Mi5S is a new flagship from the Chinese company Xiaomi. High expectations were initially riveted to the device, since its predecessor, Mi5, was considered one of the best smartphones of the beginning of 2016 in terms of price / quality ratio. However, the presentation of the new product, which took place on September 27, caused a controversial reaction from the community.
Looking ahead, let's say that the smartphone turned out to be ambiguous. In this review, we will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the device and decide whether the Mi5S is a worthy continuation of the Xiaomi flagship line.
Content
Price and main characteristics
The announced price of Xiaomi Mi5S is 330 dollars, at this price the device can be bought on Aliexpress or in other Chinese online stores. Our smartphone is more expensive, in Svyaznoy, which is the official representative of Xiaomi in Russia, Mi5S is available for pre-order at a price of 35 thousand rubles.
Consider the technical characteristics of the smartphone:
- operating system - Android 6, shell MIUI 8;
- processor - Snapdragon 821 (4 cores: 2 * 2.15 and 2 * 1.6 GHz) with Adreno 530 graphics accelerator;
- flash memory - 64/128 GB (there is no slot for memory cards), RAM - 3/4 GB;
- display - 5.15 "IPS Full HD, pixel density 428 ppi;
- cameras: main - 12 MP (Sony Exmor IMX378), aperture 2.0, front - 4 MP, f2;
- battery - 3200 mAh;
- interfaces - Wi-Fi, USB-C, Bluetooth 4.2 LE;
- networks - GSM, LTE, 4G.
Appearance, dimensions
On paper, Xiaomi Mi5S is one of the most powerful flagships of 2016, and the announced price of 330 USD (relevant for Aliexpress) is more than acceptable for such characteristics.
The dimensions of Xiaomi Mi5S are 145.6 * 70.3 * 8.3 mm, the weight of the device is 145 grams. The smartphone has an all-metal body with rounded edges of the back cover, and is available in 4 color options - white, black, gold and pink.
Compared to its predecessor, whose body was made of glass and had a smaller thickness, the Mi5 S feels quite "plump". It will be comfortable for a man with a large palm to hold it, despite the constant attempts of the smartphone to slip out of the hand, however, the fair sex may have more serious problems with ergonomics.
The smartphone's display is covered with 2.5D glass - this is a winning solution that has a positive effect on the aesthetics of the device. Below the screen is the Home button, which has a built-in fingerprint sensor. The button itself is a touch pad, which caused discontent among many users of the previous model, which used a mechanical version.
In terms of the arrangement of functional elements in Mi5S, everything is standard: from below - USB and speaker perforations, on the right side - power and volume buttons, on top - 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Questions are raised by the back cover of the case, in the upper part of which there is a plastic insert for the antenna, edged with light stripes. The arrangement of the stripes completely repeats the design of those in the iPhone 6. Didn't Xiaomi engineers have enough enthusiasm to make their own design, and not copy the solution of competitors?
Screen
The main stumbling block for Xiaomi fans was the black stripes around the Mi5S display. The device is declared by the manufacturer as a frameless smartphone, and indeed, the mechanical side frames have an extremely small width, but the whole picture is spoiled by the black stripes with which the screen is edged, which appear when the display is turned on.
Mi5 had similar frames, users of which repeatedly asked to remove the black bezel in the new flagship, but something prevented Xiaomi engineers from doing this. Note that this problem is relevant only for smartphones in white colors, while in black phones the frames completely merge with the body and are not striking.
The screen itself in Xiaomi Mi5S is not bad enough - it is an IPS matrix with a resolution of 1920 * 1080 pixels, having a pixel density of 428 ppi and a diagonal of 5.15 ”. The display has good color rendering, it gives out a contrasting, saturated picture without color temperature distortion. Complaints can only be about viewing angles, since the image fades when the screen is strongly deflected outward, but in everyday use this drawback is unlikely to manifest itself.
Performance
The Xiaomi Mi5 S uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon 821 processor, the most powerful smartphone hardware solution on the market. The S-821 has four cores operating at 2.1-2.4 GHz, and the Adreno 530 graphics accelerator, which runs at 650 MHz.
This processor is 10% more productive than the Snapdragon 820, which was equipped with Mi5, at the time of release is the most powerful smartphone (136,857 points) according to the Benchmark synthetic tests. The novelty is gaining 164 thousand parrots in Antutu and takes the unconditional first place in overall performance.
The characteristics of the Snapdragon 821 enable the smartphone to perfectly cope with any task. The device allows you to play the most demanding games at maximum graphics settings, watch high-quality video in BDRip 1080p format, and there can be no talk of slowdowns in the work of regular programs and problems with the smoothness of the interface.
In terms of performance, Mi5S gets a well-deserved 5+. The speed of this device can be compared with the flagships of class A, the cost of which is 2-3 times higher (recall that the price of Mi5S on Aliexpress is only $ 330).
