Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is one of those smartphones that has forever entered its name in the history of the mobile industry. Even years after its release, the model continues to be discussed on forums, sold on the secondary market and surprised by its survivability. But when exactly did this legendary device come out? And why is it still remembered more often than many modern flagships?
Whether you’re looking for an exact Redmi Note 5 release date, a comparison to the Redmi 5 Plus (which is often confused with it), or whether the smartphone is up to date in 2026, this article will answer all the questions. We’ll look at not only the official announcements, but also the nuances of firmware, regional versions, and even the pitfalls that Avito vendors keep silent about.
Spoiler: the release date is not what you find in half the articles on the Internet, and the difference between the Redmi Note 5 and the Redmi Note 5 Pro is much deeper than you think.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 release date: we understand the confusion
Many sources mistakenly point out that the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 was released in February 2018, but it is actually the date of the announcement of the Redmi Note 5 Pro, a more advanced version with a Snapdragon 636 processor.
- 📅 14 December 2017 The official announcement of the Redmi Note 5 (redmi 5/5 Plus in China.
- 🌍 February 2018 – global release titled Redmi Note 5 (in India and elsewhere).
- 🔄 March 2018 – sales in Europe and Russia (often under the marketing name Redmi Note 5 Global).
The confusion arose because in China the model was sold as Redmi 5 Plus, and for the international market was renamed Redmi Note 5. The Redmi Note 5 Pro is a separate device with a different hardware and camera. If you see in the specs the Snapdragon 625 processor is the original Redmi Note 5. If the Snapdragon 636 is the Note 5 Pro.
In some countries (for example, Indonesia), the Redmi Note 5 was sold under the name Redmi Note. 5A Prime, which further confused customers. To make no mistake, always check the device's code name in the settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI).
Redmi Note 5 vs Redmi 5 Plus: What’s the difference and why it matters
As we mentioned, the Redmi Note 5 and Redmi 5 Plus are the same device, but with different names for different markets.
| Parameter | Redmi Note 5 (Global) | Redmi 5 Plus (China) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 625 (14 nm) | Snapdragon 625 (14 nm) |
| RAM/ROM | 3/32GB or 4/64GB | 3/32 GB, 4/64 GB 4/128 GB (Chinese version) |
| 4G support | Bands 1/3/5/7/8/20 (Global) | Bands 1/3/5/7/8 (bandless 20 Europe) |
| Firmware | Global ROM (Google-based) | China ROM (Google without Google, but with advanced features MIUI) |
| Price at launch | ~15 000 ruble. (3/32 GB) | ~13 000 ruble. (3/32 GB, but without a global guarantee) |
The main difference is the firmware and support for networks. the Chinese version (Redmi 5 Plus) does not have pre-installed services Google, but supports some features. MIUI, which are not in the global firmware (for example, extended gestures or camera modes). ROM owing to a blocked loader.
If you are buying a Redmi Note 5, check out:
☑️ What to check before buying a Redmi Note 5
Chronology of updates: up to which version MIUI Supported by Redmi Note 5
One of the key questions when buying an old smartphone is the relevance of the firmware. Xiaomi officially ended support for the Redmi Note 5 in 2021, but updated it to:
- 📱 MIUI 12.5 – The last stable global version (released June 2021).
- 🛡️ Android 9 Pie – the maximum version of Android (updates to Android) 10/11 loose-minded).
- ⚠️ Security – Security patches stopped in September 2021.
This means that the smartphone does not get new features. MIUI It is vulnerable to modern threats (such as exploits in WebView or Bluetooth), but enthusiasts continue to produce custom firmware:
- 🔧 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) - Unofficial but stable build.
- 🐉 Pixel Experience – firmware with pure Android and support for Google Camera.
- ⚡ MIUI 13/14 Ports – unofficial versions from Chinese developers (bug risk!).
⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware on the Redmi Note 5 requires unlocking the bootloader, which has become more difficult since 2022 due to new Xiaomi rules.If you're not an experienced user, it's best to stay on the last official official one MIUI 12.5.
To check the current version of the firmware go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If it says something like V12.5.1.0.PEIMIXM, This is the last official global version. V11... — The smartphone has not been updated for a long time!
💡
Before buying a used Redmi Note 5, ask the seller to take a screenshot of the "Version" section MIUI". If there is firmware older than 2021, there is a high risk that the phone was used in aggressive conditions (for example, for mining).
