Why Redmi 5 screen size is important to choose from
Choosing a smartphone often starts with analyzing the screen diagonal — a parameter that directly affects usability, multimedia capabilities, and even ergonomics of the device. Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in 2017, became one of the most popular budget smartphones due to its balanced specs. But how many inches does its screen have, and how does this compare with modern standards?
In this article, we will not only give you an accurate answer to the diagonal question, but also analyze how screen size affects the experience of using, from watching videos to playing games. You will learn how the 5.7-inch display of the Redmi 5 differs from the screens of other Xiaomi models, and get practical tips on choosing a smartphone with the optimal diagonal for your tasks.
We'll focus on comparing to competitors like the Redmi Note 5 or Redmi 4X, so you can objectively assess whether this size is right for you or whether you should consider alternatives, and for those who are planning to buy a used device, we've prepared a screen wear checklist.
The exact screen size of Xiaomi Redmi 5: official data
Xiaomi Redmi 5 is equipped with a display with a diagonal of 5.7 inches, this value is specified in the official specifications of the manufacturer and confirmed by independent tests. It is important to note that we are talking about the physical size of the matrix, not the “useful area” of the screen, which can be slightly reduced due to bezels or cutouts (in the case of Redmi 5 no cutouts).
The screen resolution is 1440×720 pixels (HD+) and the aspect ratio is 18:9. This ratio was innovative for the budget segment in 2017, as it allowed to make the case smaller at the same diagonal compared to the classic 16:9. For example, the Redmi 4X with a 5-inch screen had almost the same width of the body, but was less convenient for viewing content.
Despite the budget position, Redmi 5 received a new version. IPS-matrix with good viewing angles (up to 178)°) It was up to 450 nits bright, which made it competitive even among the middle class devices of the time. HD+ It may not be enough to read a small text comfortably.
⚠️ Warning: There are fakes on the market under the Xiaomi brand, where the screen diagonal may be incorrect. IMEI The device is available via the official Mi Verify website before purchase.
Comparison with other Xiaomi models: diagonal table
To get a better idea of how 5.7 inches are relevant today, compare the Redmi 5 to other popular models of the brand. Notice how aspect ratio and resolution have changed over time, which directly affects how you perceive screen size.
| Model | Diagonal (inches) | Relationship of parties | Permission | Year of release |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 4X | 5.0 | 16:9 | 1280×720 (HD) | 2017 |
| Redmi 5 | 5.7 | 18:9 | 1440×720 (HD+) | 2017 |
| Redmi Note 5 | 5.99 | 18:9 | 2160×1080 (FHD+) | 2018 |
| Redmi 8 | 6.22 | 19:9 | 1520×720 (HD+) | 2019 |
| Redmi Note 10 | 6.43 | 20:9 | 2400×1080 (FHD+) | 2021 |
The table shows that the Redmi 5 was a transitional model: its screen is larger than the Redmi 4X, but has not yet reached the “flagship” 6 inches. Interestingly, the HD+ resolution (720p) remained in the budget lineup until the Redmi 8, while the Note series already used Full HD+.
To put it in perspective, the difference between 5.7 and 5.99 inches (Redmi Note 5) actually feels like an increase in screen area of about 15%, which is noticeable when watching videos or working with documents, but for everyday tasks (social networks, instant messengers), the difference is minimal.
How screen size affects the Redmi 5 experience
The 5.7-inch diagonal makes the Redmi 5 a versatile device for most tasks, and let’s look at the key use cases and how the screen size affects them:
- 🎬 Watch video: 18:9 format better suited for contemporary content (YouTube, Netflix) than classic 16:9. black stripes on the sides are almost non-existent, but resolution HD+ It can be a “soap” image on large scenes.
- 🎮 Games: For mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Free Fire is 5.7 inches long, but fine details (like text in the interface) can be fuzzy. ~10%.
- 📖 Reading and surfing: Screen width allows you to read texts comfortably without horizontal scrolling, but fine print on some sites will have to scale.
- 📸 Photo and video: When viewing shots, the difference with 6-inch screens is not critical, but when editing in Lightroom Mobile, there may be a lack of workspace.
An important nuance: the Redmi 5’s pixel density (PPI) is ~282, which is lower than that of modern smartphones (350+ PPI), which means that you can see the pixelation of text or graphics on closer inspection, but in practice, most users don’t notice it in everyday use.
By comparison, the iPhone SE (2020) with a 4.7-inch screen has a PPI of 326, which makes the image sharper despite its smaller diagonal, so screen size is not the only factor in picture quality.
