Xiaomi Mi 5 InDepth Specs Pricing & Performance Review

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Mi 5, released in February 2016, is a testament to Xiaomi's dedication to delivering premium quality at an affordable price. The phone boasts a glass and aluminum design, giving it a sleek and premium feel. It features a front and back build of Corning Gorilla Glass 4, ensuring better resistance to scratches and possible damage from drops. The Aluminum frame not only adds to the phone's strength but also contributes to its lightweight nature, weighing only 129g, or 139g for the Ceramic version, which many users appreciated for its comfort and ease of use. With dimensions of 144.6 x 69.2 x 7.3 mm, it fits comfortably in the hand, rendering it a great option for users who prioritize ergonomics.

Display

The Xiaomi Mi 5 features a 5.15-inch IPS LCD display which is celebrated for its vibrant color reproduction and sharpness. With a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a pixel density of about 428 ppi, this phone delivers a crisp and clear viewing experience. The display's inherent brightness and excellent contrast ratio of 1227:1 attribute to improved sunlight legibility, making it suitable for various lighting conditions. These display qualities are wrapped up with protection courtesy of Corning Gorilla Glass 4, safeguarding the screen against unsightly scratches and damage.

Performance

Under the hood, the Xiaomi Mi 5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor with a 14nm architecture, emphasizing efficiency and performance. The CPU setup varies slightly depending on the edition; standard editions have a quad-core (2x1.8 GHz Kryo & 2x1.36 GHz Kryo) configuration, while Prime & Pro editions come with (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo). The Adreno 530 GPU complements the CPU, promising a commendable gaming experience with smooth graphics handling. Additionally, Basemark OS II 2.0 and Basemark X scores of 2180 and 33110 respectively, reflect competitive performance capabilities at the time of its release.

Memory and Storage

The available memory configurations for Xiaomi Mi 5 range between 32GB 3GB RAM for the standard model, 64GB 3GB RAM for the Prime model, and an impressive 128GB 4GB RAM for the Pro model. However, it is crucial to note that there's no card slot available, meaning users seeking expandable storage through microSD cards might have limitations upon reaching storage capacity.

Camera Features

When it comes to photography, the Xiaomi Mi 5 is equipped with a 16 MP main camera boasting features like phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and 4-axis optical image stabilization (OIS) to enhance photo clarity and reduce shakes during shooting. The camera provides various shooting modes, including HDR, panorama, and is paired with a dual-LED dual-tone flash which facilitates better low-light photography. Video recording at 4K 30fps is another highlight of its capabilities. On the front, the 4 MP selfie camera (featuring large 2µm pixel size for improved light capture) enables users to take clear selfies, ensuring they are well-suited for social media.

Software and User Interface

The Xiaomi Mi 5 initially arrived with Android 6.0 Marshmallow but is upgradeable to Android 8.0 Oreo, alongside Xiaomi's custom MIUI 10 skin. MIUI 10 provides a mix of fluid interface designs and added features, tailor-fitted for enhancing user experience on Xiaomi devices. The consistent updates aligned with newer Android versions signify Xiaomi's commitment to providing longevity in software support, ensuring the device remains relevant and receives necessary security patches.

Battery and Charging

Powering the Mi 5 is a non-removable 3000 mAh Li-Po battery that delivers endurance ratings of up to 92 hours—reflecting good standby times and consistent performance through light to moderate usage throughout the day. The device also supports fast-charging with 18W Quick Charge 3 technology which allows for quicker power-ups, a handy feature for users with on-the-go lifestyles.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The network capabilities of the Xiaomi Mi 5 envelop GSM, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE support, ensuring smooth mobile connectivity across the globe. Other connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS with GLONASS and BDS, NFC, and even infrared port—a handy addition uncommon among many competitors. Users, however, will note the lack of FM Radio, a feature that some still desire. Furthermore, a front-mounted fingerprint sensor delivers efficient unlocking capability, coupled with sensors like accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and barometer for enhanced user interaction.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Mi 5, though discontinued, remains a memorable flagship in Xiaomi's array of offerings, marked by its design, performance, and reasonable price point. With a well-rounded matrix of specifications including an efficient Snapdragon processor, stunning display, robust camera setup, and support for upgradable software, it stands as a solid device for both daily and advanced usage. Its ergonomic design and powerful specifications make it a notable choice for those significant on design aesthetics and performance harmony within a compact form factor. While there are areas for improvement such as storage expandability and FM Radio inclusion, the overall package presents immense value as intended by its makers at Xiaomi, underscoring their ability to blend quality with affordability.