Company smartphones Xiaomi often become the benchmark for value for money, and the model Redmi Note 5 was no exception. This device, released in 2018, has gained cult status among users looking for a reliable device for everyday tasks. Many buyers still view it in the aftermarket as a budget solution with excellent performance.
However, when buying a device years after release, it is important to understand the real capabilities of the hardware and the limitations of the software. In this material we will analyze all aspects of operation: from build quality and screen to actual operating speeds processor and image quality in various lighting conditions.
Case design and ergonomics
The body of the device is made of plastic, but thanks to special processing it feels quite pleasant in the hand and does not slip. The deep texture of the back panel helps hide minor scratches that inevitably appear after prolonged use without a case. Ergonomics are carefully thought out: the device fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, and the fingerprint scanner is located in the optimal area for quick access.
At the front, you'll find a classic design with prominent bangs and bezels that may seem dated by today's standards. However, the screen 5.99 inches with aspect ratio 18:9 provides comfortable viewing of content. Loud stereo speakers located at the top and bottom let you enjoy music or movies even without headphones.
It is important to note that the case is not waterproof, so using the smartphone in the rain or in the bathroom carries risks. Gorilla Glass 3 It is quite resistant to impacts, but it is better to use protective glass and a case to preserve its presentation.
- 🛡️ Case materials: high-quality plastic with matte finish
- 📏 Dimensions and weight: compact for almost 6 inches diagonal
- 🔋 Slots: combined slot for two SIM cards or memory card
Screen and multimedia capabilities
The smartphone display is based on an IPS LCD matrix, which provides rich colors and good viewing angles. Permission 2160×1080 pixels makes the picture clear and the fonts easy to read even in bright sunlight. The pixel density is sufficient for comfortable reading books and watching videos in high quality.
The screen brightness is adjusted automatically, but sometimes the algorithm does not work correctly, underestimating the readings in the room. In such cases, it is better to switch to manual mode in Settings → Display → Brightness. Color rendering is adjusted through the “Warm”, “Cool” and “Normal” profiles, which allows you to adjust the picture to individual preferences.
Unfortunately, the screen refresh rate is the standard 60Hz, which makes scrolling smooth but not perfect. This is enough for dynamic games, but users accustomed to 90 or 120 Hz may find the animations a little “jerky.” Nevertheless, the screen looks very decent for its price category.
- 🎨 Matrix type: IPS with excellent color rendering
- ☀️ Brightness: up to 450 cd/m² at peak, which is enough for the street
- 🔒 Refresh rate: standard 60 Hz without High Refresh Rate support
⚠️ Warning: Avoid listening to music at maximum volume for long periods of time through an external speaker, as this may cause the component to overheat and distort the sound at high frequencies.
- Brightness
- Color rendition
- Scratch protection
- No glare
Performance and Gaming Experience
The heart of the device is the chipset Snapdragon 636, which at the time of its release was considered one of the best in the middle segment. Even today this processor copes with most everyday tasks: web surfing, social networks and instant messengers work without delay. 3 or 4 GB RAM allows you to keep multiple applications open at the same time.
In gaming mode, the smartphone shows mixed results. Light games like “Clash of Clans” or “Subway Surfers” run at maximum graphics settings without problems. However, heavy projects such as PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact require lowering the settings to medium or low for a stable framerate.
The case heats up quite quickly during prolonged use, especially in the summer. The cooling system is passive, so if you play for a long time, the phone may become warm to the touch. This is not critical, but may cause discomfort when holding the device in your hands.
☑️ Performance evaluation
Autonomy and operating time
Battery capacity 4000 mAh is one of the main advantages of the model. With moderate use, the smartphone can easily withstand a full working day, and sometimes even two days without recharging. Videos on YouTube or browsing social networks do not cause a critical drop in charge.
Supports fast charging technology Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0 allows you to replenish energy quite quickly. It comes with an 18W adapter that charges the battery from zero to 50% in about 30 minutes. This saves a lot of time if you forgot to charge the device the night before.
