This is an archive article published on March 14, 2018
Xiaomi Redmi 5 vs Redmi 4: Difference in specifications, price and features
Xiaomi's Redmi 5 smartphone has launched in India at a starting price of Rs 7,999 going up to Rs 10,999. Here's a comparison between Redmi 5 and the older Redmi 4 smartphones.
Redmi 5 launched in India at a price of Rs 7,999: Here’s a comparison between Redmi 5 and Redmi 4 smartphones.
Redmi 5 has been launched in India by Xiaomi, the company’s latest entry-level smartphone with slim bezels and an 18:9 aspect ratio display similar to the Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro phones. It might be a great smartphone, but is it worth the upgrade for those who own the older Redmi 4?
First, there’s no doubt that in some ways Redmi 5 is a step forward from the older Redmi 4, which was a best-seller from the company in 2017. The Redmi 5 has a radically different designer from its predecessor and comes with the claim of an improved camera performance. But Redmi 5 will cost more than last year’s Redmi 4, with a starting price of Rs 7,999 going up all the way to Rs 10,999 for the top variant. Redmi 4 was launched in the market at a starting price of Rs 6,999. Here’s a detailed comparison of the Redmi 5 and Redmi 4 smartphones.
Xiaomi Redmi 5 vs Redmi 4: Design and display
Redmi 5 and Redmi 4 look poles apart from each other in terms of appearance. For the Redmi 5, the top and bottom bezels have been reduced. Redmi 5 offers a 5.7-inch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 720 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18:9. In case of the Redmi 4, the phone came with a 5-inch 720p screen and an aspect ratio of 16:9.
The Redmi 5 has a taller display, but the device is still fairly compact because Xiaomi has shrunk the bezels. The screen aspect ratio is the main differentiating factor between two devices. Otherwise, these phones look the same along the back and the sides. Both the phones have a metal unibody design, although Xiaomi claims the Redmi 5 feels more secure to hold due to rounded corners. Redmi 5 is available in Black, Gold, Rose Gold, and Lake Blue colour options. Both phones feature a fingerprint scanner on the back of the devices.
Redmi 5 offers a 5.7-inch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 720 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18:9.
Xiaomi Redmi 5 vs Redmi 4: Performance, battery, and software
The latest Redmi 5 gets an upgraded Snapdragon 450 octa-core processor, which is built using the 14nm FinFET process. Qualcomm claims that the Snapdragon 450 chipset will provide significant improvements in “battery life, graphics and compute performance, imaging and LTE connectivity” over the Snapdragon 435 mobile platform. The mobile processor is supported by 2GB RAM and 16GB internal memory. The phone is also available with 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage. A high-end variant with 4GB RAM and 64GB is also part of the list. Redmi 5 features a 3300mAh battery, which the company claims delivers up to 17 days of standby time.
Xiaomi Redmi 4 came with a 5-inch 720p screen and an aspect ratio of 16:9.
Redmi 4, on the other hand, comes with a Snapdragon 435 processor. It was introduced in two variants initially — the 2GB RAM/16GB storage and the 3GB RAM/32GB storage. However, the company later added the 4GB RAM and 64GB storage variant. Both smartphones come with a microSD card slot for memory expansion. Redmi 4 offers a 4100mAh battery, which should last a day and a half on a single charge. Both smartphones run MIUI 9, which is based on Android 7.0 Nougat. With Redmi 4, the battery was the edge, and we will have to wait and how the Redmi 5’s battery performs.
Xiaomi Redmi 5 vs Redmi 4: Camera
Redmi 4 is a decent phone when it comes to the camera performance. In our review, we mentioned that a 13MP rear camera managed to get some really good shots. The low-light performance was not impressive, though. With the Redmi 5, Xiaomi says they have tried to improve the camera performance.
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Instead of a 13MP camera on the back, the Redmi 5 has a 12MP shooter with LED Flash with 1.25μm pixel size and LED flash. This actually helps in taking nice photos in low-light conditions, claims the company. On the front, the Redmi 5 offers a 5MP camera with an LED flash light. Xiaomi claims its Redmi 5 is the first smartphone in the Redmi series to get an LED flash light.
Xiaomi Redmi 5 has a 12MP shooter with LED Flash with 1.25μm pixel size and LED flash.
Xiaomi Redmi 5 vs Redmi 4: Price in India
Redmi 5 in a sense is better than the Redmi 4 on various parameters. If you opt for the Redmi 5, you are getting an extra tall display and a slightly better processor. You also get a few camera improvements and if you are obsessed with taking selfies, there’s LED flash as well. This arguably makes the Redmi 5 a better-packaged smartphone over the Redmi 4.
Redmi 5’s price in India starts at Rs 7,999 for the 2GB+16GB storage variant, Rs 8,999 for the 3GB RAM+32GB storage, and Rs 10,999 for the 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. Redmi 5 will be made available on Amazon India, Mi.com and Mi Home stores, starting March 20 at 12 pm. Redmi 4 was launched in India at a price of Rs 6,999 for the base variant.
Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.
Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:
Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.
Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.
Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.
Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.
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5 min read
Redmi 5 launched in India at a price of Rs 7,999: Here’s a comparison between Redmi 5 and Redmi 4 smartphones. 
Redmi 5 offers a 5.7-inch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 720 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18:9.
Xiaomi Redmi 4 came with a 5-inch 720p screen and an aspect ratio of 16:9.
Xiaomi Redmi 5 has a 12MP shooter with LED Flash with 1.25μm pixel size and LED flash.
