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Redmi Note 5
Redmi Note 5
from Wikipedia
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro
ManufacturerXiaomi
TypePhablet
SeriesRedmi Note
First releasedFebruary 2018; 7 years ago (2018-02) near EOL as of 2021
PredecessorRedmi Note 4
SuccessorRedmi Note 6 Pro
Redmi Note 7
RelatedRedmi 5
Compatible networks2G, 3G, 4G, 4G LTE
Form factorSlate
DimensionsH: 158.6 mm (6.24 in)
W: 75.4 mm (2.97 in)
D: 8.1 mm (0.32 in)
D max: 9.2 mm (0.36 in)(camera)
Operating systemOriginal:
Current:
  • Note 5 (Global firmware)/Pro:Android 9 "Pie" with MIUI 11
  • Note 5 (Chinese firmware): Android 9 "Pie" with MIUI 12
System-on-chipQualcomm SDM636
CPUOcta-core (4x 1.8 GHz Performance Kryo 260 cores based on Cortex A73 + 4x 1.6 GHz efficiency Kryo 260 cores based on Cortex A53)
GPUAdreno 509
MemoryNote 5: 3 or 4 GB RAM
Note 5 Pro: 4 or GB LPDDR4X RAM
StorageNote 5: 32 GB or 64 GB
Note 5 Pro: 64 GB
Removable storagemicroSDXC, expandable up to 256 GB (uses SIM 2 slot)
BatteryNon-removable Li-Po 4000 mAh battery
Rear cameraNote 5:
Dual: Samsung 12 MP (f/1.9, 1.25 μm) Dual-PD + Samsung 5 MP (f/2.0, 1.12 μm)
Note 5 Pro:
Dual: Sony Exmor RS IMX486 12 MP (f/2.2, 1.25 μm) + Samsung S5K5E8 5 MP (f/2.0, 1.12 μm), phase detection autofocus, LED flash, Geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, panorama, HDR
Front cameraNote 5: OmniVision OV13855 13 MP 1.0 μm
Note 5 Pro: Sony Exmor RS IMX376 20 MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.0 μm), LED flash, 1080p
Display5.99 inches, 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (403 ppi), IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
ConnectivityWi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 & 5 GHz), dual-band, WiFi Direct, hotspot Bluetooth V5, A2DP, Low-energy
Codenamewhyred
Websitewww.mi.com/in/redmi-note5/

Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro are smartphones developed by Xiaomi Inc as a part of Xiaomi's budget Redmi Note smartphone series. The Redmi Note 5 Pro was announced on 14 February, 2018 in Delhi, India,[1] alongside the local model of the Redmi Note 5 (known globally as the Redmi 5 Plus), while the global Redmi Note 5 was announced on 1 March, 2018.[2][3] The main difference between the Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro is a front-facing camera.

Design

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The back of the Redmi Note 5 in black

The front is made of Corning Gorilla Glass, while the casing is made of aluminum with plastic stripes on top and bottom.

On the bottom of the smartphones, the user can find a microUSB port, a speaker, a microphone and a 3.5mm audio jack. On the top side, there is an additional microphone and an IR blaster. On the left side, there is a hybrid dual SIM with one slot for a Nano-SIM card and second one for a Nano-SIM tor a microSD card. On the right side, there is the volume rocker and the power button. On the back, there is the rear camera island with an LED flash, which is located, unlike its predecessors, at the top-left corner on a protruding camera bump that resembles the one present on the iPhone X, the logo, and a fingerprint reader.

Redmi Note 5 was available in 5 colors: Lake Blue, Rose Gold, Gold, Black, and Red.[4] The most popular color was Lake Blue,[5] which was an instant hit among the users. Red was the next best, which was introduced at a later date.

Specifications

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Hardware

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The Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro run on Snapdragon 636 processor. It is a 64-bit architecture-based chipset that has 8x Qualcomm® A53 CPUs with a clock speed up to 2.0 GHz that supports Qualcomm® Adreno™ 506 GPU.

The smartphones come with a 5.99-inch Full HD+ display with an 18:9 aspect ratio. The front of the smartphone has a 77% screen-to-body ratio. The screen on the device comes with multi-touch support and uses a 2.5 curved glass screen for ultra clarity. The phones have a ppt rating of 403 and a maximum resolution of 1080x2160, the LCD IPS screen allows for smooth & accurate scrolling.[6]

The main dual-camera setup is composed by a 12 MP image sensor plus a 5 MP depth sensor used in portrait mode to have a bokeh effect in pictures. The 13-megapixel front-facing camera in the Redmi Note 5 and the 20 MP front facing camera in the Redmi Note 5 Pro feature a front LED flash rated for 4500K color temperatures as claimed by the company.