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If you often work with text, zoom in on the Redmi 5 settings: go to Settings → Screen → Font size and select “Large” or “Very Large”.
Pros and cons of a 5.7-inch screen: honest analysis
Even years after the Redmi 5 was released, its screen has both undeniable advantages and obvious disadvantages, and we’ll go through them in detail so you can make an informed decision about your purchase.
Advantages:
- ✅ Compact: The device is easy to control with one hand – the top interface elements are available without stretching your fingers (unlike 6.5-inch smartphones).
- ✅ Balance between size and weight: At 157g, the Redmi 5 doesn’t tire your arm with long-term use.
- ✅ Universality: Suitable for both multimedia and work – not too small for video, but not bulky for calls.
- ✅ Energy efficiency: A smaller screen (compared to 6-inch models) consumes less battery power when viewing content.
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Permission HD+: Close inspection shows the graininess of the image, especially on a white background.
- ❌ Obsolete matrix: in brightness and color reproduction inferior to modern AMOLED-screens (for example, in Redmi Note 10 Pro).
- ❌ Limitations for multitasking: Split-screen works, but two programs fit tightly.
- ❌ Absence HDR: Does not support extended dynamic range, which affects the quality of video in streaming services.
The critical point: if you plan to use Redmi 5 to watch 4K-Video or professional graphics work, 5.7-inch screen with resolution HD+ It's a bottleneck, and in those cases, it's best to look at models with Full. HD-displays, for example, Poco X3 Or Redmi Note 9 Pro.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a used Redmi 5, check the screen for “burnt out” pixels – this is a common problem IPS-Matrices after 2-3 years of heavy use. Use test images (e.g. here).
How to check the real size of the screen: step-by-step instructions
If you doubt the honesty of the seller or want to measure the screen diagonal yourself (for example, after changing the display), follow this instruction.
Turn on your smartphone and make sure the screen is active (pictures)
Take a ruler and apply it from one corner of the screen to the opposite diagonally.
Write down the resulting value in millimeters
Divide the result by 25.4 to translate into inches (1 inch = 25.4 mm)
Compare this with the official data (for Redmi 5 should be the same). ~144.8 mm or 5.7 inches)-->
Example of calculation: if the diagonal on the ruler was 145 Mm, inches it'll be. 145 / 25.4 ≈ 5.71 The inch, which corresponds to the declared characteristics — ±0.05 inch (due to rounding in production).
Note that you only need to measure the active area of the screen, not including the frames, and if you have a protective film or glass installed, you don't have to take them off, they're too thin to affect the result.
For more accurate verification, you can use specialized applications such as Screen Test or Display Tester (available on Google Play), which show not only the physical size, but also the actual resolution, refresh rate and other display parameters.
What if the measured diagonal does not match the declared one?
Redmi 5 Alternatives: Which Smartphones Offer Similar Screen Size
If 5.7 inches is right for you, but the Redmi 5 itself seems outdated, consider modern alternatives with a similar diagonal.
| Model | Diagonal (inches) | Permission | Processor | Price (b/y), rub. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 9A | 6.53 | 1600×720 (HD+) | Helio G25 | 6 000–8 000 |
| Poco C31 | 6.53 | 1600×720 (HD+) | Helio G35 | 7 000–9 000 |
| Redmi Note 8 | 6.3 | 2340×1080 (FHD+) | Snapdragon 665 | 10 000–12 000 |
| iPhone SE (2020) | 4.7 | 1334×750 | A13 Bionic | 18 000–22 000 |
| Samsung Galaxy A12 | 6.5 | 1600×720 (HD+) | Helio P35 | 9 000–11 000 |
As you can see from the table, modern budget smartphones are more likely to feature screens of 6.5 inches or more. If you care about compactness, look at the iPhone SE (2020) – despite its small screen (4.7 inches), its high build quality and performance make it a topical choice. Among Android devices, the closest Redmi Note 8 (6.3 inches) is the one, but it has already been discontinued.
If you want Xiaomi with a screen of about 5.7 inches, you have to consider the used market, the alternative may be the Redmi 5 Plus (5.99 in) or Mi A1 (5.5 in), but they are also difficult to find new.
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When choosing an alternative, pay attention not only to the diagonal, but also to the aspect ratio. For example, a 6.5-inch screen with a ratio of 20:9 can be narrower than a 5.7-inch screen with 18:9, which affects the ease of holding.