Battery
The smartphone has a 3200 mAh battery, which is 200 mAh more than its predecessor. The new flagship demonstrates an increase in battery life, which is achieved not only due to a more capacious battery, but also due to the optimization of the power consumption of the Snapdragon 821 processor, the gluttony of which has decreased by 10%, according to manufacturers.
Xiaomi Mi5S lasts for 2 days of moderate use without recharging. With the screen always on, it withstands almost 19 hours of operation, when playing HD video - 13 hours, in maximum load mode (3D games) - 6 hours.
These are very decent indicators, and given that Mi5S supports the fast charging function (it takes 50-60 minutes to fully charge the battery from scratch), its autonomy can be noted with the highest rating.
Camera
The main camera in Xiaomi Mi5S is represented by the latest Sony Exmor IMX378 sensor, which is now only used in the flagship from Xiaomi and Google Pixel devices, the camera of which has been recognized as the best among mobile devices.
The 12MP camera delivers stunningly sharp images with excellent detail, the quality of which is a cut above the Mi5. As for the video, everything is also worthy, the device writes in 4K resolution, there is also the possibility of recording Slow-Mo in HD mode at 120 frames per second.
However, there is also a fly in the ointment, which was the lack of optical stabilization.
What prevented Xiaomi from bringing the camera to mind is not clear, so it would be one of the best photo smartphones on the market, but now we just have a device with a very good camera.
Speaker, sound quality
We are already accustomed to the fact that Chinese smartphone manufacturers do not bother too much about the quality of sound reproduction in their devices - a dedicated audio chip is extremely rare even in flagships from the Middle Kingdom. It is also absent in Xiaomi Mi5S.
When using high-quality headphones, things are not bad, but Mi5S does not deserve special praise here, it produces standard sound without critical flaws, but also without frills.
The external speaker of the smartphone copes with its immediate tasks - an alarm clock and an alarm about incoming calls. The speaker is not bad, the interlocutor is heard well, without extraneous noise.
Communication and Internet
Like all modern flagships, Xiaomi Mi5S works in 3G and 4G, LTE and TDD networks. We also note the presence of a built-in modem that allows you to receive traffic at a speed of up to 600 Mbit / s (however, this advantage can be ignored with our operators).
The device supports 2 SIM cards of the NanoSim format, has GPS (compatible with Glonass), Wi-Fi (2.5 and 5 GHz bands), Bluetooth 4.2 (Low Energy). It is also possible to synchronize with external peripheral devices (printer, keyboard, mouse) via USB Type-C.
Video review Xiaomi Mi5S
conclusions
Xiaomi Mi5S can be purchased on Aliexpress for 330 USD. In this price category, the device has practically no competitors - it is a powerful smartphone with a good camera and long battery life. If you are not confused by the design of the device and the absence of an optical stabilizer in the camera (it affects video recording, it does not affect the photo), we recommend taking it - the price for such a device is extremely humane.
As a more affordable alternative, we note the old representative of the Xiaomi Mi5 line (the current price on Aliexpress is 270 USD) - this is still a flagship device with excellent characteristics, which will last for 2 years of trouble-free use.
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Performance
The speed of the animation and the interface as a whole is maximum. Switching between tasks and applications is also not lame. In general, the system is optimized for the very, very hardware very well.
It's unnecessary to say anything about gaming performance. All games run with the highest graphics settings available and just fly. If something slows down, then you should blame the developers of a particular title, but definitely not a smartphone.
For example, the AnTuTu test graphics (space landscapes, Japanese panoramas) not only do not slow down, there is not a single delay at all. Everything is very smooth and beautiful, which means it's time for developers to update their application, because the gadgets have caught up and surpassed the stressful conditions of this system application.
From a synthetic point of view, the performance of Mi5S, of course, breaks away from its predecessor on the 820 snap. The difference is about 15 thousand virtual parrots.
However, for my taste, it's definitely not worth chasing performance here. Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 is still a very relevant processor that will handle all modern tasks without problems for at least another year and a half.
Should I say anything about the attitude of the smartphone to "heavy" video, to 4K, for example? The device itself shoots such videos, so everything is clear with performance in this regard.
Photo and video capabilities
In this section, I propose to evaluate the advantages that the novelty has received relative to the standard Mi5. Let's look at the numbers, new modes for shooting, examples of photos, and so on. And I'll do a full test in the Xiaomi Mi5S Plus review, which is expected in a week.
Front-camera
Taking selfies with the Mi5S is a pleasure. There are all the necessary settings, including retouching and filtering in real time. The focus here, of course, is fixed, but for a front camera there is no need for another.
In comparison with the new product, we got nothing new. The same image quality, the same functionality.
