Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, released in 2018. Although it is not new, it is still in demand due to its balanced characteristics and stylish design. In this article, we will discuss in detail what the Redmi Note 5 looks like, what materials were used in its production, and how it differs from other devices in the Redmi line.
If you are planning to buy a used device or just interested in the history of Xiaomi smartphones, this review will help you to get a complete picture of the appearance of the model. We will look not only at the official photos, but also at real images from different angles, and also compare the dimensions with other popular devices.
Design and materials of the case
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is designed in the minimalist style of the brand. The smartphone body is made of aluminum alloy with plastic inserts for antennas, which gives it a premium appearance at an affordable price. The back panel has a matte coating that does not slide in the hands and collect fingerprints as actively as glossy counterparts.
Front device protected 2.5D-It's a rounded glass that flows smoothly into the metal side faces, and it's not only improving ergonomics, it's also making the smartphone visually thinner, and the power and volume buttons are on the right side, and the nano-SIM trays are on the right side. + microSD on the left. The bottom is the Micro-USB connector, speaker and microphone, and the top is the 3.5 mm audio jack and IR port.
- 🔹 Shell material: aluminum alloy + plastic insert
- 🔹 Rear panel: matte, non-marked
- 🔹 Glass: 2.5D oleophobic
- 🔹 Colors: black, gold, pink, blue (depending on region)
One of the key design elements is a vertical dual camera, which is located in the upper left corner of the back, and it protrudes about 1 mm above the body, which is worth considering when using a smartphone on a table without a case. LED-flash and fingerprint sensor that works quickly and accurately.
Dimensions and weights: comparison with other models
The Redmi Note 5 is not compact — its screen diagonal is 5.99 inches, and the aspect ratio of 18:9 makes the body elongated. The exact dimensions of the device are 158.5 × 75.45 × 8.05 mm, and weight is 180 grams. For comparison, the Redmi Note 4 was thicker (8.45 mm) and heavier (185 g), despite the smaller screen diagonal (5.5 inches).
The table below shows the dimensions of the Redmi Note 5 compared to other popular Xiaomi models of the same period:
| Model | Screen diagonal | Dimensions (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 5 | 5.99" | 158.5 × 75.45 | 8.05 | 180 |
| Redmi Note 4 | 5.5" | 151 × 76 | 8.45 | 185 |
| Redmi 5 Plus | 5.99" | 158.5 × 75.45 | 8.05 | 180 |
| Mi A1 | 5.5" | 155.4 × 75.8 | 7.3 | 165 |
Interestingly, the Redmi Note 5 and Redmi 5 Plus are identical in size, despite being different in their ranges, and this is due to the unification of production processes. The smartphone is conveniently in your hand thanks to its rounded edges, but it can be difficult to reach the top edge of the screen with one hand because of its large size.
⚠️ WARNING: When buying a case or protective glass for the Redmi Note 5, make sure they are suitable for this model.Coverages from the Redmi 5 Plus may not be suitable due to differences in camera and fingerprint sensor location.
Screen: framework, protection and features
The Redmi Note 5 display occupies 77.4% of the front panel, which was a good indicator for 2018. The screen is made using IPS LCD technology with a resolution of 2160 × 1080 pixels (Full HD+), the brightness reaches 450 nits and contrast is 1500:1, which provides a clear picture even in bright sunlight.
There are notable bezels on the top and bottom of the screen, especially the bottom, where there is a physical home button with a built-in LED indicator. The bezels are thinner but still present, which distinguishes the model from more modern bezelless smartphones. The glass is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass (the version is not officially specified, but according to tests corresponds to Gorilla Glass 3).
- 📱 Screen type: IPS LCD, 18:9
- 🔍 Permission: 2160 × 1080 (Full HD+)
- 🌞 Brightness: up to 450 nits
- 🛡️ Defense: Corning Gorilla Glass (probably 3)
- 🎨 Color rendering: sRGB support
The oleophobic coating on the screen is quite persistent, but it can wear off over time. If you notice that your fingers have started to stick to the display, you should apply a new protective coating or stick the glass. Navigation buttons (if they are software) can be hidden in the settings, but the physical Home button will remain active.
