Redmi Note 5: a 1000 yuan full-screen smartphone with AI camera
Xiaomi held 12 conferences last year and released 10 mobile phones, each accompanied by heated discussion.
SEE ALSO: How Xiaomi Beat Samsung to Become India’s Largest Smartphone Brand
Today’s press conference is Xiaomi’s first event in China this year, and the Redmi Note 5 is Xiaomi’s first mobile phone released this year.
The previous Redmi series smartphone, the Note 4, was released in 2016. Now, after one and a half years, Xiaomi has released the Redmi Note 5. What attractions does this new Redmi Note have?
- Technical specifications:
Display: 5.99-inch 18:9 full screen with 2160×1080 resolution and 403 PPI
SoC: Snapdragon 636 processor, 14 nm process, and 1.8GHz frequency
GPU: Adreno 509
RAM: 3GB/4GB/6GB
Storage: 32GB/64GB and support maximum 128GB extended storage
Rear camera: 12 megapixels (1.4um, f/1.9) with Dual PD
Front camera: 13 megapixels, with AI beauty support, HDR and soft light
Battery: 4000 MAh capacity with fast charging support
Other features: Rear fingerprint sensor, face identification, microUSB and 3.5mm headphone interface
The Redmi Note 5 is an entry-level phone based on its specifications. It is equipped with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor, which is similar to the Snapdragon 625 and 630.
The Snapdragon 636 GPU performance is 10 percent more powerful than the Snapdragon 630. The Snapdragon 636 CPU and GPU performance is 40 percent more powerful than the Snapdragon 626. Many of middle-end smartphones are already equipped with the Snapdragon 636.
The Redmi Note 5 still uses the typical Redmi design with the three-piece metal body. It has fingerprint identification on the back, but now the two cameras are arranged vertically. Opinions differ on whether or not this change looks better.
The front 18:9 FHD+ full screen and rounded-shaped corners make the Note 5 look like a high-end product.
When the Redmi 5 and Redmi 5 Plus were released at the end of last year, we predicted that Xiaomi would apply full screen displays on more low-end models. The Redmi Note 5 confirmed our prediction.
Even considering the full screen display, the Note 5’s biggest attraction may be its cameras. The dual rear cameras have dual PD technology with large 1.4um pixels. Theoretically, the Note 5 will get very good shots in the dark.
Xiaomi also added AI algorithms in the Note 5 which can be used to produce selfie effects with its single front camera. AI is also used in the rear-facing cameras to retain more details in portraits.
“AI beauty” is another new major feature in the Redmi Note 5, allowing users to beautify their selfies by making their skin smoother and nasal bridges higher.
The Redmi Note 4 was released a year and a half ago in August 2016 and adopts the Helio X20 processor.
For various reasons, the Redmi Note 4 did not perform well in the market. Xiaomi also launched the Redmi Note 4X in early 2017, which sold more than 20 million units.
As the leading Xiaomi product, the Redmi Note 5 has all mainstream design elements, such as full screen, dual cameras, selfie features, long battery life, and colorful bodies.
The Redmi series has gradually improved its workmanship over the past two years. As the cost-driven difficulties of low-end products gradually disappear, the Redmi series will become strong competitor in the market.
In the past, the Redmi series were thought to guarantee high sales volumes for Xiaomi. Now, its technical innovations are in the spotlight.
The Note 5 has 3 versions. The 3GB+32GB version is priced at 1099 yuan ($173). The 4GB+64GB version is priced at 1399 yuan ($220). The 6GB+64GB version is priced at 1699 yuan ($168).