Redmi Note 5 comes with 3 GB or 4 GB RAM and 32 GB or 64 GB expandable storage memory.[7]

Software

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"About phone" menu on the Redmi Note 5

The Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro were released with MIUI 9, but on the Redmi Note 5 it is based on Android 7.1.2 "Nougat", while on the Redmi Note 5 it is based on Android 8.1 "Oreo". Later, the phones were updated to Android 9 "Pie", but only the Chinese version of firmware was updated to MIUI 12, while the global firmware was updated only to MIUI 11.[8]

Features

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The most important thing is that the mobile is secure. smartphones come with a fingerprint reader and other sensors including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. Additionally, include a radio. A lot of people like the audio quality, which is Noise -29.7 dB / Crosstalk -91.8 dB. It's helpful because it's not quite sharp.[9]

Reception

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Redmi Note 5 received mostly positive reviews. TechRadar called it the best budget smartphone in the market and rated it 4/5.[10] However lack of NFC and USB type C port, as well as the camera bump and inclusion of advertisements in the UI has been criticized.

Sales

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On 22 February 2018, in the first sale of the phone, the Indian division of Xiaomi claimed to had sold more than 300,000 Redmi Note 5 (Redmi 5 Plus) and Redmi Note 5 Pro units in less than three minutes and called it the biggest sale in the Indian history of smartphones.[11]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Redmi Note 5 is a Android developed by under its sub-brand, announced on February 14, 2018, and released in on February 22, 2018, with global availability shortly thereafter. It features a 5.99-inch IPS LCD full display with an 18:9 and 1080 x 2160 pixel resolution protected by . The device is powered by the octa-core processor on a , paired with 3 GB or 4 GB RAM options and 32 GB or 64 GB internal storage, expandable up to 128 GB via microSD. Its camera system includes a dual rear setup with a 12 MP primary sensor (f/2.2, 1.4 μm pixels, PDAF) and a 5 MP depth sensor for portrait effects, alongside a 13 MP front camera with AI beautification. The phone houses a 4000 mAh non-removable battery supporting 18W fast charging, and runs Android 7.1.2 () out of the box with 9, upgradable to Android 9 () with 12. Measuring 158.6 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm and weighing 181 grams, the Redmi Note 5 sports a durable metal unibody design with reinforced corners and anti-fingerprint coating, available in colors such as Black, Gold, Lake Blue, and Rose Gold. It supports 4G LTE, , 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 5.0, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, but lacks NFC. Notable for its value-oriented positioning, the device debuted the Snapdragon 636 globally and emphasized AI-enhanced , contributing to its popularity in markets like and where it sold millions of units.

Development and Release

Announcement

The Redmi Note 5 and its Pro variant were first publicly announced on February 14, 2018, during an event held in , . This reveal marked 's entry into the mid-range smartphone market with updated features tailored for emerging economies. Leading up to the announcement, released teasers and leaks beginning in January 2018, spotlighting the integration of processors and a modern 18:9 aspect ratio display to appeal to users seeking immersive viewing experiences on a budget. The launch event emphasized the Pro model's innovative dual rear camera system for enhanced , a robust 4000mAh battery promising all-day usage, and the overall affordability positioning both variants as competitive devices under $200. These highlights underscored Xiaomi's strategy to combine premium features like AI-enhanced imaging with accessible pricing. Initial pricing was disclosed at the event, with the base Redmi Note 5 starting at INR 9,999 (approximately $140) for the 3GB RAM/32GB storage configuration in India. The Pro variant, featuring a more powerful Snapdragon 636 chipset and dual cameras, was priced higher at INR 13,999 (about $218).

