Xiaomi Mi 5c Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build

The Xiaomi Mi 5c stands out for its sleek and stylish design, featuring an aluminum back and frame that give it a premium feel. It measures 144.4 x 69.7 x 7.1 mm and weighs just 135 grams, making it comfortable to hold and operate with one hand. The front is covered with a glass panel, adding to the aesthetic appeal while providing a smooth touch experience. The device is available in three attractive colors: Black, Gold, and Rose Gold, offering a choice for different style preferences.

Display Features

The Mi 5c boasts a 5.15-inch IPS LCD display, offering vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. With a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 428 ppi, it delivers crisp and clear visuals. The screen-to-body ratio of around 72.6% ensures a decent amount of screen real estate for an immersive viewing experience, whether you are gaming, streaming videos, or browsing the web. The 16:9 aspect ratio is perfect for enjoying a variety of multimedia content.

Performance and Hardware

Powering the Xiaomi Mi 5c is the Xiaomi Surge S1 chipset, an octa-core processor with 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53, paired with a Mali-T860MP4 GPU. This configuration ensures efficient performance for day-to-day tasks and moderate gaming. With 3GB of RAM, the device can handle multitasking fairly well, allowing users to switch between apps without significant lag. The internal storage of 64GB is ample for storing apps, media, and documents, although it lacks expandable storage options via microSD.

Software and User Interface

The device runs on Android 7.1 (Nougat) with Xiaomi’s MIUI 8 skin layered on top. MIUI 8 offers a host of customization options and features, enhancing the Android experience. Users can enjoy features like a customizable home screen, quick settings, and a fully-featured task manager. The interface is smooth, with thoughtful optimizations for a fast and efficient user experience, although some users might prefer a more stock Android experience.

Camera Performance

The Xiaomi Mi 5c is equipped with a single 12 MP rear camera, featuring an f/2.2 aperture and a 27mm wide lens. It includes PDAF (phase detection autofocus) for quicker focusing, and the Dual-LED dual-tone flash aids in low-light conditions. The rear camera can capture 1080p videos at 30fps, ensuring decent recording quality for most users. For selfies, an 8 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture does the job adequately, also supporting 1080p video recording.

Battery Life and Charging

This device is powered by a non-removable 2860 mAh Li-Ion battery, which provides a decent battery life for light to moderate users. Its 18W wired charging support with Quick Charge 3.0 ensures that the device can be quickly recharged, minimizing downtime. While the battery capacity might seem modest compared to more recent devices, the efficient hardware ensures that users can get through a day's use on a single charge under usual conditions.

Network and Connectivity

The Xiaomi Mi 5c supports GSM/LTE networks and offers dual SIM capabilities. Users benefit from 4G connectivity across several LTE bands (38, 39, 40, 41), enhancing its usability in various regional markets. Connectivity options are robust, with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band capabilities, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, GLONASS, and BDS positioning systems. The device also includes an infrared port and FM radio, though it lacks NFC support.

Audio and Multimedia

The Xiaomi Mi 5c includes a loudspeaker for audio playback and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to users who prefer wired audio connections. The sound quality is satisfactory for casual listening, although serious audiophiles might find it wanting compared to dedicated audio devices. The device supports various multimedia formats, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of content.

Sensors and Additional Features

Incorporated within the Mi 5c are several sensors, including a front-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking, an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors aid in providing a comprehensive and responsive user experience, particularly in activities such as gaming, navigation, and daily app usage.

Pricing and Availability

Initially released in March 2017, the Xiaomi Mi 5c was priced at approximately 150 EUR. Although it has been discontinued, it remains a popular choice in the second-hand market due to its respectable performance and attractive design. Despite lacking the features of modern smartphones, it offers excellent value for those seeking a reliable and stylish device without a significant investment.

Conclusion

Overall, the Xiaomi Mi 5c is a noteworthy entry in Xiaomi's lineup, balancing cost-effectiveness with solid performance and design. It's particularly appealing to users who appreciate a stylish device with reliable everyday functionality, even if it lacks the premium features of newer models. As technology continues to advance, the Mi 5c serves as a reminder of the appealing simplicity and utility of past-generation smartphones.