Launched in February 2026, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus aims to capture the mid-range smartphone market with its powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor and a 5.99-inch FHD+ display. Targeting users looking for a reliable daily driver without breaking the bank, this device balances performance and affordability. With a robust build and solid camera capabilities, the Redmi 5 Plus caters to the needs of budget-conscious consumers wanting features often found in higher-end models.
This review synthesizes information from reliable sources, including technical specifications from Device Specifications and benchmarking scores from AnTuTu, ensuring a thorough understanding of the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus's performance and usability. Community feedback from the Xiaomi Community forum also informs this evaluation, providing insights from actual users who experience the device firsthand.
Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus delivers impressive performance for its price range, particularly with its battery life and display quality being standout features. However, it is important to note some user concerns regarding the camera's low-light performance and the device's software experience, which may not meet every user's expectations.
How does the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus perform?
The Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 SoC, featuring eight 2GHz Cortex-A53 cores and an Adreno 506 GPU. In benchmarks, it scores 98,407 on AnTuTu 8, placing it 937th out of 1146 devices assessed, which is approximately 18% higher than the average performance in its class. It effectively handles everyday tasks and moderate gaming but may struggle with graphically intense applications.
This hardware combination, along with 3GB of RAM, allows for smooth multitasking and a responsive user interface, albeit with some limitations in very demanding scenarios. Users can enjoy a good experience with MIUI 9.0 based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat, with the potential for an upgrade to Android 8.1. However, the single-channel RAM may limit overall performance in more memory-intensive tasks.
What about the camera quality?
The Redmi 5 Plus features a 12MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. While sample photos indicate a decent level of detail in well-lit conditions, user feedback highlights disappointing performance in low-light scenarios, often resulting in grainy images. Additionally, software processing can sometimes fail to deliver natural color reproduction, which may be a drawback for photography enthusiasts.
For casual photography, the camera may suffice, but more serious users may want to consider alternatives with superior night photography capabilities.
How does the battery perform?
Equipped with a robust 4000 mAh battery, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus excels in battery longevity, often delivering over a day of use on a single charge depending on user habits. It supports 5V/2A fast charging, ensuring quick top-ups when necessary. The device utilizes power-efficient hardware, which contributes to its impressive endurance during typical tasks and moderate gaming.
This strength in battery life makes the Redmi 5 Plus an ideal option for users who prioritize longer use between charges, especially when compared to similar devices.
How does the display perform?
The 5.99-inch FHD+ display offers a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels, providing vivid colors and decent brightness levels for the price point. Users have noted good sRGB coverage, making it suitable for content consumption, though outdoor visibility might be challenged under direct sunlight.
This display size strikes a balance between functionality and portability, making it enjoyable for watching videos and browsing. However, compare it with competitors that offer AMOLED displays for richer color contrasts.
What software experience does it offer?
Running MIUI 9.0 based on Android 7.1.2, user experience can be both a pro and a con. While MIUI provides a wealth of customization options and features, users have reported occasional software glitches and a somewhat crowded interface, which may detract from the overall experience.
An upgrade path to Android 8.1 is available, but the delay in software updates compared to rivals may be a concern for some users. Aspects such as bloatware and UI lag can take away from the potential of the hardware.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Solid performance with Snapdragon 625 processor and AnTuTu score of 98,407.
- ✅ Excellent battery life with 4000 mAh capacity, easily providing over a day of use.
- ✅ Decent 5.99-inch FHD+ display that is adequate for media consumption.
- ✅ Expandable storage option with support for microSD cards.
- ✅ Good build quality with a lightweight design at 180 grams.
- ❌ Camera struggles in low-light conditions, leading to grainy images.
- ❌ MIUI interface can be cluttered and contains bloatware.
- ❌ Software updates are slower compared to competitors.
- ❌ Only single-channel RAM may limit multitasking efficiency.
- ❌ Limited performance in high-end gaming scenarios.
How It Compares to the Competition
- Moto G6 Plus — Offers a better camera experience in low light and more stock Android feel.
- Nokia 6.1 — Comes with Android One, ensuring timely updates and pure Android experience.
- Honor 7X — Features a similar display size but generally provides better software optimization.
- Samsung Galaxy A6+ — Offers AMOLED screen technology for improved color vividness.
- Realme 1 — Typically provides a faster charging experience with improved camera capabilities.
Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It
Buy it if: The Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus is well-suited for budget-conscious consumers who want a solid smartphone capable of everyday tasks, including browsing and moderate gaming. Users who value battery life and display quality will find this device appealing.
Skip it if: Potential buyers seeking high-performance gaming or superior photography capabilities should consider alternatives with better hardware specifications. Those looking for a streamlined software experience may find the MIUI interface less appealing.
Search Purchase Options
Use these links to search for Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus on trusted marketplaces. The links open in new tabs; if you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
* Affiliate links: you pay the same price either way.