Market Launch

The Redmi Note 5 series was initially rolled out in India on February 22, 2018, coinciding with the first flash sale following its announcement earlier that month. Both the standard Note 5 variant, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, and the upgraded Note 5 Pro with the Snapdragon 636 were made available simultaneously in the Indian market. In China, the Note 5 Pro—branded simply as the Redmi Note 5—was launched later on March 16, 2018, with availability starting March 20 through official Xiaomi channels. The standard Note 5 with Snapdragon 625 served as the primary model for global markets, with rollout beginning in various regions during March 2018. Pricing in India positioned the devices as budget-friendly options, with the base 3 GB RAM/32 GB storage variant of the Note 5 starting at ₹9,999 (approximately $152 at the time). The Note 5 Pro variants were priced higher, starting at ₹13,999 for the 4 GB RAM/64 GB model. Distribution was handled exclusively through online platforms Flipkart and Mi.com, employing a flash sale model to manage high demand. Initial distribution faced significant challenges in due to overwhelming demand, resulting in stock shortages and rapid sell-outs during the debut flash sales, often within under three minutes. Xiaomi reported selling over 300,000 units across the Note 5 and Note 5 Pro in the first sale alone, but supply constraints, including component shortages for camera modules, exacerbated the issue and led to customer frustration with repeated stock unavailability. The Note 5 Pro remained exclusive to and at launch, while the standard model's broader global distribution helped mitigate some regional supply pressures over time.

Design

Build and Materials

The Redmi Note 5 measures 158.6 x 75.4 x 8.1 mm and weighs 181 grams. This compact form factor, despite featuring a 5.99-inch display, results in a narrower body compared to traditional 5.5-inch smartphones, enhancing for one-handed operation. The device employs an aluminum frame paired with an aluminum back panel, providing a sturdy yet that balances and portability. It features a durable metal unibody design with reinforced corners and anti-fingerprint coating. The front is protected by a reinforced glass panel, specifically , which offers resistance to scratches and minor impacts without adding significant bulk. However, the Redmi Note 5 lacks an official IP rating for water or dust resistance, making it unsuitable for exposure to liquids or harsh environments. Aesthetically, the phone is available in several color options, including Black, Gold, Lake , and . The bezel-less design with an 18:9 further contributes to its modern, slim profile, improving grip and usability during extended sessions.

Display

The Redmi Note 5 features a 5.99-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels, classified as Full HD+ and delivering a of approximately 403 ppi. This configuration provides sharp visuals suitable for media consumption and everyday use, with the IPS panel ensuring wide viewing angles. The screen adopts an , which enhances immersive viewing experiences by reducing bezels and offering a more expansive feel compared to traditional 16:9 displays, achieving a screen-to-body ratio of about 77.4%. It incorporates Sunlight Display technology, enabling peak brightness up to 450 nits for improved outdoor visibility under direct sunlight. Protection is provided by 2.5D curved glass, which adds a subtle edge curvature for a premium tactile feel while safeguarding against minor scratches and impacts. The display supports Reading Mode, a software-enhanced feature that adjusts to reduce blue light emission, promoting eye comfort during prolonged reading sessions. In terms of color reproduction, the panel covers 84% of the color gamut, delivering vibrant yet accurate hues for general content viewing, though it lacks support for HDR formats.

Specifications

Hardware

The Redmi Note 5 (global variant, codename: whyred) features the 636 chipset, built on a . It includes an octa-core 260 CPU with four performance cores at 1.8 GHz and four efficiency cores at 1.6 GHz, paired with an 509 GPU for graphics. This configuration provides efficient performance for tasks. Regional variants exist: the Chinese model (codename: vince) uses the Snapdragon 625 with eight Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz and 506 GPU, while the Indian "Redmi Note 5 Pro" shares the Snapdragon 636 but with up to 6 GB RAM and a 20 MP front camera.
VariantProcessorCPU ConfigurationGPURAM OptionsStorage Options
Global/Chinese AI Dual Camera (whyred)Snapdragon 6364x Kryo 260 @ 1.8 GHz + 4x @ 1.6 GHzAdreno 5093 GB / 4 GB LPDDR4X32 GB / 64 GB eMMC 5.1
Chinese Base (vince)Snapdragon 6258x Cortex-A53 @ 2.0 GHzAdreno 5063 GB / 4 GB LPDDR332 GB / 64 GB eMMC 5.1
Indian Note 5 ProSnapdragon 6364x Kryo 260 @ 1.8 GHz + 4x @ 1.6 GHzAdreno 5094 GB / 6 GB LPDDR4X32 GB / 64 GB eMMC 5.1
All variants support expandable storage via a dedicated microSD slot up to 256 GB. The memory setup enables smooth multitasking, with higher options in select regions handling more demanding apps. The device has a 4000 mAh non-removable lithium-polymer battery, offering all-day usage under typical conditions. It supports 3.0 for 18 W fast charging. Connectivity includes a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, an , a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and 4.2; NFC is not supported. These provide essential wireless and input features. Audio is delivered via a single bottom-firing loudspeaker, offering adequate volume for media but without stereo sound.

