The Redmi 5 and the Redmi 5 Plus has been launched in China. Most likely these handsets will be launched in India too. But for now here is the Redmi 5 Plus Unboxing and first impression. This is the first budget friendly smartphone in the Xiaomi family to come with a 18:9 aspect ratio screen.
Inside the box you will get the handset, user manual, data cable (USB to micro USB), silicon case, travel charger 5V/2A and SIM ejector pin. The handset that I got is a Chinese version, it is running MIUI 9 Chinese ROM, you do get English language option but Google Play store is missing.
You can however install Google Play store by simply running App store and search for Google and then install the special app that will install all necessary files including Google Play. Once done you will be able to use Google Play store and other Google features.
Overall build and finishing is very good, the handset from the back looks almost like the Redmi Note 4, just that the width is slimmer cause of 18:9 aspect screen. Body is made of metal, curvy design and finger print sensor is on the back.
There are on-screen navigation buttons and key attraction on the Redmi 5 Plus is the 5.99 inch 2.5D curved screen with 2160 x 1080 pixels resolution (Full HD+). Screen quality is very good and touch is very smooth. The 18:9 screen gives access to extended area and enhances the user experience. This handset is running MIUI 9 out of the box.
Redmi 5 Plus is packed with 3GB RAM and 32GB ROM, it is powered by Snapdragon 625 MSM8953 octa core processor and houses a 4000 mAh battery. There is 12MP rear camera and 5MP front camera. This handset comes with hybrid SIM slot you can use nano + nano/micro SD card.
There is single color LED notification, OTG works and handset supports VoLTE. Redmi 5 Plus also comes with IR blaster. This handset is successor to Redmi Note 4.
There are two variants Redmi 5 and Redmi 5 Plus and here is the difference
Redmi 5 comes with Snapdragon 450 octa core processor, 5.7 inches 18:9 screen with 1440 x 720 pixels resolution and with 3,300 mAh battery.
Redmi 5 Plus comes with Snapdragon 625 octa core processor, 5.99 inch screen with 2160 x 1080 pixels resolution and with 4000 mAh battery.
You can buy the Redmi 5 / Redmi 5 Plus from China or wait for the official launch in India.
You can buy this from GearBest, do note you will need to pay custom duty anywhere from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 6000.
Redmi 5 price in China is $185 (approx Rs. 11,700).
Redmi 5 Plus price in China is $199 (approx Rs. 12,600).