When choosing a new smartphone, many users pay attention only to the technical characteristics of the processor or the quality of the camera, completely forgetting about the tactile sensations and ergonomics. The weight of the device plays a critical role, especially if you plan to actively use the gadget with one hand or carry it in a pocket of light clothing. In the case of the popular Xiaomi Redmi 5 model, released in late 2017, this parameter is often a subject of controversy, since the device combines a metal body and a fairly capacious battery.
The scattering of data on the Internet can confuse even a seasoned customer, because some sources only indicate the mass of the phone itself, while others add the weight of the package or accessories. We conducted a detailed analysis of the specifications and real-world measurements to give you a comprehensive information about the official weight of the Xiaomi Redmi 5 is 157 grams without taking into account the protective film and box. This is relevant for the basic version, but the Plus modification has differences that are worth mentioning.
Understanding the physical parameters of the gadget helps not only when buying, but also when selecting accessories, such as holders in the car or special sports cases. Next, we will discuss in detail what the final figure is made up of, how it affects the balance in the hand and why the metal rear significantly changes the perception of the device compared to plastic counterparts of the period.
Official specifications and real measurements
The manufacturer Xiaomi in the technical documentation clearly regulates the weight and size indicators of their devices, but in practice there are always minimum tolerances. For the standard version of Redmi 5 with a screen diagonal of 5.7 inches, the declared weight is exactly 157 grams. This value is obtained in the laboratory for a device without a factory protective film, SIM-memory-cards.
If you look at the Redmi 5 Plus (also known as the Redmi Note 5 in the global version), the numbers are significantly higher because of the larger screen and more powerful battery. The plus version is 180 grams, which is already significantly heavier than the base version. The 23 grams difference seems negligible only on paper, but in the hand it feels like a transition from a lightweight "plastic" feel to a heavy metallic monolith.
⚠️ Note: When buying a used device, keep in mind that a replaced battery or installed thick protective glass can increase the real weight of the smartphone on the device. 5-10 grams relative to factory values.
It is also important to note that the weight is distributed unevenly across the body: the bulk is concentrated in the upper part, where the motherboard and the camera module are located, while the lower part with the speaker and charging connector is lighter. The center of gravity is shifted upwards, which requires addiction when controlling one hand, especially for users with a small palm.
Effect of body materials on mass
One of the key features of the Redmi 5 series was the transition to an all-metal body in the budget segment. The use of aluminum alloy for the rear cover and frame directly affected the final 157 grams. For comparison, predecessors with a plastic body with similar dimensions could weigh 15-20 grams less, but lost in the sense of premium and heat removal.
Not only does metal add weight, it also changes the way you interact with the device. Xiaomi Redmi 5 seems more monolithic and reliable due to its mass. However, it is worth considering that the metal back is slippery, and without a case, the risk of dropping a heavy phone is higher than a lightweight plastic one.
The company's engineers used injection molding technology to combine metal and plastic inserts for antennas, which have little effect on the overall mass, but provide the necessary radio transmission. The aluminum alloy is not chosen by chance: it has high strength at a relatively low density, which allowed to keep the weight within 157 grams without sacrificing strength.
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If you’re worried about weight, try using thin silicone cases instead of massive shock-proof cases – this will save you 20-30 grams in your pocket.
Redmi 5's weight compared to competitors
To understand whether the Xiaomi Redmi 5 weighs much or little, consider it in the context of market proposals in late 2017 and early 2018, when the average weight of a smartphone with a screen of about 6 inches was skyrocketing, approaching the 170-180 grams mark, in which light 157 grams seemed to be a great indicator of lightness.
To put this in perspective, we're comparing our model to direct competitors and other products in the Redmi line, taken from the official manufacturer's specifications and verified by independent testers, and note that even a slight difference in weight can dramatically change ergonomics over long-term use.
| Smartphone model | Screen diagonal | Weight (grams) | Case material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Redmi 5 | 5.7" | 157 | Metal |
| Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus | 5.99" | 180 | Metal |
| Samsung Galaxy A5 (2018) | 5.6" | 160 | Glass/Metal |
| Honor 7X | 5.93" | 165 | Metal |
| iPhone 8 | 4.7" | 148 | Glass/Metal |
As the table shows, the Redmi 5 is lighter than its older sibling and most of its competitors with similar screen size.The optimal balance between display size and weight has made the model a hit.Users switching from older and heavier models often noted the device's amazing ease of wear.
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The role of the battery in the total mass of the device
A significant portion of the weight of any modern smartphone is a battery. Xiaomi Redmi 5 has a Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 3300 mAh. The chemical composition and physical size of this battery contributes significantly to the total 157 grams of mass. For comparison, the Plus version has a battery of 4000 mAh, which explains the difference in weight.
The energy density of lithium-ion batteries is high, but they remain one of the heaviest components after the screen and the case. If you plan to use the phone in extreme conditions or on a hike where every gram is important, it is worth considering that the battery capacity is directly proportional to its weight. To reduce the weight of the device without losing autonomy at this stage of technology development is almost impossible.
⚠️ Warning: Battery bloating is a common problem with older smartphones.If the weight of the phone suddenly increases and the back cover starts to move away, stop using the device immediately as it is dangerous!
It's interesting to note that over time, as the chemical cells degrade, the weight of the battery is essentially the same, but its efficiency is reduced, but if you decide to replace the standard battery with a third-party counterpart, the weight may vary slightly due to the different packing density of the cells and the thickness of the protective layers.
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Ergonomics: How weight affects use
Weight of 157 grams for a 5.7-inch screen is considered comfortable for most users. the device does not cause fatigue of the brush during long conversations or reading news in transport. Xiaomi managed to achieve a good distribution of mass, although the upper part still feels heavier than the lower.
For users who are used to modern “shovels” weighing under 200 grams, the Redmi 5 will seem weightless. However, for those who move from the compact 4-5 inch models of the past, the phone may seem wide, despite its lightness. Ergonomic performance depends not only on grams, but also on the thickness of the case and the quality of the cover of the rear panel.
When typing with one hand, the thumb easily reaches the opposite edge of the screen, which is facilitated by moderate weight. If the phone were heavier, muscle tension would increase exponentially with this grip. Therefore, for use cases on the go, this model remains one of the standards of convenience.
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Weight of 157 grams is the “golden mean” for smartphones with screens up to 6 inches, providing a balance between autonomy and easy control.