The only caveat. I advise you to turn off the skin retouching function. Xiaomi tells us that the device is able to smooth the face as much as 36 levels, but as for me, none is needed. This is because the tool washes the picture a lot. Not only the face, but the whole photograph in general. Some strange behavior and an example below, eloquently confirming it.
Main camera
First of all, let's compare the capabilities of two generations of cameras with each other in theory.
| Mi5 camera | Mi5S camera | |
| Resolution | 16 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
| Matrix | Sony IMX298 | Sony IMX378 |
| Lens protection | Sapphire crystal | Ordinary glass |
| Diaphragm | f / 2.0 |
|
| Number of lenses | ||
| Stabilization | 4-axis optical | Electronic stabilization |
| Additional shooting modes | Panoramas, HDR, Burst, face detection, 4K video recording, Slow Motion 720p and 120fps, and more |
|
The saddest thing is that the new product lacks optical stabilization, as in the Mi5.
There is only electronic stabilization, which can be activated from the menu.
The second "unbearable" loss is the absence of a sapphire crystal.
I have already said that the manufacturer does not declare its presence anywhere, therefore, it does not exist. Usually they talk about such things with pride, if, of course, there is something to talk about.
Autofocus works great.
Pointing took off, pointing and taking off and so always. The shooting conditions and lighting do not play a special role. Focusing can be a little slower at night, but focusing is still very sharp.
The focal length is very long - about 9 centimeters. In other words, you won't be able to take close-ups of bugs and all kinds of spiders.
I liked the Mi5S camera.
It may not be the best on the market, but one of them is for sure. Below I compared two photos, the first of which was taken on (left), the second was taken with the camera of our hero (right).
For clarity, let's look at two 100% crop from these images. Who do you think won?
Comparing photos of both generations (Mi5 and S-version), I did not see much difference. Those with a regular Mi5 in their hands can relax. It makes no sense to switch to a new version of the device.
Now I propose to look at examples of photos from the Xiaomi Mi5s camera:
For greater clarity, here are a few 100% crop:
Download the originals from here and study them more carefully on our computer.
Anyone interested can see where I collide the cameras of the MI5 and its plus versions.
Separately about panoramas. The shooting process is very simple. Photos are glued together without errors and obvious vertical stripes. But the most important thing is always good detail, that is, the mode is not made for show. You can zoom in and look at everything that you took off while trampling around its axis.
The work of the HDR function on the face. Fortunately, the developers have created an automatic selection, so the user does not have to think about whether to enable HDR in a given lighting condition or not. For him already thought and successfully, we must admit.
Filming
Shooting 4K video is the exclusive prerogative of the company's flagships. Despite the installation of powerful processors (Helio X20) in its other smartphones, Xiaomi does not seek to make the technology mainstream for all its devices.
The quality of the clips from our device is quite decent. You can shoot simple videos, but you probably can't count on some serious creative opportunities.
I don't really like the detail of the picture, but the sound recording. The market is full of smartphones that shoot Ultra HD much better. For example, or flagships from LG G series, and now V. And I'm not talking about devices from Samsung yet. Our hero cannot reach all of them in terms of video filming.
Nevertheless, due to the good matrix, videos shot in harsh lighting conditions are quite passable. Below is an example.
Is it possible to shoot Slow Motion video, where can you go without it? The resolution does not exceed 720p, and the frame rate is 120 frames per second. And here the manufacturer's approach somewhat discourages me. Why not do at least 120 fps for 1080p, and 240 fps for 720p? Iron allows, and competitors are not asleep (iPhone 7, hello!).
What annoys me most, though, is that the camera app doesn't remember my previous selection. I put up 4K, shot a video and forgot about this function for a couple of days. Then I open the camera, shoot video again, and only after a while I am surprised to find that I was shooting in HD resolution. It turns out that the system reset my selection to its default settings, which is HD. Bravo!
Sound quality
There is also a seven-band equalizer, and various presets for it, as well as profiles for different branded headsets. The latter, for my taste, are useless. The sound through your favorite headphones is good in itself, and if you need to tweak it additionally, that is, an equalizer.
In general, I really like the proprietary player utility. It is stylish, minimalistic, with convenient sorting, automatic cover loading, and so on. By the way, the currently playing cover of the track colors the background of the utility in its own color palette. A trifle, but nice.
Also, the player can load lyrics (swipe to the right during playback). However, he does not always do it correctly. Either he will slip some incomprehensible lyrics, then he will not find anything at all. To top it off, the automatic scrolling of the text also slows down. In general, we are waiting for updates.
Let me remind you that if custom software versions are flashed, all "china" from the player, including auto-loading of covers and lyrics, will be cut out.
Software filling
Of course, the smartphone runs on Android 6.0.1 and its own MIUI 8.0 shell.