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To check the originality of the screen glass, light the flashlight at an angle - on fakes, bubbles or irregularities are often visible.
Connectors, buttons and controls
The Redmi Note 5 uses a classic layout of controls that has not changed from previous models of the line.
- 🔘 Power button (textured for easy touching)
- 🔊 Two volume control buttons
On the left is a hybrid tray for nano-SIM + nano-SIM or nano-SIM + microSD (up to 256 GB).
At the bottom of the hull:
- 🔌 Micro-USB 2.0 connector (without fast charging support by default)
- 🔈 Main speaker (mono, without stereo sound)
- 🎤 Microphone
On top are the following:
- 🎧 3.5mm audio jack
- 📶 Second microphone (for noise reduction)
- 📺 IR port (for technical management)
One of the key drawbacks of the model is the lack of USB Type-C, which by 2018 was already becoming the standard, and it is also worth noting that the speaker is single and it is not located well - it is easy to close with a finger when holding a smartphone horizontally.
How to open a tray for SIM-cards without a paper clip?
Camera: location and external features
The Redmi Note 5's rear camera is one of the most visible design features, and it's made up of two modules:
- 📸 Basic: 12 MPP, f/2.2, pixel size 1.25 micron
- 📸 Additional: 5 MP, for depth assessment (bokeh effect)
The modules are positioned vertically and protrude above the body, which can cause scratches on the table without a cover.
There's a double camera next to the camera. LED-It's a flash and a fingerprint sensor that works fast even with wet fingers, and there's a 13MP soft flash selfie camera on the front, and it's illuminated in white when you're shooting in the dark).
It's important to remember that because of the protruding camera, the smartphone doesn't lie flat on the table, but it swings a little, which can be uncomfortable when watching videos or typing without a cover, and it's also worth keeping the camera from hitting, because it's expensive to repair.
⚠️ Warning: When using magnetically mounted cases (such as for a holder in a car), make sure the magnet is not near the camera.
Comparison with Redmi Note 5 Pro and other models
Redmi Note 5 is often confused with Redmi Note 5 Pro, which came out later and had a number of differences in appearance:
- 🔹 Note 5 Pro had a metal back panel with antenna lines (the usual Note 5 they are less noticeable)
- 🔹 The camera in the Pro version is located closer to the center, not in the corner.
- 🔹 Note 5 Pro is available in a 6GB RAM variant, while the base model is only 3 or 4GB
The Redmi Note 5 is similar to the Redmi 5 Plus, but the latter has the following features:
- 🔹 No IR port on top.
- 🔹 The body is slightly thinner (7.9 mm vs 8.05 mm)
- 🔹 No dual camera (only one 12 MP module)
If you are buying a smartphone with your hands, be sure to check:
Look at the "Redmi" under the camera -- it's clear, no blurring on the original.|
Check the IMEI in settings (Settings → About Phone → General information)|
Make sure you're in the tray for SIM-The card reads "Xiaomi"|
Launch the camera – fakes often lack Portrait mode"|-->
Video: What the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 looks like in reality
The photos don’t always convey the real-life experience of the smartphone, and here are some videos that show the Redmi Note 5 in different ways, including comparisons with other models:
1. Disassembly and design review:
This video shows all the elements of the body, including the interior design, and you can see the build quality and the location of the antenna lines.
Comparison with Redmi Note 4 and Redmi Note 5 Pro:
Visual mapping of dimensions, cameras and control buttons, and you can see clearly how the design has changed from model to model.
3. durability test (drop test):
Shows how the smartphone behaves when falling on different surfaces. Gorilla Glass withstands a fall from a height of 1 meter on the asphalt, but the aluminum body can bend when hit hard.
If you are planning to buy, we recommend watching these videos to evaluate the ergonomics and quality of the materials.
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The Redmi Note 5 is one of Xiaomi’s latest metal-body smartphones. Subsequent models (starting with the Redmi Note 7) have moved to the glass rear panels.