Technical specifications: why the Redmi Note 5 is still relevant in 2026
With modern smartphones with 120 Hz screens and 200 MP cameras, the Redmi Note 5 may seem like a dinosaur, but let’s look at its specs objectively:
- 📱 Display: 5.99" IPS, 2160×1080 (18:9), 403 Ppi is still better than many public sector employees 2026 year-end.
- 🔋 Battery: 4000 Mach with Quick Charge support 2.0 (But the charger in the kit is normal. 5V/2A).
- 📷 Camera: 12 MP (f/2.2) + 5 MP (depth) - in good lighting gives pictures no worse than Redmi 9A 2023 year-end.
- 🎮 Performance: Snapdragon 625 + 4 GB of RAM – enough for WhatsApp, YouTube and even light games (PUBG Mobile at low settings).
The main advantages of the model in 2026:
- Repairability – replacing the screen, battery or speaker is cheaper than 90% of modern smartphones.
- Support for custom firmware - you can "revive" the old device with a fresh version of Android.
- Price on the secondary market - working copies are sold for 3000-5 000 rubles (2026), which makes it an ideal "spare" phone.
Cons that are worth knowing:
- ❌ No. NFC (You can’t use Google Pay or Sberbank).
- ❌ Micro-USB instead of Type-C is inconvenient if you have modern accessories.
- ❌ There is no official support for VoLTE in some regions (problems with voice calls in the region). 4G-network).
💡
The Redmi Note 5 in 2026 is not a flagship, but it’s a great option for those who need a reliable phone for the minimum amount of money, and it’s important to check the battery and firmware status before buying.
Where to buy Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 in 2026: new vs bp
The Redmi Note 5 has been discontinued for a long time, but it can still be found.
| Source | Price (2026) | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avito/Yula | 3 000–6 000 ₽ | The cheapest option, you can bargain | The risk of buying a phone with a broken screen or a “drowned” |
| AliExpress (b/y) | 5 000–8 000 ₽ | They are often sold in good condition with a guarantee. | Long delivery, possible customs problems |
| Service centers (aftermarket) | 7 000–10 000 ₽ | Phones with a replaced battery and checked iron | The price may be overpriced "for the brand" |
| Stocks in small shops | 8 000–12 000 ₽ | New, unextracted devices | The probability of running into counterfeit or “gray” imports |
If you’re looking for a new Redmi Note 5, the odds are slim — the last batches sold out in 2020.All offers of “new” phones today are either repackaged used devices or fakes (often under the guise of Redmi Note 5 sell Redmi 6 Pro or clones on Mediatek).
⚠️ Attention: Avito often has ads like "Redmi Note 5, new, in the package" for 4000-5000 rubles. This is almost always a hoax: either a used phone with a replaced battery, or a completely different model. IMEI (stickers under the battery or in settings) and check it through the IMEI.info service.
If you need a reliable second-hand option, pay attention to:
- 🔋 Battery status (capacity can be checked via ##4636## → «Battery information»).
- 📱 Screen integrity (even small cracks on Gorilla Glass grow over time).
- 🔊 Performance of speakers and microphones (check by calling and recording voice).
Redmi Note 5 alternatives in 2026: what to choose instead
If you like the Redmi Note 5 but want something fresher, consider these options:
- 🆕 Xiaomi Redmi 9C / 9A (2020–2021 – similar price on the secondary, but with Helio G35, USB-C Android 11.
- 📱 POCO M3 (2020 – the same Snapdragon 662, but with a 6000 mAh battery and NFC.
- 💰 Samsung Galaxy A12 (2021) — Helio P35, But with official support up to Android 13.
- 🔋 Realme C30 (2022 - cheap, with Unisoc T612 and 5,000 mAh, but a weak camera.
If you want a phone solely for calls and instant messengers, rather than games or photos, the Redmi Note 5 is still one of the best options for your money, the main thing is not to overpay for the brand and carefully check the device before buying.
For comparison, here is what the price/quality ratio of alternatives looks like:
| Model | Used price (2026) | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 5 | 3 000–6 000 ₽ | Reliable, repairable, good screen | Outdated firmware, no. NFC |
| Redmi 9A | 4 000–7 000 ₽ | Android 11, USB-C, better camera | Weak processor (Helio) G25), plastic |
| POCO M3 | 6 000–9 000 ₽ | Big battery, NFC, sound | Heavy (198g), basking in games |