Xiaomi Redmi 5 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017-2018, which is still in demand in the secondary market, its design was a transitional link between the classic “plastic” Redmi and modern models with a metal body. If you are planning to buy a used device or just interested in the history of the brand, it is important to understand what this model looks like, so as not to confuse it with other Xiaomi smartphones (for example, Redmi Note 5 or Redmi 5A).
In this article, we will take a closer look at the Xiaomi Redmi 5, from the dimensions and materials of the case to the location of the buttons, connectors and cameras, see real photos of the device, compare it with other models of the Redmi line, and learn what to look for when visually checking the smartphone before buying, and pay special attention to the unique design solutions that help distinguish the Redmi 5 from newer or older devices of the brand.
Dimensions and weight: compactness as a key advantage
One of the main features of the Xiaomi Redmi 5 is its compact size, which favorably distinguishes the model from the “bloated” modern smartphones. When diagonal screen 5.7” device is easily held with one hand, which was rare even among budget devices of the time.
Basic parameters:
- 📏 Height: 151.8 mm
- 📐 Width: 72.8 mm
- ⚖️ Thickness: 7.7 mm (in the thinnest part)
- 🏋️ Weight: 157g
By comparison, the Redmi Note 5 weighed 180 grams and was 2 mm thicker on the same screen, making the Redmi 5 one of the lightest and thinnest smartphones in its segment, but the small battery (3300 mAh) left the device less than its larger competitors.
Materials of the case: metal vs plastic
The Xiaomi Redmi 5 was the first in the Redmi lineup to have a fully metal body (except for plastic antenna inserts), a significant step forward from its predecessor, the Redmi 4, which had a metal-coated back panel.
Key features of materials:
- 🔩 Aluminum alloy: used for the back and side faces, anodized, which protects against scratches and gives a matte hue.
- 📶 Plastic inserts: two strips in the upper and lower parts of the housing to improve signal reception (antennae) LTE and wifi).
- 🖥️ 2.5D-rounded glass: front panel with smooth edges, which makes the smartphone more comfortable in the hands.
Despite the metal, the Redmi 5’s body was not without flaws, such as the smooth surface of the smartphone slipped out of the hands easily, and when it fell on a hard surface, there could be dents on the aluminum faces, and the metal body degraded the GPS and NFC signal (if the module was present in the version of the device).
⚠️ Attention: Redmi 5 plastic-enclosed fakes are common in the secondary market, posing as the original. The original model always has a cold to the touch metal and clear faces without backlashes.
Location of buttons and connectors: ergonomics at height
Xiaomi designers have designed the layout of the controls so that they are convenient to use with one hand, all the buttons and connectors are in their usual places, but there are several nuances that are specific to this model.
Location pattern:
- 🔘 Power button: right, with texture for tactile recognition.
- 🔊 Volume buttons: also on the right, under the power button, placed close together, sometimes resulting in accidental pressing.
- 🔌 Micro-USB connector: at the bottom (obsolete standard at release).
- 🎧 3.5mm audio jack: at the top, which is convenient for listening to music on the go.
- 📞 Slot for SIM-Maps: Left, supports 2 Nano-SIM + microSD (hybrid slot).
Notice the notification indicator, a small LED dot to the right of the front camera, flashed different colors depending on the type of notification (e.g., red for missed call, blue for message), which was very popular among users, but newer Xiaomi models abandoned it.
The power button does not light up and works clearly |
Volume buttons don't stagger |
Micro-USB connector is not shattered |
Notification LED is working (blinks when charging)|
No backlashes in the slot SIM-map-->
Screen: aspect ratio and frame
The Redmi 5 was one of the first low-end displays to get an 18:9 aspect ratio, which made it smaller at the same screen size (5.7), and also reduced side bezels, but the top and bottom bezels remained fairly wide by modern standards.
Screen characteristics:
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Type of matrix | IPS LCD |
| Permission | 1440×720 (HD+) |
| Pixel density | 282 ppi |
| Brightness | 450 nits |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) |
Despite its modest resolution, the Redmi 5 screen had good viewing angles and natural color reproduction, but the lack of oleophobic coating left fingerprints on it quickly, and another disadvantage was the lack of automatic brightness in the base firmware (added only in custom builds).
⚠️ Warning: When buying a used Redmi 5, be sure to check the screen for burnt-out pixels (especially in the area of navigation buttons) and the uniformity of the backlight. Yellow spot defect was a common problem in this model.
How to distinguish Redmi 5 by the appearance of modules
Redmi 5 photo modules have a unique location that helps distinguish it from other models.The main camera is placed in the upper left corner of the rear panel, not in the center, as most smartphones. LED-flash.
Features of the cameras:
- 📸 Main camera: 12 MP, diaphragm f/2.2, phase autofocus, squirts above the body to ~1 mm.
- 🤳 Front camera: 5 MP, diaphragm f/2.0, No flash, located to the right of the speaker.
- 🔦 Flash: Double LED with temperature 4000K + 5500K more natural lighting.
Importantly, the Redmi 5 doesn't have a notch, the front camera and sensors are hidden under the top bezel, a key difference from newer models like the Redmi 6 or Redmi Note 7, where the bangs are introduced, and the Redmi 5 doesn't have a fingerprint scanner on the back, it's on the front side, under the screen.
How to check the camera before buying?
Color options: what shades were officially
Xiaomi Redmi 5 was released in four official colors, each with its own characteristics, shades were chosen to emphasize the metal body and still remain versatile.
Options available:
- ⚫ Black: classic matte shade, least stamped, but quickly warms up in the sun.
- 💙 Blue: deep dark blue with a light metallic luster, the most popular option.
- 💛 Gold: warm shade with pinkish undertone. It looks premium, but you can see all the scratches.
- 🔴 Rose Gold: a soft pearl hue, more focused on a female audience.
Important: In the secondary market, you can find smartphones with unofficial colorings (for example, red or green), most often these are repainted devices or fakes. The original Redmi 5 always have a matte anodized coating without gloss.
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To test the originality of the color, light a flashlight on the body at an angle. On fakes, the paint often flakes off or has an uneven hue.
Comparison with other models: how not to confuse the Redmi 5
Because of the similar name, Redmi 5 is often confused with other Xiaomi devices. To avoid a purchase error, note the key visual differences:
Comparative table:
| Model | Differences from Redmi 5 |
|---|---|
| Redmi 5A | Plastic case, smaller screen diagonal (5.0), no double flash. |
| Redmi Note 5 | Larger size (5.99"), dual main camera, fingerprint scanner on the back. |
| Redmi 6 | Notch, plastic case, MediaTek Helio P22 processor. |
| Redmi 5 Plus | Larger screen (5.99), Full HD+ resolution, other camera design. |
Another reliable way to identify the model is to look at the markings under the back cover (if you remove it). Redmi 5 should have the label MDE6S or MDE6 (depending on the version), and you can also check the model in the settings: Settings → About Phone → Model.
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The main difference between the Redmi 5 and other models is the combination of a metal body, a single main camera in the upper left corner and a fingerprint scanner under the screen.