However, over time, battery capacity naturally decreases. If you buy a used device, it is worth checking the battery condition through the engineering menu or special applications. Degradation batteries can reduce operating time to critical values after 2-3 years of active use.
- 🔋 Capacity: 4000 mAh for a confident day of work
- ⚡ Charging: fast 18 W with QC 4.0 support
- 📉 Wear and tear: over time, capacity may drop to 70-80% of factory capacity
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave your smartphone on charge overnight when using non-original cables, as this may cause the power controller to overheat and reduce battery life.
To maximize battery savings, turn off automatic sync for rarely used apps and set background activity limits in your battery settings.
Camera and shooting quality
The main camera is equipped with a sensor Samsung S5K3M2 12 megapixel with dual flash. During the daytime, photos are detailed, with correct white balance and natural colors. HDR mode helps preserve detail in both the shadows and highlights of the frame, which is especially important for landscape photography.
In low light conditions, the camera begins to make noise and detail decreases. The flash works effectively, but often overexposes objects, making them look flat. For night photography, it is better to use a tripod or stabilized surfaces, since the shutter speed increases, and the slightest hand shake blurs the picture.
The 20 MP front camera does an excellent job of taking selfies, offering portrait lighting and beauty modes. However, skin smoothing algorithms can be too aggressive, turning the face into a “plastic” mask. Settings allow you to disable these effects, returning the naturalness of the image.
Secrets of camera settings
To improve night photography, try turning on Pro mode and manually setting the ISO to 100-200 and increasing the shutter speed to 1/30 or 1/15 second. Use a timer to avoid camera shake when pressing the shutter button.
Software and updates
The smartphone runs on a shell MIUI, which offers rich functionality and many settings. The interface is intuitive, and the gesture system allows you to control the device with one hand. The built-in file manager, call blocker and Do Not Disturb mode are implemented at a high level.
However, official support for the device has ended and the latest stable version of the OS is Android 9 Pie with MIUI 12. This means there are no new security features and optimizations from Google. Some modern applications may not work correctly or require workarounds to install.
To extend the life of the device, enthusiasts often install custom firmware based on Android 10 or higher. This requires unlocking the bootloader, which erases all data from the device. If you are not ready for complex manipulations, it is better to stay on the official firmware, despite its age.
adb shell pm list packages | grep com.google.android- 🔄 Updates: official discontinued, latest version Android 9
- 🛠️ Custom firmware: available to extend service life
- 🔓 Unlocking: requires unlocking the bootloader
⚠️ Attention: Before unlocking the bootloader, be sure to create a complete backup copy of all data, as the procedure is guaranteed to erase all information from the internal memory of the device.
Official support has been discontinued, but custom firmware allows you to use the latest versions of Android and extend the life of your smartphone by several years.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does Redmi Note 5 support 4G LTE?
Yes, the smartphone supports all major 4G LTE bands used by telecom operators. However, before purchasing, it is worth checking the compatibility of your operator's specific frequencies with models released for different regions (Global, China, India).
Is it possible to expand the memory with a microSD card?
Yes, but with a caveat. Combo slot: you can use either two SIM cards, or one SIM card and a microSD memory card up to 256 GB. It is not possible to use two memory cards at the same time.
Why does my phone get very hot when charging?
This is normal for fast charging, especially if you are using the device while charging. If the heating is excessive even at rest, the problem may be a worn-out battery or a faulty power controller.
How to reset your phone to factory settings?
To reset go to Settings → About phone → Reset settings. You can also enter Recovery mode (the power and volume buttons freeze) and select “Wipe Data/Factory Reset”.
Is it worth buying Redmi Note 5 in 2026?
As a basic device for modern tasks, it is already outdated. However, for the elderly, children or as a spare phone, it is still relevant thanks to its excellent screen and battery life.