After launching the Redmi Note 5 in February, Xiaomi has launched the Redmi 5. The handset can be called the smaller sibling of the Redmi Note 5, with Xiaomi rightfully calling it the compact powerhouse.
Unlike the Redmi Note 5, there’s no ‘Pro’ model of the Redmi 5. The handset packs plenty of punch and it is primarily meant for people who want a powerful phone in a compact form factor.
Q) What are the full specifications of the Redmi 5?
A) The full specs of the Redmi 5 are as follows:
- Dimensions: 151.8 x 72.8 x 7.7 mm
- Weight: 157g
- Display: 5.7-inch 720p+ (1440 x 720) IPS LCD, Reading mode, Night display
- Chipset: Octa-core Snapdragon 450 chipset clocked at 1.8GHz
- GPU: Adreno 506
- RAM: 2/3GB
- Storage: 16/32GB, microSD card slot
- Rear camera: 12MP, f/2.2 aperture, LED flash, Full HD video recording, 1.25um
- Front camera: 5MP, f/2.2 aperture, Beautify 3.0
- Sensors: Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity, Ambient light sensor, IR blaster
- Connectivity: LTE, (Hybrid) Dual-SIM, GPS, Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, microUSB
- Battery: 3300mAh non-removable
- Others: MIUI 9
Q) Does the Redmi 5 feature a unibody metal build?
A) The Redmi 5 has a metal build but it is not a unibody metal construction. The top and bottom of the rear of the handset feature plastic inserts which act as an RF window.
Q) Does the Redmi 5 feature a removable battery?
A) No, the rear panel and battery of the Redmi 5 are not removable.
Q) What kind of SIM card slot does the phone have? Can one use two SIM cards and a microSD card at the same time?
A) Disappointingly, the Redmi 5 features a hybrid SIM card slot. This means that you can either 1 SIM card and microSD card or 2 SIM cards at any given time. The primary SIM slot accepts microSIM cards, while the secondary slot accepts nanoSIM cards.
Q) Does the Redmi 5 support 4G SIM cards on both SIM slots?
A) Yes, the Redmi 5 supports 4G SIM cards on both its SIM slots. However, you can only have one SIM connected to a 4G network at any given time.
Q) Does the Redmi 5 support Reliance Jio’s VoLTE network? What about AirTel VoLTE support?
A) Yes, the Redmi 5 supports Reliance Jio’s VoLTE network on both its SIM slots. It also supports AirTel’s nascent VoLTE network.
Q) Is there Face unlock on the Redmi 5?
A) No.
Q) Can one record calls on Redmi 5?
A) Yes, one can record calls on the Redmi 5. The feature is built-in in the stock phone app itself.
Q) Does the Redmi 5 feature FM radio?
A) Yes, the Redmi 5 comes with FM radio.
Q) Does the Redmi 5 come with an IR blaster?
A) Yes, the Redmi 5 features an infrared blaster that can be used to control other electronic appliances around you using the Mi Remote app.
Q) Can one make native video calls on Redmi 5 without using a third-party app?
A) Yes, you can directly make video calls on the Redmi 5 without using an app like Google Duo or Skype.
Q) Is the display on the Redmi 5 protected by Gorilla Glass?
A) Unlike the Redmi Note 5, the Redmi 5’s 5.7-inch 720p+ display is not protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. Instead, it is protected by a strengthed cover glass.
Q) How many variants of Redmi 5 is Xiaomi selling in India? And at what prices?
A) For now, Xiaomi is selling two variants of the Redmi 5 in India. The base variant sports 2GB RAM and 16GB of storage and carries a price tag of Rs 7,999. The second variant packs 3GB RAM and 32GB storage and is listed at Rs 8,999.
Xiaomi will also launch a third new variant of the Redmi 5 in India with 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage down the line. It will be priced at Rs 10,999.
The handset will be available in four colors: Gold, Rose Gold, Lake Blue, and Black.
Q) Does the Redmi 5 feature a fingerprint scanner?
A) Yes, the Redmi 5 features a fingerprint scanner that is located at its rear.
Q) Can one record slow-motion videos on the Redmi 5?
A) Despite the switch to a more powerful chipset, the Redmi 5 cannot record slow-motion videos. It is, however, capable of recording videos in Full HD resolution.
Q) Which version of Android does the handset run on?
A) Android 7.1.2 Nougat.
Q) Is there Quick Charging support on Redmi 5?
A) No, the Redmi 5 does not support Quick Charging. Xiaomi, thankfully, bundles a 2A charger for the handset.
Q) How much free storage space does the Redmi 5 has out of the box?
A) The 16GB variant has around 10GB of free storage space, while the 32GB variant comes with around 22.5GB of storage space.
Q) Can you uninstall or disable pre-installed apps on the handset?
A) Xiaomi does not preload many apps on the Redmi 5 and whatever it does, they can be uninstalled or disabled.
Q) Can the on-screen navigation bar on the Redmi 5 be hidden or customized?
A) Yes, the Redmi 5’s on-screen navigation bar can be hidden completely or customized to a certain extent.
Q) What contents do you get inside the retail box of the Redmi 5?
A) You get the phone, a 2A charger, a USB cable, SIM ejector tool, and some regulatory papers. No case, screen guard, or earphones are bundled with the phone.
Q) Does the handset support USB OTG?
A) Yes, the Redmi 5 supports USB On-The-Go. This allows you to directly connect pen drives, external hard disks and more using an adapter to the device.
Q) When does the Redmi 5 go on sale and where?
A) The Redmi 5 goes on sale on March 20 on Amazon and Mi.com. Buy the Redmi 5 from here. It’s a flash sale and Xiaomi will have over 400,000 units of the handset for purchase.
Q) How much do different variants of the Redmi 5 cost?
A) The different variants of the Redmi 5 are priced as follows:
- 2GB RAM + 16GB storage – Rs 7,999
- 3GB RAM + 32GB storage – Rs 8,999
- 4GB RAM + 64GB storage – Rs 10,999
If you have any other questions surrounding the Redmi 5, drop in a comment and we will be glad to answer them.
Are you looking to buy the Redmi 5? Drop in a comment and let us know.