What smartphone Xiaomi with a screen of 5 inches to buy in 2026: a review of the best models

Compact smartphones with a screen diagonal of 5 inches are rare in the era of giant displays, but they are still in demand among users who appreciate the convenience of one hand, lightness and practicality. Xiaomi is one of the few brands that still produces or supports such models, although the range has decreased markedly. If you need a reliable gadget for calls, instant messengers and basic tasks without excess weight, this article will help you understand the current options.

Xiaomiโ€™s 5-inch smartphone choices are limited in 2026, but they include budget solutions for older adults or a second phone, as well as more advanced devices with modern chips. We analyzed specifications, user reviews and prices to rank the best models, focusing on autonomy, performance and compatibility with current versions of MIUI and Android.

Why are 5-inch smartphones still relevant?

Many people think of small diagonals as a thing of the past, but they have some undeniable advantages: first, ergonomics: it's easy to hold with one hand, it doesn't fall out of your pocket, it doesn't create discomfort with long-term use, and second, it's ideal for sports training, travel, or work, where mobility is important.

In addition, 5-inch models often benefit from battery life โ€” a smaller screen requires less power โ€” critical for older users or those who live in regions with unstable access to outlets, and finally, these smartphones are cheaper to repair: replacing the screen or battery costs significantly less than flagships.

But there are downsides: Modern apps (especially games and social media) are optimized for larger screens, so the interface can look cramped on a 5-inch display, and manufacturers rarely upgrade compact models to the latest versions of Android, posing security risks.

๐Ÿ“Š Why You Need a 5-Inch Smartphone?
Main telephone
Second/spare
For sports/travel
For older relatives
Another option

Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones with a screen 5 inch 2026 year

We selected the most current models that can be bought new or in excellent condition in the secondary market: support for modern networks (including 4G VoLTE), availability of security updates, positive feedback on reliability.

1. Xiaomi Redmi 9A (5.0" HD+)

The most budget option in the line, but with important advantages: pure Android 10 (with a shell) MIUI 12), support for two SIM-A card and a separate microSD slot. G25 It's a little weak for games, but it can handle instant messengers and calls. The main trump card is a 5,000 mAh battery, which provides 2-3 days of operation for such a screen.

The downside is that the 13MP camera shoots mediocrely, and the plastic case looks cheap, but the price starts from 6,000 rubles (in the secondary market, even cheaper), making it ideal for a second phone or a gift.

2. Xiaomi Redmi 10A (5.0" HD+)

The updated version of the 9A with a Helio G25 processor (same platform but with optimizations) and a 13 MP camera. The main improvement is support for MIUI 13 and more stable application work. The display remained the same (720ร—1280), but the brightness increased to 400 nits, which is important for outdoor use.

The model is suitable for those who are looking for a simple phone for calls and social networks without unnecessary bells and whistles. Price: from 7,500 rubles in new stores.

3. Xiaomi Poco C31 (5.0" HD+)

Redmi alternative with similar screen but with Helio processor G35 (slightly more powerful) and triple main camera (13 + 2 + 2 It doesn't make him a photographer, but it does give him a lot of flexibility. 5000 mAh and support 18W fast charging (although the adapter is weak).

Among the features - spray protection (but not a full IP-rated) and more premium design compared to Redmi. Price: from 8 900 rubles.

4. Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G NE (5.5" AMOLED, but with scale setting)

Formally, the screen here is 5.5 inches, but thanks to the thin bezels and the interface zoom function (Settings). โ†’ Screen. โ†’ It's a scale that can be visually compressed to 5 inches. AMOLED-display, processor Snapdragon 778G support 5G on our list.

The model is suitable for those who want compactness + performance: it pulls games on medium settings, shoots video in 4K and has stereo speakers. Minus - the price from 18,000 rubles and the absence of a 3.5 mm audio jack.

5. Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A (5.0" HD) - for nostalgia

This is a 2017 model, but it's still in great condition on the secondary market for 3,000 to 5,000 rubles, and it's interesting for those looking for the simplest phone to make calls and SMS. The Snapdragon 425 processor is weak, but it's enough for basic tasks.

Importantly, Android 7.1 has not received updates for a long time, so it is not safe to use it for Internet banking or social networks, but it is one of the lightest smartphones in the lineup, at only 137 grams.

Why arenโ€™t there new 5-inch Xiaomi smartphones in 2026?
Manufacturers are abandoning compact models due to low demand (most users prefer 6.5" screens and more) and the high cost of producing small displays.In addition, modern chips (such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) do not physically fit into a housing of this size without overheating. Xiaomi focuses on foldable smartphones (such as the Mix Fold 3) as an alternative to compactness.

Comparative Characteristics Table

ModelScreen.ProcessorRAM/ROMBatteryPrice (2026)
Redmi 9A5.0" HD+ (720ร—1280)Helio G252/32 GB5,000 mAh6,000 โ‚ฝ
Redmi 10A5.0" HD+ (720ร—1280)Helio G253/64 GB5,000 mAh7,500 โ‚ฝ
Poco C315.0" HD+ (720ร—1280)Helio G353/32 GB5,000 mAh8,900 โ‚ฝ
Mi 11 Lite 5G NE5.5" AMOLED (1080ร—2400)Snapdragon 778G6/128 GB4250 mAh18,000 โ‚ฝ

What to pay attention to when choosing?

When buying a compact smartphone, itโ€™s easy to miss important details.

  1. Network support: Make sure the model works with your carrierโ€™s 4G VoLTE (especially for the Redmi Note 5A, which may not support modern frequencies).
  2. Software Updates: Check if the smartphone is getting security updates. For example, the Mi 11 Lite 5G NE is still relevant, while the Redmi Note 5A is not.
  3. Battery capacity: For a 5-inch screen, it is optimally 4000-5000 mAh. Less is the risk of discharge by the evening.
  4. Availability of connectors: If you need a 3.5mm audio jack or microSD, check the specifications in advance (e.g., the Mi 11 Lite 5G NE does not have an audio jack).

Critical detail: 5-inch smartphones often have weak processors that donโ€™t support modern versions of apps (like new Instagram filters or games like Genshin Impact).

Check your carrierโ€™s 4G support

Check the Android version and updates

Estimate the battery capacity (minimum 4000 mAh)

Check out the reviews on the build quality

Compare prices in 3-4 stores

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Where to buy and how much?

Xiaomiโ€™s new 5-inch smartphones are sold primarily in online stores in 2026:

  • ๐ŸŒ Wildberries and Ozon โ€“ Redmi discounts are often available 9A/10A.
  • ๐ŸŒ AliExpress - Poco can be found C31 global-fixed.
  • ๐Ÿฌ Svyaznoy and M. Video - sometimes come across the remains of the Mi 11 Lite 5G NE.

In the secondary market (Avito, Yula) prices are lower by 20-30%, but there are risks:

  • โš ๏ธ Check it out. IMEI IMEI.info โ€“ the phone could have been stolen.
  • โš ๏ธ Test the battery (for example, using the application AccuBattery) โ€“ its capacity could โ€œsinkโ€ up to 60-70% of the original.

Average prices in the secondary market (state as new):

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Redmi 9A: 4 000โ€“5 500 โ‚ฝ
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Poco C31: 6 000โ€“7 500 โ‚ฝ
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Mi 11 Lite 5G NE: 12 000โ€“15 000 โ‚ฝ

๐Ÿ’ก

Before buying from hand, ask the seller to video the phone turn on, the work of cameras and sensors (gyroscope, compass), which will help to avoid hidden defects.

