, a weak camera by modern standards and the lack of NFC can become critical shortcomings for many users.

Next, we’ll look at the key aspects of performance, cameras, autonomy, software relevance, and aftermarket pricing, and at the end of the article, you’ll find a comparison table with the current budget smartphones you can buy instead of the Redmi 5 Plus.

Technical specifications Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: what is the model?

First, let’s take a look at the hardware of the smartphone to see what it’s capable of in 2026. The Redmi 5 Plus comes with the following components:

• 📱 Display: 5.99" IPS, resolution 2160×1080 (Full HD+), aspect ratio 18:9, brightness up to 450 nits.
• 🔧 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 (8 cores Cortex-A53, 2.0 GHz) on 14-nm process technology.
• 🖥️ RAM: 3 or 4 GB LPDDR3 (depending on the modification).
• 💾 Built-in memory: 32 or 64 GB (there is a microSD slot up to 256 GB).
• 📷 Primary camera: 12 MP (Sony IMX363 sensor, aperture f/2.2, phase autofocus).
• 🤳 Front camera: 5 MP (diaphragm f/2.0, soft flash).
• 🔋 Battery: 4000 mAh, support for Quick Charge 3.0 (but the adapter is standard, 5V/2A).
• 📶 Communication: 4G LTE (Cat. 7), Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS/ GLONASS, no NFC and an IR port.
• 🤖 Software: Android 7.1.2 Nougat out of the box, the latest official firmware is MIUI 12 based on Android 9 Pie.

On paper, the specs look solid for the budget 2018, but in 2026, many parameters are outdated. For example, the lack of NFC makes it impossible to use contactless payments (Google Pay, SberPay), and Bluetooth 4.2 can create problems with connecting modern headphones or fitness bracelets. However, the Snapdragon 625 is still considered one of the most balanced chipsets for undemanding tasks – it does not warm up, consumes charge economically and copes with everyday applications.

One of the key issues is support for current versions of Android. The latest official firmware for Redmi 5 Plus is MIUI 12 based on Android 9 Pie. This means that the smartphone will not receive security updates after 2021, and many modern applications (such as banking or games) may require a newer version of the OS.

Productivity in 2026: Will the challenges of today be met?

The Snapdragon 625 was once famous for its energy efficiency and stable performance, but how does it cope with current applications?

In everyday scenarios (social networks, instant messengers, video viewing, navigation), the smartphone works smoothly and without slowing down.

• 🎮 Games: PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile will run at the minimum settings with FPS around 30, but already Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail will be unavailable due to the requirements of the Android version. Lightweight games like Brawl Stars or Clash Royale are running smoothly.
• 📸 Camera and photo processing: The camera app opens with a delay (~1-2 seconds), and the processing of HDR- images takes up to 3-4 seconds. Modern smartphones handle this in real time.
• 🌐 Browsing: In Chrome or Firefox, pages load quickly, but complex web applications (such as Figma or Canva) can slow down.
• 📱 Multitasking: With 3 GB of RAM is held simultaneously in the memory of 4-5 applications. At 4 GB, up to 7-8, but switching between them is not always instantaneous.

For comparison, modern budget smartphones (for example, Redmi 12 or Poco M6 Pro) are equipped with processors like Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 or Helio G99, which in synthetic tests show performance 1.5-2 times higher than the Snapdragon 625.

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to use Redmi 5 Plus for banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB), check their system requirements. Many banks block access from Android devices below version 10 due to security vulnerabilities.

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For undemanding users (social networks, calls, videos) performance will be enough, but gamers and those who work with heavy applications, it is better to look at more modern models.

What is the 12-megapixel module capable of in 2026?

The main camera Redmi 5 Plus is built on the Sony IMX363 sensor – the same as used in the flagships of 2017-2018 (for example, in the Google Pixel 2). On paper, this sounds impressive, but in practice, the quality of images is much inferior to modern public sector.

Here's what you can expect from the camera:

• 🌞 Daytime shots: Good detail with enough light, but the dynamic range is narrow — the sky is often overlit and shadows lose detail. Colors are natural, but without the juiciness that modern processing algorithms give.
• 🌃 Night photography: Without a tripod, the photos are noisy and blurry. Night mode in MIUI 12 is a little helpful — exposure increases, but the detail suffers.
• 🎥 Video: Maximum resolution is Full HD 30 FPS. There's no stabilization, so the hand shot is shaking. The sound is recorded monophonic, without noise cancellation.
• 👤 Selfie: A 5-megapixel frontal only gives acceptable quality in good light. In the dark, the pictures are grainy, and the soft flash spoils the colors.

