Redmi Note 5
The Redmi Note 5 is a mid-range Android smartphone developed by Xiaomi under its Redmi sub-brand, announced on February 14, 2018, and released in India on February 22, 2018, with global availability shortly thereafter.[1] It features a 5.99-inch IPS LCD full HD+ display with an 18:9 aspect ratio and 1080 x 2160 pixel resolution protected by Corning Gorilla Glass.[2] The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 octa-core processor on a 14 nm process, paired with 3 GB or 4 GB RAM options and 32 GB or 64 GB internal storage, expandable up to 128 GB via microSD.[2][3] 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.[2] The phone houses a 4000 mAh non-removable battery supporting 18W fast charging, and runs Android 7.1.2 (Nougat) out of the box with MIUI 9, upgradable to Android 9 (Pie) with MIUI 12.[2][3] 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.[2] It supports 4G LTE, dual SIM, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, but lacks NFC.[3] Notable for its value-oriented positioning, the device debuted the Snapdragon 636 globally and emphasized AI-enhanced photography, contributing to its popularity in markets like India and Southeast Asia where it sold millions of units.[2][4]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 New Delhi, India.[5] This reveal marked Xiaomi's entry into the mid-range smartphone market with updated features tailored for emerging economies.[6] Leading up to the announcement, Xiaomi released teasers and leaks beginning in January 2018, spotlighting the integration of Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and a modern 18:9 aspect ratio display to appeal to users seeking immersive viewing experiences on a budget.[7] The launch event emphasized the Pro model's innovative dual rear camera system for enhanced photography, a robust 4000mAh battery promising all-day usage, and the overall affordability positioning both variants as competitive mid-range devices under $200.[5] These highlights underscored Xiaomi's strategy to combine premium features like AI-enhanced imaging with accessible pricing.[6] 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.[5] The Pro variant, featuring a more powerful Snapdragon 636 chipset and dual cameras, was priced higher at INR 13,999 (about $218).[6]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.[8] 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.[6] 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.[9] The standard Note 5 with Snapdragon 625 served as the primary model for global markets, with rollout beginning in various regions during March 2018.[3] 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).[8] The Note 5 Pro variants were priced higher, starting at ₹13,999 for the 4 GB RAM/64 GB model.[10] Distribution was handled exclusively through online platforms Flipkart and Mi.com, employing a flash sale model to manage high demand.[11] Initial distribution faced significant challenges in India due to overwhelming demand, resulting in stock shortages and rapid sell-outs during the debut flash sales, often within under three minutes.[12] 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.[13] The Note 5 Pro remained exclusive to India and China at launch, while the standard model's broader global distribution helped mitigate some regional supply pressures over time.[8]Design
Build and Materials
The Redmi Note 5 measures 158.6 x 75.4 x 8.1 mm and weighs 181 grams.[14][15] This compact form factor, despite featuring a 5.99-inch display, results in a narrower body compared to traditional 5.5-inch smartphones, enhancing ergonomics for one-handed operation.[16] The device employs an aluminum frame paired with an aluminum back panel, providing a sturdy yet lightweight construction that balances durability and portability. It features a durable metal unibody design with reinforced corners and anti-fingerprint coating.[14][17][2] The front is protected by a reinforced glass panel, specifically Corning Gorilla Glass, which offers resistance to scratches and minor impacts without adding significant bulk.[3] 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.[14][18] Aesthetically, the phone is available in several color options, including Black, Gold, Lake Blue, and Rose Gold.[19][15] The bezel-less design with an 18:9 aspect ratio further contributes to its modern, slim profile, improving grip and usability during extended sessions.[16][14]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 pixel density of approximately 403 ppi.[20][14] This configuration provides sharp visuals suitable for media consumption and everyday use, with the IPS panel ensuring wide viewing angles.[17] The screen adopts an 18:9 aspect ratio, 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%.[20][14] It incorporates Sunlight Display technology, enabling peak brightness up to 450 nits for improved outdoor visibility under direct sunlight.[15][21] 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.[22] The display supports Reading Mode, a software-enhanced feature that adjusts color temperature to reduce blue light emission, promoting eye comfort during prolonged reading sessions.[20] In terms of color reproduction, the panel covers 84% of the NTSC color gamut, delivering vibrant yet accurate hues for general content viewing, though it lacks support for HDR formats.[21][20]Specifications
Hardware
The Redmi Note 5 (global variant, codename: whyred) features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 chipset, built on a 14 nm process. It includes an octa-core Kryo 260 CPU with four performance cores at 1.8 GHz and four efficiency cores at 1.6 GHz, paired with an Adreno 509 GPU for graphics. This configuration provides efficient performance for mid-range tasks. Regional variants exist: the Chinese model (codename: vince) uses the Snapdragon 625 with eight Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz and Adreno 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.| Variant | Processor | CPU Configuration | GPU | RAM Options | Storage Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global/Chinese AI Dual Camera (whyred) | Snapdragon 636 | 4x Kryo 260 @ 1.8 GHz + 4x @ 1.6 GHz | Adreno 509 | 3 GB / 4 GB LPDDR4X | 32 GB / 64 GB eMMC 5.1 |
| Chinese Base (vince) | Snapdragon 625 | 8x Cortex-A53 @ 2.0 GHz | Adreno 506 | 3 GB / 4 GB LPDDR3 | 32 GB / 64 GB eMMC 5.1 |
| Indian Note 5 Pro | Snapdragon 636 | 4x Kryo 260 @ 1.8 GHz + 4x @ 1.6 GHz | Adreno 509 | 4 GB / 6 GB LPDDR4X | 32 GB / 64 GB eMMC 5.1 |