Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: the year of release, how to distinguish from a fake and why the model is still relevant

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus became one of the most popular models of the brand in 2018, but still raises questions among users. Many confuse it with the Redmi Note 5 (which was sold under the same name in different regions), do not know the exact year of release or doubt the originality of the device. In this article, we will analyze not only the official release date, but also nuances that will help to avoid mistakes when buying a used device.

It's important to understand that the year of a smartphone release is not just a number for history; it's a function of update support, compatibility with modern apps, and even market price. For example, the 2017 Redmi 5 Plus (the first batches) no longer receives official security patches, while the 2018 devices may still run on custom firmware, and we'll tell you how to check the date of production of your device and what it means for its future use.

And we'll also analyze why the Redmi 5 Plus is still in demand in the aftermarket, despite the release of newer models, and the secret is to balance price, performance and reliability -- but only if you buy the original device, not the replica. At the end of the article, you'll find a checklist to check your smartphone before you buy it.

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: Myths and Reality

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus was announced on December 7, 2017 at a presentation in Beijing, but it went on sale only in early 2018. This is an important nuance: many sources indicate 2018 as the year of release, which is technically true for the mass market. However, the first batches of devices came off the assembly line in late 2017, they can be identified by the serial numbers and the date of production on the box.

Interesting fact: in India and some other countries, the Redmi 5 Plus was sold under the name Redmi Note 5. This created confusion, since in China the Redmi Note 5 is a completely different model (with a Snapdragon 636). If you see the Snapdragon 625 specs and a 5.99-inch screen, you see the Redmi 5 Plus, regardless of the label on the box.

Here are the key dates worth remembering:

• 📅 December 7, 2017 – official announcement in China.
• 🛒 February 2018 – the start of global sales (including Russia).
• ⏳ June 2019 – The Last Official Update MIUI (version 10.3).
• 🔄 2020–2021 – active distribution in the secondary market.

If a seller claims a smartphone is released in 2019 or later, it's either a hoax or a rebranding of another model: Xiaomi stopped producing the Redmi 5 Plus in mid-2019, switching to the Redmi Note 7 lineup.

How to find out the exact year of release of your Redmi 5 Plus

There are several ways to determine the age of a smartphone, and the most reliable way to do this is to check the serial number and IMEI. For that:

1. Open the Settings app → The phone.
2. Scroll down to the General Information section.
3. Write it down. IMEI (15 digits) and Serial number (20–22 characters).

The first 6 digits of the serial number encode the date of production. 8H802D... deciphers:

• 8H — 2018, second half (letter H) = 8th month, August).
• 802 - 2nd week of August.
• D is the manufacturer (in this case Foxconn).

You can also find the date by the sticker on the box (see the line). MF DATE) or through the engineering menu:

##4636## → Phone Information → Assembly Date

Technical specifications: why the Redmi 5 Plus is still relevant

Despite its age, the Redmi 5 Plus remains in demand due to its balanced “stuffing”, which is the key parameters in comparison with modern public sector:

At first glance, modern smartphones look more profitable, but there are nuances:

• 🔋 Power efficiency: The Snapdragon 625 is still considered one of the longest-playing processors in its class. With the same battery, the Redmi 5 Plus will last longer than many new devices.
• 📱 Screen: Permission FHD+ (2160×1080) Redmi 5 Plus is higher than most public sector employees 2023 year-end (HD+).
• 🔄 Updates: Although official support is over, there are stable custom firmware for Redmi 5 Plus (like LineageOS 18.1 based on Android 11).

The main disadvantage is the lack of support for modern communication standards (for example, the lack of support for communication standards, 5G However, for basic tasks — calls, instant messengers and social networks — Redmi 5 Plus still copes with the "excellent».

💡

If you are buying a Redmi 5 Plus in 2026, be sure to check the battery status through the AccuBattery app. Capacity below 70% of the original (2800 mAh) - an excuse to bargain or refuse to buy.

Differences from Redmi Note 5 and other similar models

As we mentioned earlier, Xiaomi has confused users by releasing two different models called the Redmi Note 5: Redmi 5 Plus (global version) and Redmi Note 5 (Chinese version).

Redmi 5 Plus is often confused with:

• 📱 Redmi 5 – smaller screen (5.7), Snapdragon 450 processor, 3300 mAh battery.
• 📱 Redmi Note 5 Pro – Indian version with Snapdragon 636 and dual camera.
• 📱 Redmi 6 Pro – successor with a “bang”, Snapdragon 625 processor, but a different design.

⚠️ Warning: If the seller claims that the Redmi 5 Plus has a dual main camera or Snapdragon 636 processor, you either have a Redmi Note 5 (China) or a fake.The original Redmi 5 Plus always has a 12MP single camera.

How to check the originality of the Redmi 5 Plus: 5 key signs

There are many Redmi 5 Plus counterfeits in the aftermarket, especially from Southeast Asia.

The serial number on the box and in the settings match|IMEI on the box, under the battery and in the settings are identical|The back of the logo is the Mi and the inscription "Designed by Xiaomi"|The box has a hologram and a seal with a production date|Firmware MIUI Certificate (checked in Settings) → The phone. → Status MIUI)-->

Additional signs of forgery:

• 🔍 Build quality: The original has no backlashes, the buttons are clearly pressed, the screen fits tightly to the body.
• 🔋 Battery: The original battery has a sticker with QR-code and serial number matching the box.
• 📦 Package: The box must have documentation in Chinese/English, proprietary cable USB Type-C (fakes often have Micro-USB) and adapter 5V/2And.
• 💻 Firmware: Fakes often run on Android without a “naked” MIUI Or have a crooked localized menu.

If you are in doubt, check it out. IMEI on the official website of Xiaomi at the link: https://www.mi.com/global/verify/#/en/tab/imei. The original device will display the model Redmi 5 Plus (vincent).

Should you buy Redmi 5 Plus in 2026: pros and cons

The price of the Redmi 5 Plus in the secondary market ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 rubles depending on the condition. Let's analyze who should consider this model and who should look for an alternative.

Pros of buying in 2026:

• ✅ Low price – cheaper than new public sector employees with similar characteristics.
• ✅ Repairability – spare parts are cheap, the screen or battery is simply replaced.
• ✅ FHD-screen is a rarity for public sector workers in 2023-2026.
• ✅ Support for custom firmware - you can install modern Android.

Cons:

• ❌ Obsolete. USB Type-C 2.0 – Slow Charging and Data Transfer.
• ❌ No. NFC — It is not suitable for contactless payments.
• ❌ Weak front camera (5 MP) for selfies and video calls.
• ❌ Lack of security updates – Vulnerability risks.

⚠️ Note: If you need a smartphone for gaming (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile), the Redmi 5 Plus will not work - the Snapdragon 625 does not pull modern projects at high settings. X3 NFC or Redmi Note 10.

For whom Redmi 5 Plus is still a good choice:

• 👵 Older people – a simple interface, a large screen, long battery life.
• 🎓 Students – enough for study tasks, cheap to repair.
• 🏗 Workers - a solid body, it is not a pity to drop.
• 📦 As a backup phone, you will always need it.

Redmi 5 Plus Problems and How to Solve Them

Even reliable smartphones will eventually develop diseases, and here are the typical Redmi 5 Plus problems and ways to fix them:

If your smartphone is slowing down, try:

1. Reset to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).
2. Install a light firmware (for example, MIUI Lite or Pixel Experience).
3. Disable animation in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Scale of animation).

⚠️ Note: If after the fall of the Redmi 5 Plus stopped turning on, do not try to charge it - this can lead to a short circuit.).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus