Xiaomi Redmi 5 is one of those models that stay in the memory of users for a long time due to the successful combination of price, performance and design. This smartphone, released in the era of the active growth of the Xiaomi brand in the global market, became a real bestseller in its segment. But what year of release of the Redmi 5, and what is this model today? If you are planning to buy a used device or just interested in the history of Xiaomi smartphones, this article will help you understand all the nuances.
In this post, we'll not only answer the question about the year of the Redmi 5, but also analyze how relevant this model is in 2026, consider its specifications, compare it with modern budget smartphones and give recommendations for choice, and also tell you how to distinguish the original model from a fake and what to look for when buying a used device.
Xiaomi Redmi 5 release year: official data and history of the model
Xiaomi Redmi 5 was announced on December 7, 2017 at the company’s official event in China, but the model went on sale in global markets, including Russia, a little later – in the first quarter of 2018. This is important to consider, since the announcement dates and the start of sales are often confused. For example, in some sources you can find mentioning 2017 as the year of release, but in fact, mass deliveries began only in 2018.
Fun fact: Redmi 5 was part of the five devices released by Xiaomi as part of the update to the line of Redmi. Along with it were introduced Redmi 5 Plus (also known as Redmi Note 5 in some regions), Redmi. 5A They all had better designs than their predecessors, and more modern "fillings".
- 📅 Announcement date: December 7, 2017
- 🌍 Start of sales in Russia: March 2018
- 📱 Generation: 5th generation of the Redmi line
- 🔄 Related: Redmi 6 (released June 2018)
It is worth noting that Redmi 5 was one of the last Xiaomi smartphones released under the leadership of Lei Jun as CEO of the company. In the future, the brand began to actively expand the range, releasing devices under sub-brands. POCO Black Shark, but Redmi 5 is remembered as one of the most balanced budget players of its time.
Xiaomi Redmi 5 technical specifications: what is under the hood?
Despite the fact that since the release of Redmi 5 has passed more than 5 years, its hardware is still of interest. the smartphone is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor - one of the first chipsets of the company on 14-nm process technology, which provided good energy efficiency. This processor is still found in some budget devices, although it is considered outdated by modern standards.
As for RAM and storage, Redmi 5 was offered in several configurations:
| Modifications | RAM | ROM | Color options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 2GB | 16GB | Black, gold, rose gold, blue |
| Medium | 3GB | 32GB | Black, gold, rose gold |
| Topless | 4GB | 64GB | Black, gold. |
The screen is Redmi. 5 — 5.7-inch IPS permittingly 1440×720 (HD+) side-relation 18:9. It was one of the first Xiaomi smartphones to have a frameless design, although the frames were certainly there. 450 Support for Reading Mode technology allowed to reduce the load on the eyes.
The cameras are modest by modern standards, but quite worthy for their time:
- 📸 Main camera: 12 MP, diaphragm f/2.2, phase-focus, LED-flash
- 🤳 Front camera: 5 MP, diaphragm f/2.0, Support for Beautify 3.0 selfie
- 🎥 Video: Recording in permission 1080p@30fps
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If you buy Redmi 5 b/d, be sure to check the status of the battery through the application AccuBattery - battery capacity for 5 b/d.+ The years of operation could have been significantly reduced.
Software: Which version of Android and MIUI originally?
At the time of release, Redmi 5 was running Android 7.1.2 Nougat with a proprietary shell. MIUI 9.However, the device was later updated to MIUI The 11 is based on Android 9 Pie, which was the last official firmware for this model, which means that today Redmi 5 does not support new versions of Android (10 and above), and also lacks many modern security features.
However, enthusiasts still release custom firmware for Redmi 5, for example, based on LineageOS or Pixel Experience. By installing them, you can get a more recent version of Android (up to the 11th inclusive), but this requires unlocking the bootloader and having certain skills. Officially, Xiaomi no longer releases updates for this model.
⚠️ Note: Installing unofficial firmware on Redmi 5 can lead to loss of warranty (if it is still valid), as well as problems with the operation of certain functions, such as Google Pay or banking applications.