The device was recently released in China. Its fate in terms of sales anywhere else outside of China is still unknown, which means that the appearance of official firmware with support for the Russian language and Google Play services.
What to do with localization? There are two ways out: use English as it is, or unlock the bootloader, roll out all sorts of "recovery", install custom firmware from the MIUI community, and so on. Fortunately, there is already something. If you are new to these questions, then "congratulations". You will have to figure out a lot, poke around and kill a couple of free in the evening on your gadget. For experienced users, there should be no problems, although personally I have not done anything with the smartphone. I used it as it is, from the factory, because I don't have time to sew smartphones. And my task is to tell us what the manufacturer directly gives us. And you can almost always finish it to fit your needs, squeeze the maximum out of the filling of the device.
The Google Store is very simple. We go to the official Mi Store, the icon of which hangs on the main screen. Everything is in hieroglyphs, well, okay. In the search bar, enter the word "Google", go to the blue icon with a paw and download the Google Installer for Xiaomi Mi5S from there. It weighs a little, about 167 kilobytes. Through it, it will be possible to install all the necessary services. The main thing is to allow the installation of programs from unknown sources before this process (the system will ask you about this).
Unlike Xiaomi Redmi Pro, all applications from the official Google store are installed and run without problems. The services also do not issue any glitches, crashes and other errors. Even contacts are synchronized with the "Google" cloud, which is generally nonsense for Xiaomi devices. And with a device from this Chinese company, this is the first time that everything would start on its own.
Notifications are the most sensitive issue for gray Chinese. What's wrong with them? They just don't come.
There are some procedures (w3bsit3-dns.com to help) that partially cure this sore, but not always and not for all utilities. So, in our case, nothing really new. Notifications from some programs come (VK, for example), others sit silently in the background (Yandex.Mail). In general, this is a long-standing disease of gray devices from China without "global" firmware.
I've already said enough about MIUI features. You can read more about the system's features in the overview or. That is just the division of memory into two sections or the creation of duplicate applications bypassing any curved software such as Parallel Space and so on.
Instead, here's a little about what's important to know. In addition to removing Chinese garbage, it is worth limiting the notification activity of various annoying applications.
For example, a certain Video utility cannot be removed in a standard way, but it likes to spam some information in hieroglyphs. It's very easy to give her a hand. To do this, go to the Applications section in the parameters, find the very cunning program and uncheck all the boxes in the "Custom notification" tab. It won't bother you anymore.
Battery life
A section for a tick, because all modern flagships work one day with 3-4 hours of screen operation and set auto brightness. And our hero is no exception.
Of course, there are background tasks, persistent notifications via a cellular network or Wi-Fi, Internet surfing and everything else that is done on any top and not-so-great device. In the screenshots below, my autonomy results (typical use).
Is the basic model. A device for those who want to get flagship hardware, but at the same time save as much as possible. If you already have the device on hand, then this review is just entertaining reading for you. Not worth changing.
Mi5S, in fact, the hero of our review will be an excellent purchase for those who do not have a "mi fifth", but he loves the brand, he likes MIUI and the maximum performance in one bottle.
- essentially the same, only with a large 5.5-inch screen.
Is a flagship with a capital letter. Top specs to date, spiced up with some of the most advanced features, including a curved display and advanced camera.
- the device is not for everyone. Concept, interesting experience, chic, brilliance - the story is not at all mass, therefore it is meaningless to compare it with the rest of the company's products on the subject of “what to take for such and such a sum”.
What about the entire market? Here Xiaomi Mi5S looks like one of the most interesting players. There is only one clear competitor among Chinese companies - LeEco Le 3. However, it is still a dark horse. I'm on my way, when I test it, then we'll see what kind of device it is.
Meizu is hiding. On November 3, the premiere of Pro 6S is scheduled, which should finally receive the Snapdragon 821 processor, because MediaTeK Helio X20 / 25 is, of course, good, but they are not the most productive chipsets on the market. And we will wait for X30 until March.
Comparing Xiaomi Mi5S with or (they have nothing else), in my opinion, is pointless. These smartphones play in completely different leagues, they have completely different, non-overlapping audiences. Anyone who is interested in Chinese gadgets and understands what's what will never seriously consider the same S7 for purchase. And vice versa.
Huawei is the third largest manufacturer in the world in terms of smartphone sales. However, these Chinese are clearly targeting the big leagues. Where Apple and Samsung reign. Accordingly, the price of their devices is slightly higher.
At the expense of companies known only for past merits, it can be said very simply. Xiaomi is tomorrow, and Sony, LG, HTC are yesterday. And there is no reason to believe that something will change. , however, they try, their products are traditionally interesting and technological, but prices ... they are not competitive.
