Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus Comprehensive Specs Pricing and Review

Overview of Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus

The Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus, released in October 2016, was one of the standout smartphones of its era, leveraging impressive hardware specifications and a sleek design to capture consumer interest. It was designed to cater to users seeking robust performance combined with stylistic appeal, and it managed to do so with aplomb. Although it is now discontinued, its features continue to resonate with smartphone enthusiasts who admire its blend of capability and design finesse.

Design and Build Quality

With dimensions of 154.6 x 77.7 x 8 mm and a weight of 168 grams, the Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus offers a substantial screen experience without being overly cumbersome. The construction quality is notable, featuring a glass front combined with an aluminum back and frame, offering a premium feel and durable form factor. The device supports dual SIM functionality with a Nano-SIM dual standby, making it ideal for users who manage personal and work contacts separately.

Display Characteristics

The Mi 5s Plus is equipped with a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display, featuring a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. This equates to approximately 386 pixels per inch and a screen-to-body ratio of around 74.6%, delivering vibrant colors and clear visuals. The contrast ratio of 1448:1 (nominal) enhances viewing under varying light conditions, making it a solid choice for media consumption and gaming.

Performance Powered by Snapdragon 821

The heart of the Mi 5s Plus is the Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 chipset, built on a 14 nm process. It houses a quad-core CPU with 2x2.35 GHz Kryo and 2x2.2 GHz Kryo cores, alongside the Adreno 530 GPU. This configuration provides the device with robust performance capabilities, allowing seamless multitasking and smooth gaming experiences. Users can choose between 4GB or 6GB RAM options, coupled with either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, though it’s important to note the absence of microSD support for expandable storage.

Camera Specifications

The dual rear camera setup consists of two 13 MP sensors, one of which is color while the other is monochrome. Both feature an aperture of f/2.0 and sensor size of 1/3.1", enhancing low-light photography capabilities. The camera can shoot 4K videos at 30fps, with additional features such as dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama. A 4 MP front camera caters to selfies and video calls, offering decent performance with 1080p video recording.

Connectivity and Communication

The Mi 5s Plus supports a wide array of connectivity options including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and DLNA. Bluetooth 4.2 is supported, along with GPS, GLONASS, and BDS for location tracking. An interesting addition is the infrared port, although the device lacks FM Radio capability. NFC support is also available, and charging and data transfer are handled via a USB Type-C port.

Battery Life and Charging

The device's 3800 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery ensures long-lasting performance. It supports 18W wired charging via Quick Charge 3.0 technology, providing efficient charging times. The endurance rating of 104 hours signifies that the battery life is one of the notable strengths of the Mi 5s Plus, capable of lasting through a full day's usage with mixed activities.

Audio and Additional Features

Audio capabilities are supported by a standard 3.5mm headphone jack and a loudspeaker. The device delivers reasonable audio quality with acceptable noise and crosstalk levels measured at -83.9dB and -84.9dB, respectively. The phone is also equipped with a collection of sensors including a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer, enhancing the device’s functionality in various use cases.

Software and User Experience

Originally shipping with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) layered with MIUI, the device can be upgraded to Android 8.0 (Oreo). MIUI offers a distinctive user experience tailored to Xiaomi's design philosophy, including custom themes, enhanced performance settings, and user-friendly features that cater to a wide range of smartphone users.

Market Position and Pricing

Initially priced at approximately 310 EUR, the Mi 5s Plus was positioned as a mid-range alternative, offering flagship-level features without the accompanying price tag of high-end devices. Its impressive specifications and attractive price point made it a compelling option for consumers seeking high performance and sleek design in an affordable package.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus remains a commendable device, reflecting the technological trends and consumer expectations at the time of its release. With its elegant design, robust hardware, and a range of functionalities, it stood out in the competitive smartphone market. Though it is now discontinued, it remains a noteworthy mention in Xiaomi's device history, appealing to enthusiasts for its innovative approach and affordability.