When you choose a smartphone, screen size becomes one of the key parameters. Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is a popular model that is still in demand due to its balanced characteristics and affordable price. But how many inches does this device have? The answer to this question is important not only for understanding the dimensions of the device, but also for assessing the usability of working with it — whether it is watching videos, reading texts or playing games.
In this article, we will not only name a number, but also analyze how the screen diagonal affects the experience, compare the Redmi Note 5 with other models of the Redmi and Mi line, and give practical tips for choosing a smartphone with the optimal display size. If you are in doubt whether this device will fit you in size, read on.
Exact screen diagonal Xiaomi Redmi Note 5
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is equipped with a display with a diagonal of 5.99 inches. This figure is often rounded to 6 inches in marketing materials, but the technically accurate value is 5.99. In centimeters it is about 15.21 cm, if you translate the formula 1 inch = 2.54 cm.
The screen is made using IPS LCD technology with a resolution of 2160 × 1080 pixels (an aspect ratio of 18:9). This resolution provides a pixel density of about 403 PPI, which guarantees a clear and detailed picture. For comparison, many budget smartphones have a pixel density of less than 300 PPI, so the Redmi Note 5 stands out from their background.
Importantly, despite the large diagonal, the device’s body remains compact due to the minimal bezels around the screen, a solution that allowed Xiaomi to increase the display area without significantly increasing the size of the smartphone.
How does diagonal affect the experience of use?
The size of the screen directly determines how convenient it will be to interact with the smartphone.
- 🎮 Games: 6-inch display provides enough control space in mobile games, but not so big that the smartphone becomes uncomfortable to hold with one hand.The perfect balance for gamers who value both comfort and immersion.
- 📺 Multimedia: Watching videos on YouTube or in theaters is made more comfortable by the wide 18:9 format. However, for a full theatrical experience, it is better to consider models with a diagonal of 6.5 inches.
- 📖 Reading and surfing: The text on the Redmi Note 5 screen is clearly displayed, and the larger diagonal allows you to place more information without the need to scrolle, which is especially valuable for working with documents or long reading.
- 👍 One hand: Despite the large screen, the ergonomics of the body allow you to reach most interface elements with your thumb.
Fun fact: Research shows that 5.99-6.2 inches is the most popular screen size among users looking for a balance between multimedia capabilities and usability.
⚠️ Note: If you plan to use a smartphone for professional video shooting, consider that a diagonal of 5.99 inches may seem small for accurate framing.
Comparison with other Xiaomi models
To get a better idea of how big the Redmi Note 5’s screen is, let’s compare it to other popular Xiaomi smartphones:
| Model | Diagonal (inches) | Permission | Relationship of parties | Screen technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 5 | 5.99 | 2160 × 1080 | 18:9 | IPS LCD |
| Redmi Note 4 | 5.5 | 1920 × 1080 | 16:9 | IPS LCD |
| Redmi Note 6 Pro | 6.26 | 2280 × 1080 | 19:9 | IPS LCD |
| Mi 8 | 6.21 | 2248 × 1080 | 18.7:9 | AMOLED |
| POCO F1 | 6.18 | 2246 × 1080 | 18.7:9 | IPS LCD |
The table shows that the Redmi Note 5 is intermediate between compact models like the Redmi Note 4 and larger devices like the Redmi Note 6 Pro or Mi 8, while it beats the Note 4 due to the modern aspect ratio of 18:9, which allows you to use the screen space more efficiently.
If you want a smartphone with an even larger display, but without a significant increase in size, look for the Redmi Note 6 Pro with its 6.26-inch screen. However, note that the difference of 0.27 inches in practice can be almost invisible, but the increased aspect ratio of 19:9 will make the case a little narrower.
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If you’re choosing between the Redmi Note 5 and Note 6 Pro, pay attention to the camera: The Note 6 Pro has a dual core module, which can be a deciding factor when the screen diagonals are similar.