Outcome
I liked Xiaomi Mi5S. Interesting design, top-end hardware, excellent cameras, nice, as always MIUI. The impression is darkened only by the software curve, but this is the traditional behavior of all the company's new devices. With the passage of time and updates, all roughness should be removed.
I have only two complaints about the device. The first is a fingerprint scanner. Although it is ultrasonic, it works out of the ordinary. Hopefully something will change in the very near future.
Secondly, I am confused by the lack of logic. For example, where did the infrared port go ?! Why was the sapphire lens protection and optical stabilization removed? Shouldn't the Mi5S be more advanced than the base model?
Nevertheless, the main question for all interested is the release of the global firmware, which means the availability of Google services and the Russian language right out of the box. So far, there is no one to answer it. Maybe Xiaomi will start selling in the same India and then the desired firmware version will appear in the public domain. In the meantime, there are two ways out: use the English interface as it is, or go to the specialized forums and ask the MIUI community for help.
Where could I buy?
Actual price for a new product in China, $ 295 for the younger version, that is, with 3 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal memory, and $ 340 for the older model with a memory ratio of 4 + 128 GB, as well as with 3D Touch function. Personally, I am in favor of an advanced configuration, because there is never a lot of RAM, even more built-in memory.
It's not for me to explain to you that buy Xiaomi Mi5S for about the same money here in Russia it is still possible. How? Seven troubles, one cashback.
I bought my smartphone (128GB version). If anything, a 64 GB model is on sale here. In any case, be sure to use the promo code when making your purchase for GWsuperG. The bonus will be a protective film and a cover for the first time.
Xiaomi Mi5s is a flagship smartphone that has been seriously updated. All major problems of the predecessor were eliminated in it. The device was announced in September 2016.
Appearance and ergonomics
In terms of design, the Xiaomi Mi5s is extremely similar to the previous model. The manufacturer decided to equip the gadget with a durable all-metal body without glass on the back. Above and below there are plastic inserts for antennas, which are well disguised. At the same time, the back remains curved for maximum comfort. The main camera is located neatly in the upper left corner. The smartphone still lost the mechanical button under the display, which was replaced by a sensor. This is implemented in the form of an oval touch panel with a built-in fingerprint scanner called Snapdragon Sense ID. Therefore, even wet fingers will be able to unlock the device without unnecessary difficulties.
There is 2.5D glass on the front, making the device really attractive. There are also two discreet touch buttons for navigation, with LED backlighting. The lower end was occupied by the multimedia speaker grilles, as well as the USB Type-C connector. The gadget is comfortable to use with one hand, the scanner is located very well. In this case, the case is still able to slide in the palms due to design features. Available colors are silver, gold, pink and gray. Dimensions: height - 145.6 mm, thickness - 8.25 mm, width - 70.3 mm, weight - 145 g.
Display
The Mi 5s smartphone has a 5.15-inch screen, which cannot be called frameless. This is noticeable when the display is on. As for the quality of the IPS matrix, it is practically reference. The incredible level of maximum brightness is complemented by extremely wide viewing angles. And the highest clarity is guaranteed by the presence of a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels and 427 dots per inch. Moreover, the older version of the phone is equipped with a 3D Touch Display function, thanks to which the pressure on the screen is recognized. You can activate the display itself by double clicking. Those who like to read in the dark will be pleased with the presence of the appropriate mode. It is possible to independently adjust some color parameters.
Iron and performance
Mi 5 s got the operating system Android 6.0 with proprietary firmware MIUI 8. Using the Snapdragon 821 processor, the device works directly. This flagship chip is quad-core, and its frequency reaches 2150 MHz. The most powerful 3D accelerator Adreno 530 is used to process graphics of any complexity. The device can be purchased in two versions: with 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of RAM, or with 3 GB of RAM and 64 GB of RAM. Memory cards are not supported by the smartphone, but the built-in storage should be enough for a wide variety of needs.
The gadget functions extremely quickly, the process of downloading and installing programs takes a minimum of time. If we consider the AnTuTu test result, then Xiaomi Mi 5 s is one of the leaders here, gaining 131,000-133,000 points. Any games are unlikely to have serious problems, and the headroom should be enough for several years to come.
Communication and sound
Voice transmission and communication quality in Xiaomi Mi 5s are all at a high level. Even in noisy places, it is quite pleasant to talk with the interlocutor. There is support for two SIM cards, so you can connect to several cellular operators at once. Both cards are capable of working in LTE networks at high speeds. It has NFC and Bluetooth 4.2. The multimedia speaker produces clear sound with some volume headroom. But in headphones, the sound can be called ideal.