For comparison, even the budget Redmi 12 (2023 year) is equipped with a 50 megapixel main camera with support for 4K- video and hardware stabilization. The difference in the quality of daytime shots is not critical, but in night scenes and video shooting, modern smartphones win by a large margin.

If the camera is important to you, the Redmi 5 Plus can only be considered as a backup, and for the main shot, you should choose a model with a more modern sensor and support for AI processing algorithms (for example, Poco X5 or Realme Narzo 60).

Autonomy: 4,000 mAh in 2026 – is it much or little?

The 4000 mAh battery was one of the main advantages of the Redmi 5 Plus at launch. But how does it show up after the 6 years? There's good news here: thanks to an energy-efficient processor and a Full HD+- screen (rather than the AMOLED), the smartphone still holds a charge better than many modern budgeters.

Here are the real-world indicators of autonomy under different use scenarios:

For comparison: modern state-owned batteries with 5000 mAh (for example, Redmi 12 or Poco M6 Pro) in light mode work about the same (2-3 days), but with intensive use their autonomy is higher due to more energy-efficient processors (6-7 nm vs. 14 nm in the Snapdragon 625).

The important thing is that if you buy a smartphone from hand, you're likely to have worn out the battery, with a capacity below 80 percent of the nominal battery life, you'll drop 20 to 30 percent, check the battery status through the AccuBattery app or the engineering menu (#4636##).

⚠️ Warning: If you buy a Redmi 5 Plus used, note the bloating of the battery is a common problem for 2018 models. Signs: the screen is moving away from the body, the body is deformed, the smartphone spontaneously turns off when charged below 30%. Replacing the battery will cost 1500-2500 rubles.

Should you buy Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus in 2026?

To sum up: what arguments say "for" the purchase, and which - "against"?

✅ Pluses:

• 💰 Low price: On the secondary market, the model can be found for 5000-8000 rubles (depending on condition). New public sector employees with similar characteristics cost from 12,000 rubles.
• 🔋 Long-duration battery life: 4,000 mAh + energy efficient processor = 2-3 days of light operation.
• 🛡️ Durable body: Metal rear and 2.5D- glass Gorilla Glass 3 protect against scratches and minor impacts.
• 🎯 Good screen: Full HD+ IPS with high brightness (450 nits) – comfortable to read and watch videos.
• 🔄 Custom firmware support: You can install LineageOS or Pixel Experience to upgrade to Android version 11-12.

❌ Cons:

• 📱 Outdated software: The latest official firmware is Android 9 Pie (2019). Many apps require Android 10+.
• 📷 Weak camera: 12 MP sensor is obsolete by 2026 standards, especially in night scenes.
• 🚫 No NFC: You cannot use contactless payments (Google Pay, SberPay).
• 🔌 Slow charging: Quick Charge 3.0 support is available, but the standard 10W adapter comes with the kit. Full charging takes ~2.5 hours.
• 🎮 Gaming restrictions: Many modern games require Android 10+ or more powerful hardware.

If you want a low-cost spare smartphone for calling, messaging, and video, the Redmi 5 Plus is a smart choice, but if you're looking for a basic phone for 2-3 years, consider modern alternatives.

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus Alternatives in 2026: What to Buy Instead

If the Redmi 5 Plus doesn’t suit the specs, consider the latest budget smartphones with the best cameras, up-to-date software and NFC support.

If the budget is limited to 8000-10 000 rubles, you can consider the used model of 2021-2022:

• Redmi Note 10 (NFC, AMOLED, 48 MP camera) — ~9000-11,000 ₽;
• POCO X3 NFC (120 Hz screen, 64 MP camera) — ~10 000–12 000 ₽;
• Samsung Galaxy A22 (90 Hz, NFC, 4 years of updates) — ~11,000-13,000 ₽.

If you only need a smartphone for calls and instant messengers and your budget is minimal, the Redmi 5 Plus remains one of the best options for price/quality.

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Before buying a used smartphone, ask the seller to take a screenshot from the CPU Throttling Test app. If the graph shows a severe drop in performance when heating, it is better to refuse the purchase - this is a sign of thermal paste wear or cooling problems.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus