Xiaomi Mi 5 Review: Not Quite the Complete Package

By on Email @exolete

Xiaomi launched the Mi 5 on a global forum at MWC 2016. The company which has often been critized for copying Apple's software designs is now finally out of that shadow and the Mi 5 is a refreshing take on smartphone design, its thin, light and packs flagship internals for half the price. The Xiaomi Mi 5 has a metal frame which is crafted with precision and Gorilla Glass 4 front and back. But the phone is quite slippery and even slips out of your pockets when you are sitting down.


Sadly, that's not the end of issues with the Mi 5, in our usage the phone struggled to maintain 4G network connectivity on Airtel in Delhi, at the end of the day I had 2-3 missed called which never actually went through. Battery-life is strictly average as well, you will get about 1 full day with moderate use. Although you have Quick Charge 3.0 support, Xiaomi only packs a Quick Charge 2.0 compatible charger in the box, but it does charge the phone under 2 hours.


Then Xiaomi has only brought the 32GB variant in India and with no way to expand storage, this seems a bit less. Now, the build is not perfect either, both the volume rocker and power buttons wobble which shows a lack of quality control which is not expected with phones launched at this price point.


7.4

Xiaomi Mi 5 is a good smartphone overall, priced under Rs. 25000 it offers excellent performance, good design but average battery life and network issues prevent us from recommending it.

PROS

  • Good Performance
  • Sharp, Vibrant Display
  • Good Cameras
  • Excellent Design, Looks
  • Fast Fingerprint Sensor

CONS

  • 4G Network Issues
  • Average Battery-life
  • Limited Storage
  • Wobbly Buttons


Score Breakdown

  • Build and Design
    7.7
  • Display
    8.8
  • Network Reception & Call Quality
    5.0
  • Camera(s)
    8.0
  • Music & Video Playback
    8.0
  • Gaming
    9.0
  • Performance
    8.5
  • Battery-life
    7.0
  • Software
    7.1
  • Total Score
    7.4 10.0
Xiaomi Mi 5 Specs and Photos
Recently Viewed
Karbonn A9 Star Gionee Pioneer P6 Sony Xperia A Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML
New Releases
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Motorola Moto G Power (2024) Motorola Moto G (2024) Xiaomi Poco X6 Neo
Xiaomi
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G Xiaomi Mi 4i Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 (MediaTek) Xiaomi Redmi Note 3