Xiaomi Mi 5 Review: Not Quite the Complete Package

Xiaomi launched the Mi 5 on a global forum at MWC 2016. The company which has often been critized for copying Apple's software designs is now finally out of that shadow and the Mi 5 is a refreshing take on smartphone design, its thin, light and packs flagship internals for half the price. The Xiaomi Mi 5 has a metal frame which is crafted with precision and Gorilla Glass 4 front and back. But the phone is quite slippery and even slips out of your pockets when you are sitting down.

Sadly, that's not the end of issues with the Mi 5, in our usage the phone struggled to maintain 4G network connectivity on Airtel in Delhi, at the end of the day I had 2-3 missed called which never actually went through. Battery-life is strictly average as well, you will get about 1 full day with moderate use. Although you have Quick Charge 3.0 support, Xiaomi only packs a Quick Charge 2.0 compatible charger in the box, but it does charge the phone under 2 hours.

Then Xiaomi has only brought the 32GB variant in India and with no way to expand storage, this seems a bit less. Now, the build is not perfect either, both the volume rocker and power buttons wobble which shows a lack of quality control which is not expected with phones launched at this price point.

Score Breakdown

• Build and Design
  7.7
• Display
  8.8
• Network Reception & Call Quality
  5.0
• Camera(s)
  8.0
• Music & Video Playback
  8.0
• Gaming
  9.0
• Performance
  8.5
• Battery-life
  7.0
• Software
  7.1
• Total Score
  7.4 10.0