Camera
The Mi 5s houses the advanced 12MP Sony IMX378 camera with large pixels and 2.0 aperture. Unfortunately, there is no optical stabilization here, but in all other respects this is a very high-quality module. Even in the evening, the camera manages to cope with its tasks, and without additional noise and color distortions. There are a large number of modes, and the application itself is extremely fast. As for clips, they can be shot in 4K progressive mode. The front 4-megapixel 2.0 wide-angle module is capable of creating fantastic self-portraits.
conclusions
The flagship Mi 5s costs about $ 300. For such a moderate amount, we get an advanced smartphone with gorgeous technical parameters. This device is really pleasant to use. At the same time, the gadget can be safely attributed to the flagship class, in which competitors are much more expensive. The package bundle turned out to be quite standard: cable, charging. instruction and paper clip.
Pros:
- Stunningly clear and juicy screen.
- Outstanding performance for any task.
- Two very high quality cameras.
- Fast charging.
- Extremely low price.
Minuses:
- There is no memory card slot.
- Sometimes optical stabilization is lacking.
- There are black bezels around the display.
Specifications Xiaomi Mi5s
| General characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Model | Xiaomi MI5S |
| Date of announcement and start of sales | september 2016 / October 2016 |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 145.6 x 70.3 x 8.3 mm. |
| The weight | 145 BC |
| Available colors | silver, gray, gold, rose gold |
| operating system | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) + MIUI 8 |
| Communication | |
| Number and type of SIM cards | two, Nano-SIM, dual stand-by |
| Communication standard in 2G networks | GSM 850/900/1800/1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 CDMA 800 |
| Communication standard in 3G networks | HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Communication standard in 4G networks | LTE band 1 (2100), 3 (1800), 5 (850), 7 (2600), 8 (900), 38 (2600), 39 (1900), 40 (2300), 41 (2500) |
| Carrier Compatibility | MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Tele2, Yota |
| Data transfer | |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| GPS | yes, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| NFC | there is |
| Infrared port | no |
| Platform | |
| CPU | quad-core Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 Quad-core (2 × 2.15 GHz Kryo & 2 × 1.6 GHz Kryo) |
| GPU | Adreno 530 |
| Inner memory | 64/128 GB |
| RAM | 3/4 GB |
| Ports and connectors | |
| USB | Type-C 1.0 reversible connector |
| 3.5mm jack | there is |
| Memory card slot | no |
| Display | |
| Display type | IPS LCD capacitive, 16M colors |
| Screen size | 5.15 inches (~ 71.4% of the face of the device) |
| Display protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 |
| Camera | |
| Main camera | 12 MP (f / 2.0, 1 / 2.3 ″, 1.55 µm), autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash |
| Main camera functionality | Geo-tagging, touch focus, face / smile detection, panorama, auto-HDR |
| Video recording | [email protected], [email protected] |
| Front-camera | 4 MP (f / 2.0, 1/3 ″, 2 µm), 1080p |
| Sensors and sensors | |
| Illumination | there is |
| Approximations | there is |
| Gyroscope | there is |
| Compass | there is |
| Hall | no |
| Accelerometer | there is |
| Barometer | there is |
| Fingerprint scanner | there is |
| Battery | |
| Battery type and capacity | Li-Po 3200 mAh |
| Battery holder | non-removable |
| Equipment | |
| Standard kit | Mi5s: 1 USB cable: 1 SIM Tray Eject Clip: 1 User manual: 1 Warranty card: 1 Charger: 1 |
Prices
Video reviews
The speaker in Xiaomi Mi5S does not give reasons for joy and pride - it is average in all parameters, starting with volume and continuing with sound quality. If you do not twist the volume slider to the end, it flatly and dispassionately reproduces music that is completely devoid of low frequencies. I definitely don’t want to “spin” it to the maximum for the sake of music - we get a dirty and sometimes wheezing sound with a “katryulny” shade. The cheap Alcatel reproduces sound in about the same way, and in the Samsung Galaxy S7 and LG G5, for example, the speakers are so much better that it's even inconvenient to speak ...
But the sound in the headphones is wonderful: after the budget Redmi Note 3 Pro and Redmi 4, especially the volume catches the ears - it envelops. The sound is clean, neutral, the volume is enough with a margin even for 60-ohm "monitors". For comparison, OnePlus 3 produces a "dirtier" and harsh sound, LeEco Le Pro 3 with a USB Type-C-AUX adapter wins slightly in detail, but loses in volume. ASUS ZenFone 3, Moto Z Play and Huawei nova sound noticeably worse, but the flagship Samsung, I must admit, win in sound quality. Xiaomi is far from audiophile "Chinese", but Mi5S did not claim such heights. In short, the sound quality in the headphones is slightly above average - there is nothing to scold or praise.
Iron
Qualcomm Snapdragon 821, ladies and gentlemen - the coolest processor of 2016. Until in February 2017, the shelves began to flood with models based on the 835th "dragon", the hardware platform Xiaomi Mi5S retains gold and silver in the steepness rating among android phones. Only Huawei now has a faster processor - the Kirin 960, on the basis of which the huge Mate 9 is built.
