When exactly Xiaomi Redmi 5 came out remains a question for those looking for a reliable budget smartphone in the secondary market or planning to buy a device for basic tasks. This model became a real hit of its time, offering users metal cases and modern screens at a price that is affordable to a wide audience. Understanding the release date helps not only to estimate the age of the device, but also to predict its compatibility with modern applications.
The global launch of the new product took place in late 2017, marking the company’s transition to new standards in the budget segment.It was then that the 18:9 aspect ratio screen began to be mass-introduced into entry-level devices. For many users, this smartphone was the first experience of using “frameless” design from the Chinese giant.
It's important to remember that the release dates in different regions differed significantly due to logistics chains and localization features. While the device was already on sale in China, in Europe and Russia it was waiting for a few more months. Let's look at the timeline of the Redmi 5 and see if it is worth paying attention in the current realities.
Chronology of world and local releases
The official debut of the smartphone took place on December 7, 2017 in China. It was on this day that Xiaomi introduced the device along with its enlarged version of the Redmi 5 Plus. The Chinese market always gets the first news, which allows the manufacturer to debug the software before the global launch.
For the international market, including Europe and Asia, the presentation was held later on February 14, 2018, the date of the MWC in Barcelona, where the global versions of gadgets are traditionally shown, but real sales outside China began only in March 2018, when logistics partners established supply of batches to retail chains.
⚠️ Note: Buying a device in the Chinese market (CN Version, you may be facing a lack of frequency support LTE Band 20, which is critical for the job 4G rural areas of Russia and Europe.
In Russia and CIS countries, mass sales began in April 2018, localization of MIUI for our region required additional time for translation and integration of local services, and it is the spring period of 2018 that can be considered the starting point for the availability of Redmi 5 for mass Russian buyers in official retail.
The gap between the Chinese and global releases was more than two months, standard practice in the industry to address critical firmware errors, and users who bought a smartphone in the first weeks after the global launch often received an updated version of the software out of the box.
Key technical characteristics of the model
At the time of the release, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 had features that could be called revolutionary for the budget segment, based on a 14nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor, which provided a decent balance between performance and energy efficiency, which was rare for entry-level phones.
The screen was the main trump card of the novelty, and a diagonal of 5.7 inches with a resolution of 1440 by 720 pixels provided a pixel density of about 282 ppi. IPS-The matrix could not boast of a deep black color, as AMOLED, It had good color reproduction and a reserve of brightness for use in the sun.
- 📱 Display: 5.7 inches, IPS, 18:9, protective glass 2.5D.
- ⚙️ Processor: 8-core Snapdragon 450 (1.8 GHz).
- 📸 Camera: 12 MP (main), 5 MP (front) with flash.
- 🔋 Battery: 3300 mAh with support for fast charging 5V/2And.
The main camera module deserves special attention. Despite its modest 12MP, the presence of phase autofocus and dual flash allowed for high-quality shots in daylight. The software processing of the MIUI Camera added saturation to the shots, which was enjoyed by most social media users.
Redmi 5 vs Redmi 5 Plus
Often users confuse the regular Redmi 5 with the Plus version, although there are significant differences between the two. The Plus model was positioned as a mid-range device, while the basic version remained an Entry-Level solution.
The main difference was the processor: the Plus version used the more powerful Snapdragon 625, which is still considered one of the best chips in terms of heat and performance, plus received a screen of 5.99 inches with FullHD + resolution and a more capacious battery of 4000 mAh.
| Characteristics | Redmi 5 | Redmi 5 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Screen. | 5.7", HD+ (1440x720) | 5.99", FHD+ (2160x1080) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 450 | Snapdragon 625 |
| Battery | 3300mAh | 4,000 mAh |
| Case material | Metal | Metal |
Visually, the models can be distinguished by the location of the flash: the regular Redmi 5 it is next to the camera lens, and the Plus version is below it. Also Plus version has a fingerprint scanner on the rear, while the base model lost this module for the sake of price, although in some regions sold versions with it.
Hidden features of processors
Software and Relevance of Updates
At the time of release, the smartphone was running Android 7.1 Nougat with a MIUI 9 shell, a lightweight and fast version of the firmware that was perfect for the hardware of the device, and later the device received an update to Android 8.0 Oreo and MIUI 10, which was the final major update of the operating system.
Support for the model has officially stopped. The latest security update to some global versions was the Android 8 version of MIUI 11, but in most regions the update cycle ended with MIUI 10, which means that current versions of applications may not work stable or require newer versions of Android.
⚠️ Note: Installation of custom firmware (Custom) ROM) This processor can be difficult due to the lack of active support from the developer community. 2026-2026 years.
For use in 2026 and beyond, it is recommended not to count on new security features.The device is best suited for offline tasks, used as a navigator, MP3-Player or first phone for a child that does not require access to banking applications with high security requirements.
💡
If you plan to use Redmi 5 as your primary phone, be sure to install a lightweight launcher (like Niagara or Nova) and turn off system animation in the developer settings to speed things up.
Typical problems and hardware features
Over the years, a number of typical problems have emerged that characterize this model. One of the most common complaints is battery degradation. 3300 The MC was initially enough for a day, but later 3-4 The battery often needs replacement due to loss of capacity.
The second common problem is unplugging the display plume or getting yellow spots on the edges of the screen, due to the construction of the build and the use of a certain type of glue that dries up over time, and users also note problems with the operation of the Wi-Fi module at 5 GHz.
- 🔌 Micro-USB connector: Unwinding the charging port due to lack of symmetry USB-C.
- 📶 Communication: Recurrent network losses in low-course regions 4G.
- 💾 Memory: eMMC drives reduce write speed over time, causing interface friezes.
When buying a used device, be sure to check the touchscreen throughout the screen area. Often the edges stop responding to touch, making it impossible to type or play, and it is also worth checking the microphone and speaker, as the mesh holes get clogged with dust.
☑️ Checking the used Redmi 5
Should I buy Redmi 5 in 2026?
Buying a Xiaomi Redmi 5 in the current environment only makes sense in very limited scenarios, and it is already morally and technically obsolete, but if the budget is extremely tight and you need a phone for calls, WhatsApp and YouTube (in poor quality), it can still fulfill this role.
The main argument against buying is the lack of support for modern security standards and low performance. Apps are getting heavier every year, and the Snapdragon 450 with 2-3 GB of RAM is already struggling to multitask. Opening maps or social networks can take up to 10-15 seconds.
The optimal price for buying a used Redmi 5 in 2026 should not exceed 1500-2000 rubles, and then only in perfect condition with a new battery.
If you’re looking for a phone to use on a regular basis, it’s best to consider the more recent Redmi Note series models, even used ones. They’ll offer a significantly better experience, NFC support for payments, and up-to-date versions of Android. Redmi 5 today is more of a collector’s instance or a device for specific tasks.
💡
The Redmi 5 is a 2018 budget legend, but in 2026 it is only justified as a temporary solution or a device for secondary needs.