How to measure the screen diagonal yourself?
If you already own the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 and want to make sure the diagonal is accurate, you can measure it manually.
- Turn on your smartphone and go to the main screen.
- Take a ruler and apply it from one corner of the screen to the opposite diagonal, and make sure that the ruler runs through the active area of the display, not the frame of the case.
- Write down the resulting value in centimeters.
- Translate centimeters into inches by dividing the value by 2.54. For example, if the diagonal was 15.2 cm, then in inches it will be 15.2 / 2.54 ≈ 5.98 inches, which corresponds to the declared characteristics.
Note that there may be a slight error in the measurement due to rounding or inaccurate rule application, and if your score differs from the stated score by 0.05 to 0.1 inches, that's fine.
Make sure the screen is clean and has no protective glass that distorts the boundaries |Use a metal ruler for accuracy |Measure the active area of the screen, excluding the frame |Repeat the measurement 2-3 times to check-->
If you get a value that is significantly different from 5.99 inches, this may indicate a non-original display (for example, after replacing), in which case it is worth checking the screen model in the settings of the smartphone or through specialized applications like CPU-Z.
What screen size to choose: recommendations for diagonal
The diagonal of the screen depends on your priorities, and here are some scenarios that will help you decide:
- 👤 Compactness comes first: If you want a small smartphone size for easy pocketing or one-handed use, look for models with a diagonal of 5-5.5 inches. However, the Redmi Note 5 with its 5.99 inch already goes beyond that.
- 🎬 Multimedia and gaming: For a comfortable viewing of videos and games, the optimal size is 5.9-6.5 inches. the Redmi Note 5 just falls into this range, offering a good balance between entertainment and convenience.
- 💼 Work and productivity: If you work with documents, tables or graphs often, you should choose a smartphone with a diagonal of 6.2 inches.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family use: A smartphone with a 6.5-inch or larger screen is suitable for sharing photos or videos with children, but such devices are less convenient to carry in your pocket.
If you’re still in doubt, try holding different diagonal smartphones before buying, like the Redmi Note 5 (5.99) and the Redmi Note 8 Pro (6.53) — a 0.54-inch difference in practice.
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For most users, a diagonal of 5.99-6.2 inches is optimal: large enough for multimedia, but not too bulky for daily use.
Frequent questions about the screen diagonal Redmi Note 5
Despite the seeming simplicity of the question, users often have additional clarifications, and let's take a look at the most popular ones.
❓ Why some sources say 6 inches rather than 5.99?
❓ How the screen diagonal affects battery life?
❓ Can I replace the screen with a larger one, for example, 6.2 inches?
❓ What protective case to choose for Redmi Note 5 with regard to diagonal?
❓ Is there a diagonal difference between the global and Chinese versions of the Redmi Note 5?
Next Post:Should you choose the Redmi Note 5 in 2026?
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 remains the current choice for those looking for a balanced smartphone with a good screen, but not ready to overpay for flagship models.
- 🔍 Sufficient space for comfortable viewing of content.
- 🎯 Optimal 18:9 aspect ratio for modern applications.
- 🔋 Good energy efficiency thanks to IPS-matrix and battery for 4000 mAh.
- 💰 Attractive price in the secondary market.
However, if you want a smartphone with a more modern display (such as AMOLED), better performance or 5G support, it’s worth considering new models of the Redmi Note or POCO lineup. For example, the Redmi Note 12 offers an AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz, which greatly improves the user experience.
⚠️ Note: When buying Redmi Note 5 in the secondary market, check the status of the screen — IPS-These matrices can lose their brightness over time or become "burnt out" pixels. Use test applications like Screen Test to diagnose them.
The Redmi Note 5 is one of Xiaomi’s latest 18:9 aspect ratio smartphones, making it unique to those who prefer a classic form factor without overly lengthened screens. If you care about this kind of ergonomics, it’s a great choice even years after its release.