Readers regularly asked us about this device and swore that the review had not been published for a very long time. The reason for this is quite simple: we wanted to test the normal PCT version of the model, and not order it from China. Why? The point, of course, is in the firmware, since when testing versions of Mi 5s with Chinese firmware and discovering that something is wrong with it, we often run into the negative from readers who claim that we need to manually install the globalka, fixes, etc. .d.
Specifications
| Specifications | |
| Class | Flagship |
| Form factor | Monoblock |
| Body materials | Aluminum |
| operating system | Android 6.0 + MIUI 8.0 |
| Net | 2G / 3G / LTE (800/1800/2600), dual SIM |
| Platform | Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 |
| CPU | Quad core |
| Video accelerator | Adreno 530 |
| Inner memory | 32 GB |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Memory card slot | No |
| Wi-Fi | Yes, a / b / g / n / ac, dual-band |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 4.2 LE, A2DP |
| NFC | there is |
| Screen diagonal | 5.15 inch |
| Screen resolution | 1920 x 1080 dots |
| Matrix type | IPS |
| Protective covering | Glass |
| Oleophobic coating | there is |
| Main camera | 12 MP, f / 2.0, phase detection autofocus, shooting 4k video |
| Front-camera | 4 MP, f / 2.0 |
| Navigation | GPS, A-GPS, Glonass |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, light sensor, proximity sensor |
| Battery | Non-removable, 3200 mAh |
| Dimensions | 145.6 x 70.3 x 8.3 mm |
| The weight | 145 gram |
| The cost | From 280 $ / 31,000 rubles |
Equipment
- Smartphone
- Charger
- PC cable (also part of the charger)
Appearance, materials, controls, assembly
When you look at the Mi 5s, you immediately understand that when creating it, the company was inspired by the Samsung Galaxy S7 EDGE, the back of the case has the same beautiful bend, only, unlike EDGE, it is made of aluminum, not glass.
But the glass on the front panel has only a slight bend, which is actually great. The owners of the same S7 EDGE regularly complain that the edges of their smartphone dig into their hand and because of this it is not very convenient to use it. Mi 5s does not have this problem, thanks to the curvature at the back, the device feels thinner and lighter, and the lack of a strong curvature of the screen allows you to hold it more comfortably.
The smartphone is sold in four colors: silver, dark gray, gold and pink, we had the first option on our test.
Above the display is a front camera, a mesh of the earpiece, light and proximity sensors, and an indicator light.
Below the screen are three touch-sensitive buttons: "Recent Apps", "Home" and "Back". The center button is embedded in an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. I love that the scanner was front mounted, but its performance was disappointing. Unfortunately, it successfully unlocks the smartphone only half the time. At first I thought it was a single problem, but readers complained that it also works unstable for them. For the sake of interest, I read the w3bsit3-dns.com branch on the device, they suggest either installing some special version of the firmware, or hammering the same finger four times, or very carefully add all areas of the finger. Anyway, there is a problem, please be aware of it before buying.
At the top there is a minijack, and at the bottom there is a Type C port, an external speaker mesh and a main microphone. Keep in mind, the speaker is not stereo here, two meshes are made just for beauty, a microphone is hidden in the left one.
On the right, a volume rocker and a power button were installed, and on the left - a tray for two SIM-cards, alas, there is no memory card slot.
On the back cover you can see the peephole of the main camera, dual LED flash, laser autofocus and plastic inserts for the antennas.
The device is perfectly assembled, for a month of use I had no complaints about its assembly.
Dimensions
In the comments, readers often ask why I call five-inch devices compact. The fact is that smartphones with a smaller diagonal are practically no longer on sale, and most flagships are gradually moving from 5 to 5.5-inch displays. Therefore, even a smartphone with a 5.15-inch screen already looks and feels compact in the hand.
Compared to Apple iPhone 6
Mi 5s sits well in the hand, it is quite thin and light, and the narrowing at the edges of the case visually and tactilely makes it even thinner.
Screen
To be honest, before I looked at the table with characteristics, I was sure that this device has an AMOLED matrix. The fact is that the contrast of the picture is very similar to AMOLED displays. Moreover, you can even notice red halos around the edges of the letters when scrolling! Surprisingly, for some reason I did not see any information about this in other reviews.
The problem with ghosting is solved by switching to the "default" mode. Automatic configuration is initially enabled, but I recommend turning it off.
It is problematic to check the behavior of the screen in the sun in the current weather, but on the street the picture is perfectly distinguishable at about 60-70% brightness and higher. It is also convenient to read from a smartphone, thanks to a large range of brightness.