Alternatives: Other brands with 5-inch smartphones

If Xiaomi is not satisfied with the range, consider models from other manufacturers:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ UniStrong K501 โ€”"scalable IP68, 5โ€ฒโ€ฒ screen and 6000mAh battery ideal for construction or tourism (price: ~12 000 โ‚ฝ).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 โ€“ a secure phone with a screen 5.3, Exynos 850 processor and support for DeX (from 18 000) โ‚ฝ).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Nokia 8000 4G โ€”"Retro phone with KaiOS, 5-inch screen and keyboard (from 5 000) โ‚ฝ). Suitable for calls and WhatsApp.

The main difference between these models and Xiaomi is protection (UniStrong and Samsung) or simplicity (Nokia).If you want Android with modern features, you should stay in the line of Redmi/Poco.

๐Ÿ’ก

Xiaomi smartphones with a screen of 5 inches win in price/quality ratio, but lose in security and long-term support of the software. If you need a phone for years - consider alternatives from Samsung or UniStrong.

Frequent mistakes when choosing a compact smartphone

โš ๏ธ Many people buy 5-inch smartphones for games or photos, but such models are not physically able to provide high quality. FPS Or high-quality shots because of weak processors and small camera arrays. If you want games, take at least the Mi 11 Lite. 5G NE.

โš ๏ธ Warning: In the secondary market, smartphones with a "bloated" battery are often sold (it swells with time and can damage the screen).Always check the case for evenness: put the phone on the table with the screen upwards - if it sways, the battery is deformed.

Other typical misses:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Buying a model with a battery of less than 4000 mAh โ€“ it will last a maximum of a day.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Ignoring VoLTE support โ€“ without it, calls will be interrupted when switching from the Internet 4G on 3G.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Neglect of inspection IMEI โ€” The risk of buying a stolen or locked phone.
Can you play modern games on Xiaomiโ€™s 5-inch smartphone?
Technically yes, but with reservations: ๐ŸŽฎ Redmi 9A/10A POCO C31 Only lightweight games like Brawl Stars or Clash Royale can be played at minimum settings. ๐ŸŽฎ Mi 11 Lite 5G NE cope PUBG Mobile on Medium or Genshin Impact on Low, but will warm up. ๐Ÿ”ฅ For serious gaming, it is better towards smartphones with a screen 6" and processor is not weaker than Snapdragon 730.
How to check the originality of Xiaomi before buying?
Methods: Check the IMEI on IMEI.info, which must match the box and sticker under the battery. Run the ##4636## app in the dialer and check the phone information menu. Compare the serial number on the box and settings (Phone Settings โ†’ Phone) If the seller refuses to provide this data, this is a reason to be wary.
How long will a 5-inch smartphone Xiaomi?
The service life depends on the model: โณ Redmi 9A/10A POCO C31: 2โ€“3 year with careful use (then will begin to brake due to outdated iron). โณ Mi 11 Lite 5G NE: 3โ€“4 Thanks to a more powerful processor and updates. โš ๏ธ Redmi Note 5A: We do not recommend for long-term use due to lack of updates.The main factors shortening the life of the phone: frequent charging 100%", overheating, falling.
Can you replace the battery in Xiaomiโ€™s 5-inch battery on your own?
Yeah, but there's nuance: ๐Ÿ”ง At Redmi. 9A/10A POCO C31 battery removable (largely glued), but a special blade is required to disconnect the plume. ๐Ÿ”ง In Mi 11 Lite 5G NE battery is glued strongly - you need a hair dryer to soften the glue. โš ๏ธ After replacement, the battery calibration may be reset (solved by a full charging-discharge cycle). 500 โ‚ฝ (for Redmi 9A) before 1 500 โ‚ฝ (for Mi 11 Lite).
What are the best cases for Xiaomi 5-inch?
Recommendations: ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ For Redmi. 9A/10A POCO C31 Universal covers with diagonal are suitable 5" (For example, from Baseus or Spigen). ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ For Mi. 11 Lite 5G NE need to fit a specific model (due to the location of the cameras). ๐Ÿ’ก If the phone falls frequently, choose cases with reinforced corners (such as the Armor or Tough series: 300โ€“800 โ‚ฝ. Avoid cheap silicone cases โ€“ they stretch quickly.