Among the key features MIUI Redmi 5 is a good place to go:
- 🔒 Dual applications: the possibility of cloning messengers and social networks
- 🌙 Reading mode: Reduce blue light for comfortable reading at night
- 🔋 Battery Optimization: Built-in Tools to Extend Your Life
- 📱 Gestures: Support for gesture navigation instead of the classic buttons
Xiaomi Redmi 5 comparison with modern budget smartphones
If in 2018 Redmi 5 was one of the best budget smartphones, today its characteristics look modest against the background of new models. Let’s compare it with current budget Xiaomi in 2026, for example, with Redmi. 12C or POCO C55.
| Characteristics | Redmi 5 (2018) | Redmi 12C (2023) | POCO C55 (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 450 | Helio G85 | Helio G85 |
| RAM/ROM | before 4/64 GB | before 6/128 GB | before 6/128 GB |
| Screen. | 5.7" HD+ (720p) | 6.71" HD+ (720p) | 6.71" HD+ (720p) |
| Main camera. | 12 MPs | 50 MP | 50 MP |
| Battery | 3300 mAh | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
As can be seen from the table, modern budget smartphones surpass Redmi 5 in almost all parameters:
- 🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 3300 mAh – the difference is almost 1.5 times!
- 📸 Cameras: 50 MP vs 12 MP, plus additional modules (macro, depth)
- 🖥️ Performance: Helio G85 Snapdragon 450 is much more powerful, especially in games.
- 🔄 Software support: new models get Android updates longer
The Redmi 5 has some advantages:
- 💰 Price: on the secondary market it can be bought for 3000-5000 ₽, The new budgetary staff costs from 10 000 ₽
- 📏 Compact: 5.7-inch body more comfortable than 6.7-inch shovels"
- 🔧 Repairability: parts and accessories are cheaper and more affordable
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If you want a smartphone for calls, messengers, and easy tasks, Redmi 5 may still be a viable option, but for gaming, photography, or long-term autonomy, you'd better consider modern models.
Should you buy Xiaomi Redmi 5 in 2026?
The decision to buy Redmi 5 today depends on your goals and budget, so let’s figure out who this smartphone might be and who should look for an alternative.
Who's going to do Redmi 5?
- 💼 As a backup: for travel or work where the risk of losing/breaking the device
Who Should Buy Redmi 5?
⚠️ Note: When buying Redmi 5 b / y pay attention to the state of the battery - its capacity for 5+ It could drop to 60-70% of the original age, and check if the smartphone has been repaired (especially after falls or moisture), as this could affect the operation of sensors or communication modules.
If you do decide to buy a Redmi 5, here is a checklist to check the device before buying:
☑️ What to check for when buying a redmi 5
How to distinguish the original Xiaomi Redmi 5 from a fake?
The popularity of Redmi 5 has brought a lot of counterfeits to the market, especially during the period of active sales (2018-2019), and today the risk of running into a copy is lower, but it is still worth knowing how to distinguish the original.
The original Redmi 5 features:
- 📦 Packaging: box with Xiaomi logo, font clear, without typos
- 📱 Firmware: The version should be specified in the settings MIUI (Check through the settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI)
Signs of forgery:
- 🚩 Low price: if the device is sold cheaper than 2500-3000 ₽, That's a reason to be wary.
- 🔧 Disparity of characteristics: for example, in the settings specified 4 GB of RAM, and in AIDA64 — 3GB
- 📱 Unoriginal interface: fakes often run on the naked Android without MIUI
- 🔋 Removable battery: the original Redmi 5 battery is non-removable
To verify the originality, you can check IMEI devices on the official website of Xiaomi or through the service IMEI.info. It is also useful to install the application AIDA64 Compare processor, memory and other components with official specifications.
How to verify IMEI authenticity?
Xiaomi Redmi 5 Alternatives in 2026
If Redmi 5 is not suitable for you, but the budget is limited, consider the following alternatives:
| Model | Year of release | Advantages | Price (b/y) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 9A | 2020 | Large screen 6.53, 5000 mAh battery, modern processor | 6000–8000 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 8 | 2019 | 48 MP camera, glass case, fast charging 18W | 8000–10 000 ₽ |
| POCO C31 | 2021 | Helio processor G35, 3 GB of RAM, good autonomy | 7000–9000 ₽ |
| Redmi 8A | 2019 | Battery 5000 mAh, support 18W charging, solid body | 5000–7000 ₽ |
If you are ready to consider new smartphones, then in the budget segment (up to 15 000). ₽) It's worth paying attention to:
- 🆕 Redmi 12C: Modern processor, large battery, 50 MP camera
- 🆕 POCO M6 Pro: 90Hz screen, 67W Fast charging, Helio. G99
When choosing an alternative, focus on your priorities:
- 🔋 Autonomy? Look for models with a battery of 5,000 mAh.
- 📸 Take a picture? Pay attention to smartphones with cameras from 48 MP.
- 🎮 Games? Choose devices with Helio processors G85 or newer.
- 💰 Minimum budget? Redmi 9A or POCO C31 — better.