There is also a separate reading mode in the settings; when it is turned on, the entire color scheme goes into yellow tones. There is also a slider that adjusts the intensity of such a transition. I did not like the reading mode, according to my feelings, my eyes get tired of it even more. In general, there are a lot of color gamut settings, I was separately pleased with the ability to turn on the display with a double tap.
The oleophobic coating is excellent, in no way inferior to flagships from other major brands. The finger glides perfectly on the glass, it is convenient to use swipes.
Summing up: the screen in the model is excellent, it is a pleasure to use it.
operating system
The device runs Android 6.0 and MIUI 8.0. For the umpteenth time I promise to tell you more about the shell, I think the time has come to do it. Below I will list the main features of MIUI, although, in an amicable way, it deserves a separate review.
Work tables. The launcher in MIUI has not changed much over the past time, it still uses the display of all applications at once on desktops and oval rims for the icons of some third-party programs. Interestingly, the settings are called here by pinching with two fingers, a long press does not work. I liked the sorting mode for applications, when you turn it on, you can add as many icons to the bottom panel as you like, and then scatter them across the desktops. A kind of help in general cleaning on the desktop.
Dialer. The MIUI dialer has long been the benchmark for many users, and I myself use the exDialer application made on its basis. The program supports the Russian language, there is a search for T9, setting actions for swipes left and right, a separate blacklist and call recording. Unfortunately, in Russian versions of Xiaomi smartphones, for some reason, it is the search for Russian contacts that does not work, I do not know what this is connected with.
SMS messages. The application is quite simple, but if you are logged in to your Mi-account, then it automatically makes a backup copy of your correspondence.
Browser. I love that the browser home page is represented by shortcuts to popular pages, so it's easy to navigate to the desired page from here. Of course, you can add your own links, swap them, or delete them. But the separate reading mode does not work well, when you turn it on on our website, the pictures are automatically squished.
Curtain of notifications. In MIUI 8, they refused to split the curtain into two parts, and this is the right decision, when you lower it, you immediately see four shortcuts and a brightness adjustment slider. The transition to the next buttons is done by a horizontal swipe, as in TouchWiz. A long press of the button opens the settings of the corresponding interface, which is convenient.
Screenshots. Now, after taking a screenshot, it hangs for about three seconds in the upper right corner, if you click on it, then the settings for editing and sending it will open. MIUI can also take long screenshots.
Second space. The ability to create an additional user on a smartphone. This is convenient if you want to use different accounts for the same applications at work and at home, for example.
Dual applications. Well, if you just need to have two accounts in some WhatsApp, then for this you can use this function, which creates a copy of it within one account.
Permissions. MIUI has a very detailed panel with application permissions, in which you can fine-tune which interfaces and functions a particular program will have access to and which ones will not.
One-handed operation mode. To enter this mode, slide your finger from the center to the left touch button, and to exit - tap on the dark area of \u200b\u200bthe screen. In the settings you can set which diagonal emulation you want to use.
Keys. For the bottom buttons, there is a fine tuning of actions for both short and long presses.
Headphones. And MIUI can also customize the actions for the buttons on the headset. This is convenient if you want to switch to the previous / next track instead of switching the volume.
In general, the whole MIUI is made in such a way that you can customize any sneeze, for which geeks love it.
Performance
I received several requests from our regular readers with regard to testing the performance of devices, in particular, they asked to add results from GeekBench, measure the write speed of reading a card, and also check the operation of the device in WoT Blitz. I think the Mi 5s review is a great reason to start doing all this.
The smartphone runs a top-end chipset from Qualcomm and has a good internal memory speed, this is felt in all work scenarios: desktops and browsers scroll quickly, all toys are launched at maximum settings. Now about WoT: Blitz, it also runs at maximum settings, there are no jams or delays, the picture in the toy is simply amazing.
After 15 minutes of playing, the smartphone gets very hot, the body temperature rises to 45 degrees. The back cover gets hot, you can see it.
With everyday use, there are no such problems, the body of the smartphone is only slightly warm.
Autonomous work
I also redesigned the battery life section a bit. Now, instead of testing the battery life when watching HD video and reading mode, I will measure the battery life when watching an FHD YouTube video and playing WoT. And, of course, my daily use routine hasn't gone anywhere either.
When using Mi 5s, you can safely count on one day of work, there are no super impressive results here.
The smartphone supports Qualcomm QuickCharge 3.0 technology, in half an hour the device is charged by 41%, in an hour - by 83%, the full charging time is about 100 minutes. Unfortunately, you need a separate charger to use this mode.
Camera
I asked Roman Belykh to rate the quality of the Mi 5s shooting, below is his detailed comment:
During the day, the camera shoots perfectly, there are practically no complaints, the only thing I would like is a little higher detail. The focus is instant, precise.
