Why screen size is important for Redmi 5
Choosing a smartphone often starts with a question about screen size โ and the Xiaomi Redmi 5 is no exception. This budget device, released in 2017, is still in demand due to its balanced specs. But how many inches does its display have? The answer seems simple, but the nuances behind the numbers are: aspect ratio, pixel density and even ergonomics. If you're planning a purchase or just comparing models, this article will help you get a handle on all the details.
Spoiler: Xiaomi Redmi 5 has a diagonal value of 5.7 inches, but thatโs not the whole story. Weโll analyze how this size compares to the body size, HD+ resolution (1440ร720) and IPS LCD technology, and compare it to competitors of the time.
By the way, if you're looking for information about other models in the series (like the Redmi 5 Plus or Redmi Note 5), there's a comparison table at the end of this article, and for those who already own, we've prepared tips for customizing the display to suit their needs.
Official screen specs of Redmi 5
According to Xiaomiโs technical documentation, the Redmi 5 is equipped with a 5.7-inch display, measured by the angular line between opposite corners of the screen, not including the bezels. Itโs important to note that itโs about the physical size of the matrix, not the โuseful areaโ for displaying content (because of rounded corners or cutouts, if any).
Key display parameters:
- ๐ Diagonal: 5.7 inches (144.78 mm)
- ๐ฒ Side ratio: 18:9 (extended format)
- ๐จ Permission: HD+ 1440ร720 pixel (282 PPI)
- ๐ก Technology: IPS LCD 72-supported% NTSC
- ๐ Update frequency: standard 60 Hz
Fun fact: The Redmi 5 was one of Xiaomiโs first 18:9-part ratio smartphones, making it smaller at the same diagonal. For example, the predecessor Redmi 4, with a 5.0-inch screen, had nearly identical dimensions thanks to its more โsquareโ 16:9 format.
How 5.7 inches relate to the dimensions of the body
The screen size is not everything. The actual size of the smartphone depends on the thickness of the bezels and the design. The Redmi 5 has a minimal side frame (by 2017 standards), but with noticeable upper and lower bands, the size of the device is:
- ๐ฆ Height: 151.8 mm
- ๐ Width: 72.8 mm
- โ๏ธ Thickness: 7.7 mm
- ๐๏ธ Weight: 157g
By comparison, modern smartphones with the same diagonal (such as the Redmi 10A 2022) have a lower height due to thinner bezels and a cutout for the front camera. However, the Redmi 5 remains comfortable for one hand due to a width of less than 73 mm โ this is critical for users with small palms.
โ ๏ธ Note: When buying covers or protective glass for Redmi 5, always check the exact dimensions.Some accessories for Redmi 5 Plus (5.99 inches) may not be suitable due to the difference in size, despite the similar model names.
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To check the real diagonal of the screen, take a ruler and measure the distance between opposite angles of the visible area (without a frame). To translate into inches, divide the result in centimeters by 2.54.
Comparison with other Xiaomi models
To get a better idea of how big the Redmi 5โs screen is, compare it to the brandโs other popular smartphones.
| Model | Diagonal (inches) | Relationship of parties | Permission | Year of release |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 4 | 5.0 | 16:9 | 1280ร720 (HD) | 2016 |
| Redmi 5 | 5.7 | 18:9 | 1440ร720 (HD+) | 2017 |
| Redmi 5 Plus | 5.99 | 18:9 | 2160ร1080 (FHD+) | 2017 |
| Redmi Note 5 | 5.99 | 18:9 | 2160ร1080 (FHD+) | 2018 |
| Redmi 9A | 6.53 | 20:9 | 1600ร720 (HD+) | 2020 |
As you can see, the Redmi 5 has taken an intermediate position between compact models (like the Redmi 4) and โphabletsโ (like the Redmi 5 Plus). Interestingly, when switching to 18:9, Xiaomi kept the same width of the case, increasing only the height โ this made the device easier to watch videos and surf the Internet.
If you want a smartphone with a similar diagonal, but more modern specs, look for the Redmi 10C (6.71 inches) or POCO M4 Pro (6.43 inches).
Pros and cons of a 5.7-inch screen
Redmi 5 has both advantages and limitations, and we'll go through them in detail so you can see if this size fits you.
Advantages:
- ๐ Compact: The device is easy to hold with one hand, which is important for active users of instant messengers.
- ๐ฌ 18:9 format: Optimal for watching YouTube or Netflix videos (less black stripes on the sides).
- ๐ Energy efficiency: Permission HD+ Less battery load compared to Full HD.
- ๐ฐ Price: Redmi 5 is often cheaper than 6-screen models on the secondary market+ inch.
Disadvantages:
- ๐ Low pixel density: 282 PPI It may not be enough to read a small text comfortably.
- ๐ฎ Restrictions for gamers: Some games (e.g, PUBG Mobile HD+ are worse than the FHD.
- ๐ Outdated technology: IPS LCD lose AMOLED contrast-brightness.
- ๐ฑ Multitasking: Splitting the screen into two windows (e.g., chat and browser) is less convenient than on larger displays.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you plan to use Redmi 5 for document work or programming, consider that it is difficult to accommodate two windows with comfortable text on a 5.7-inch screen. In such cases, it is better to consider models with a diagonal of 6.3 inches (for example, Redmi Note 10).
How to check the actual screen resolution?
How to customize the display to your needs
Even with a 5.7-inch screen, you can optimize your content display. MIUI (Xiaomi firmware) has some useful features:
- Text Scale: Go to Settings โ Screen โ Text Size and choose the right option. Redmi 5 recommends a value of "Medior" or "Large" to avoid pixelation.
- Read Mode: Enables Settings โ Screen โ Read Mode. It filters blue light and makes text clearer by increasing contrast.
- Autoturn: In Settings โ Screen โ Autoturn you can turn off the change of orientation if you are uncomfortable using the smartphone horizontally.
- Color Temperature: In the same Screen section, adjust the white balance to the room lighting (Color Temperature option).
For experimenters, there's a hidden feature called screen resolution change, which is available through the engineering menu.
Enter the phone code in the app: ##4636##
Go to "Equipment Testing" โ "Display Information"
Here, you can temporarily lower the resolution to save charge (but the image quality will deteriorate).Set text size to "Middle" | Activate reading mode for evening time | Turn off autoturn if not used | Check color temperature for lighting | Clear the GPU cache in the developer settings-->
Frequent questions about the Redmi 5 screen
We have collected the most popular user questions about the display Xiaomi Redmi 5 and gave them detailed answers.
โ Can you replace the Redmi 5 with a larger screen, such as 6.0 inches?
โ Why my Redmi 5 screen shows 5.5 inches in settings?
โ Is the protective glass suitable for Redmi? 5A on the Redmi 5?
โ What is the maximum viewing angle of the Redmi 5 screen?
โ Can I increase the screen size programmatically?
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The 5.7-inch Xiaomi Redmi 5 screen is the best choice for those who value the compactness and balance between display size and body size. However, for multimedia and games, it is worth considering models with Full HD+ resolution and higher pixel density.