Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 / 5a Review

Considering the catalog of offers of any online store, you can, based on the model names policy from most manufacturers, take Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5a smartphone for devices that are similar to each other. At least, according to the characteristics of the hardware platform. However, here the company Xiaomi prepared a real surprise. The Redmi Not 5 and 5a models are two completely different smartphones targeted at their own segments of the consumer audience.

Specifications

You can feel the difference between Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 and 5a by looking at their stated specifications.Already by the bare numbers you can see how smart phones (in places radically different from each other).

	Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A	Xiaomi Redmi Note 5
Communication and data exchange standards	GSM (2G, 3G, 4G LTE), CDMA
OS	MUI 7	MUI 8.1
SIM number and mode	2	Combined, 2 in standby or 1 + TFT
Display size, inches	5.5	6
Characteristics of the display matrix	IPS, 1280x720, 267ppi	IPS, Gorilla Glass, rounded edges 2.5 D, 2160 × 1080, 403ppi
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 4x1400 MHz	Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 8x1800 MHz
Graphics processor	Adreno-308	Adreno-509
Ram	2/3/4 Gb	Up to 6 Gb
Support for memory cards, maximum GB	256	128
Rear camera type	single	double
Resolution of the rear optics unit, MP without approximation	13	12+5
Front-camera	5 Mp	13 megapixel backlit
Video	Max 1920x1080	Max 3840x2160
communications	Wi-Fi Infrared port GPRS Edge Bluetooth v 4.2	Wi-Fi Infrared port GPRS Edge Bluetooth v 5.0 USB host
Battery, mAh	3080, lithium polymer	4000, lithium polymer
Fast charge		Quick Charge Version 3.0
body	plastic	metal
Dimensions (height, width, thickness) in mm	153x76.2x7.6	158.6 h75.4x8
Mass, g	150	181

The table shows the data global versions of smartphoneswhich can be bought on the territory of Russia and CIS countries. At the time of the start of sales, both considered models had only firmware from the manufacturer, without the ability to change it (manually or by updating via the Internet). Today, each mobile phone also comes with a locked bootloader, but its version allows you to change MUI without much difficulty.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5a - budget and interesting

The main feature of the Xiomi Redmi Note 5a platform at the time of release is a frank focus on low budget price segment. However, in hardware solutions and a general combination of characteristics of the equipment, the potential was laid so high that at the moment the Prime version improved in terms of stylistics is widely offered, and the expected modification of AI can please with a huge set of improvements. However, as the most interesting in the context of its niche, the review deserves the original Xiaomi Redmi Note 5a model.

Design

The appearance of the Redmi Music 5a is a real embodiment of the budget segment of devices. The back cover of the smartphone only seems to be steel. In fact, the model is made in plastic case. The design of the front panel is also puzzling. A flat display surface is more likely to be expected. But a small side around the perimeter makes you think about the reasons for its creation.

However, the Redmi Note 5a model has the same modern layout from Xiaomi. Here minimum possible scope, the location of the power button and volume rocker on the side of the right side.In the left there is a special slot for two SIM and TFT memory (not combined, three positions for installation). On the upper line of the display frame is a voice communication speaker, a front optics eye and an approximation control unit. Control buttons turned into touch zones below the screenindicated by light points.

On the bottom, there are holes for speakers, a microphone and a Type B charging interface, on the top there is a 3.5 mm mini-jack for headphones, an infrared port window, and a noise canceling microphone. The rear panel placed the lens of the main camera in the left part of the upper quarter, next to the LED flash. The brand logo of the manufacturer is usually located in the lower third of the height of the back cover.

Screen

The characteristics of the Redmi Noth 5a display are quite modest, but its performance makes it possible to use the device quite comfortably in any light.. The maximum level of brightness of the backlight allows you to work in the sun, and the minimum - to read at night. The image is not blurred, quite clear.

The features of the display include:

• protective glass;
• special oleophobic coating;
• effective ambient light sensor for auto-luminance;
• good viewing angles without color distortion.

Important! However, it is worth noting that the density characteristics of 267 dpi make small text fonts on the display slightly blurry.

Hardware platform

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5a - this, so to speak, is not a racing car. The smartphone is more leisurely than oriented to modern games. Main processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 It has only 4 cores, and the graphics chip is not notable for its novelty and high performance. However, for buyers who need to use programs for work, the power of the device is enough. It is enough for the "tanks" on the minimum settings or simple games.

Important! Today, Redmi Note 5a with memory capacities up to 4 / 64gb (RAM and storage) are on the market. The most unpretentious can choose the minimum body kit 2 / 16gb, but the optimal in terms of price-quality model - 3 / 32gb.

Increases the attractiveness of the device even more install a memory card without having to sacrifice one of the SIM - such storage allows you to easily install the necessary software in any amount.

Cameras

In its price group, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5a phone has an unrivaled main camera. This is an honest 13 megapixel on a high-quality sensor, excellent color rendition and processing speed.The camera has a phase autofocus. However, it is worth noting the disease common to Xiaomi devices: a strong amount of noise when shooting in low light, poor auto-tuning parameters. But for my money, as mentioned above - the camera model is worthy of all praise.

Good results and shows frontalka. Shooting at the level for 5Mp, nothing outstanding. With both cameras you can do and video. Pictures turn out very tolerable, with good detail. But everything spoils the microphone - the sound causes a lot of complaints.

Autonomy

In the Redmi Note 5a installed battery with a capacity of 3080 mAh. However, despite such a modest figure and a low-power computing platform, which is almost always forced to work in high load mode, device shows good autonomy. Batteries will be enough for 8 hours of video, 6-7 hours of games. In normal use mode (calls, SMS, reading, up to 7 hours a day) the phone will last up to two days.

Equipment

Redmi Music 5a is one of the most recognizable on the store shelves. The reason for packaging design. The device comes in bright red box with a large model name. Inside the box, the expected equipment:

• smartphone;
• USB adapter - USB Type B (can be used as data cable);
• charging device;
• instruction;
• clip for opening the SIM compartment.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 - an unusual format and aggressive hardware

The concept of aggressive iron in relation to Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 means: the device looks extremely attractive in its price group. The smartphone really has something to brag about. The incomplete description includes both the high-quality screen of the 18: 9 format, a high-performance processor, a capacious battery, and the fully realized capabilities of the hardware support for modern functions.

This filling was very popular with consumers. As a result, today Xiaomi offers not only a series of modifications of the Redmi Not 5 basic model on the market, but also Pro version with the most productive platform and camera of 20 megapixel, as well as smartphone AI Dual Camera, about the possibilities of which says the name itself.

Design

The screen size of 5.99 inches little affected the dimensions of the device. This is achieved 18: 9 custom format. In the rest - the look of the smartphone is very much expected and familiar. On the right side is the power button and volume control, on the left - a compartment for SIM cards.

Important! The combined principle is used here: there are only two seats. The user, wanting to install a memory card, is forced to sacrifice one of the SIM.

On the bottom of the smartphone are the speaker grilles, a microphone and a Type B charging interface. On the top is an infrared window, a noise canceling microphone, 3.5 mini headphones jack. Above the display there is a speaker, a peephole of the front optical system and a light control and proximity control unit. Similar to other modern devices from Xiaomi, there are no buttons under the screen on the lower front-panel bar, the three sensor zones are not highlighted, the backlight is activated when pressed.

The back cover contains the main camera lens, a flash LED and Fingerprint's scanner. The location of the latter is somewhat controversial: putting your finger on the identification is convenient only after some change in the position of the smartphone. In the lower third of the cover is the familiar logo of the manufacturer. Xiaomi Redmi Music 5 is made in a stylish and slim aluminum case.

Screen

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 - is the epitome of style. The screen has rounded edges, which best affects the convenience of the review.. Surface protected glass with oleophobic coating.

The screen features are also impressive.

1. The density of 403 pixels per inch provides intelligibility of arbitrarily small fonts and maximum clarity of images.
2. Xiaomi's IPS technology ensures excellent saturation and color reproduction.
3. Excellent contrast ratio of 1000: 1 allows for comfortable reading of any information.

Important! It is worth noting the feature of the screen, formed by an unusual 18: 9 aspect ratio. The total resolution exceeds the FullHD format and is 2160x1080 dpi. Therefore, when watching a video in horizontal orientation, there will always be black stripes on the sides of the display.

But otherwise the display of the smartphone with a matrix from Tianma just beautiful Supports up to 10 simultaneous touches. The backlight ensures comfortable work under any conditions, having a maximum luminosity of 450 nits, as well as realizing a sensitive adjustment in automatic mode.

Hardware platform

The heart of the xiaomi Redmi Note 5 computing unit is modern Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor modifications to the SDM636. This is a 64-bit platform with 8 cores and a maximum frequency of 1.8 GHz. Responsible for graphics GP Adreno 509, capable of working with a screen format of 18: 9.

The performance of the hardware platform is enough for most modern games. The smartphone can’t show the maximum, so the avid tank crews can still play at the maximum settings. The rest - the computing power of the device is enough to meet any needs.

The rest of the hardware stuffing allows Redmi Music 5 show the maximum in almost all areas:

• very productive modem for full performance of 4G networks;
• USB host support for connecting peripherals;
• support for fast charging technology;
• all satellite orientation systems;
• Support for memory cards up to 128 GB.

Important! Xiaomi offers on the market a variety of platform modifications to the needs of a particular user. Available as a version with a minimum memory capacity of 2 GB (RAM), and very luxurious models with 6 GB. There is a similar freedom when choosing the size of the built-in data storage.

Cameras

It is difficult to make a review of the camera at the device, in the development of which special attention was paid to the quality of the images. At the Redmi Music 5 dual main optical unit. For its construction, Samsung sensors of 12 Mp and 5 Mp are used. The camera has a fast phase autofocus with a response time of 0.03 seconds.

When shooting with main optics (dual rear), the physical dimensions of the image are achieved without interpolation at 400x3000 pixels. In Redmi Nom 5, Xiaomi solved the problems of falling picture quality in low light conditions: a dual photo flash neutralizes the minimal possibilities of creating poor shooting conditions.

Look good and features front camera. Her abilities far exceed the simple needs for selfies. There is a sensitive 13 megapixel sensor, a wide-angle lens and LED illumination. With the help of optics of this class (both dual rear and frontal), you can not only take excellent photos, but also record high-quality video with electronic stabilization, acceleration and deceleration functions.

Autonomy

4000 mAh may seem insufficient for such a powerful iron, as in Redmi Noth 5. However, the ability of the processor module to go into power saving mode allows the smartphone to achieve excellent results. A full battery will allow the device up to 19 days in an idle state. If we consider different patterns of use, the numbers will be as follows:

• up to 23 hours of mobile communications;
• 5 hours of gameplay with the maximum possible load on the hardware platform;
• up to 139 hours of enjoying musical compositions.

Movie lovers will love the opportunity to enjoy viewing up to 17 hours.

Equipment

Despite the undoubted technical excellence, the manufacturer does not indulge the consumer. Xiaomi Redmi Music 5 is easily recognizable on the shelf thanks to a bright carrot-colored box with a large model name. Inside the box is a smartphone, a charger, an adapter cable, a key for opening the card compartment and comfortable silicone case. In the presence and user manual, multilingual.