Software

The global Redmi Note 5 launched with Android 7.1.2 and 9.2, optimizing the Snapdragon 636 for daily use with features like theming and Mi Cloud integration. Updates included Android 8.1 with 10 in 2018 for better battery and notifications; Android 9 Pie with 11 in 2019 adding gestures and privacy; and 12 on Android 9 in 2020-2021 with dark mode and multitasking improvements. The Chinese variant (vince) followed a similar path to 12 on Android 9. Official support ended without Android 10 due to hardware constraints, with security patches until 2021. Post-support, the community on XDA Developers offers custom ROMs like LineageOS up to Android 14 (as of 2024), with TWRP for rooting.

Features

The global Redmi Note 5 includes a dual rear camera with a 12 MP primary sensor (f/2.2, 1.4 μm pixels, PDAF) and 5 MP depth sensor for portraits, plus dual-LED flash and AI scene detection. The front camera is 13 MP with AI beautification. The Indian Note 5 Pro variant upgrades the front to 20 MP (f/2.0). Both support video at 30 fps from rear and front, with electronic on the global model for smoother footage. Additional features include an IR blaster for , FM radio (no needed as antenna), and software face unlock via front camera. MIUI's gaming mode boosts by limiting background apps during play.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reviews

The Redmi Note 5 received generally from professional reviewers for its impressive battery endurance, often lasting up to two days on a single charge under moderate use, making it a standout in the budget category. Reviewers praised its at a sub-$200 price point, positioning it as an accessible entry into modern features like an 18:9 display and reliable daily performance. The rear camera was commended for delivering solid results in well-lit conditions, capturing detailed and vibrant images suitable for the budget segment, though it lacked a formal numerical score from major outlets like GSMArena. Critics highlighted several shortcomings, including average low-light photography performance, where shots exhibited noticeable noise and softness compared to higher-end rivals. The absence of NFC support was a common point of criticism, limiting its utility for contactless payments and other wireless features in markets where such functionality was increasingly expected. While professional reviews like Android Authority's did not assign an explicit overall score, the device's balanced attributes contributed to favorable ratings from sites such as NotebookCheck (86%). User feedback echoed some professional views but added hardware durability concerns, with reports of power button failures emerging after prolonged use, often requiring repairs within the first year. issues in direct were occasionally noted, stemming from inconsistent auto-brightness adjustments that could dim the screen unexpectedly outdoors. Reviews of the software were mixed, with praise for its customization options tempered by complaints about preloaded bloatware apps that cluttered the interface and impacted perceived smoothness. In 2018, the Note 5 Pro variant earned recognition as a top , winning "Best Budget Smartphone of the Year" at the News18 Tech and Auto Awards for its combination of affordability and capability.

Sales and Impact

The Redmi Note 5 series achieved rapid commercial success upon its launch, with the Note 5 Pro variant selling over 300,000 units in under three minutes during its first flash sale in on February 22, 2018. This momentum continued, as the combined sales of the Redmi Note 5 and Note 5 Pro reached 5 million units in within four months. Note that while the global model featured the Snapdragon 636, the Indian Note 5 Pro with Snapdragon 660 drove significant sales in that market. The device's strong performance in the budget and categories marked it as one of the fastest-selling series of 2018, driving over 10 million shipments for the Note 5/Pro lineup alone in the Indian market. These sales figures significantly boosted Xiaomi's position in India, helping the company capture a 31% market share in the smartphone sector during the first quarter of 2018, up from 25% in the prior quarter. By contributing to Xiaomi's dominance as the top-selling brand in that year, the Redmi Note 5 intensified competition in the affordable segment, prompting rivals to adjust pricing and feature sets to match its . Globally, the Redmi Note series, building on the Note 5's foundation, exceeded 20 million units shipped by mid-2019 with the launch of the Note 7, reflecting the lineup's growing international appeal. The Redmi Note 5's success established a blueprint for Xiaomi's mid-range strategy, directly paving the way for the and Note 7 series, which iterated on its design, camera capabilities, and affordability to sustain the brand's momentum. As of 2025, official software support for the device ended around 2021, classifying it as end-of-life, though it continues to receive community-driven updates in some regions. Despite this, the remains popular in secondary and refurbished markets worldwide for its enduring affordability and reliable performance relative to its low cost.

References

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