Xiaomi Mi5S Plus Reviews

Source: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Xiaomi-Mi-5-Smartphone-Review.169614.0.html

A cool smartphone with a dual camera, the brightest IPS display in its class, and benchmark performance.

The Xiaomi Mi5S Plus box includes:

• the smartphone itself;
• brand charger with QC 3.0 support;
• plastic bumper;
• USB → USB Type-C cable.

Appearance and usability

The model makes the same wow effect as the Xiaomi Mi Max. Slim, comfortable, large smartphone. But it is far from the elegance of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4. Neither the tempered safety glass with 2.5 D edges (a bad invention of marketers) nor the beveled edges save you. Although both add convenience when using and provide a strong grip.

The metal polished surface of the rear immediately hints that you can not do without a bumper. Moreover, the gaps between the main plate and the signal-conducting inserts are not that noticeable — you can insert a sheet of paper. The convex screen, made using 2.5 D technology, also indicates the need to purchase additional protection.

The fingerprint scanner is placed on the back cover, just below the dual-camera module. Of course, in the palm of your hand, it is very convenient, but it is impossible to unlock a smartphone lying on the table without additional movements.

The company's engineers had to go to this for the sake of providing the most comfortable grip. The area under the screen is inaccessible to the owners of a small palm. The rear position of the scanner provides a full reach of all controls for both the right and left hand. Everything is in its usual place, including the home appliance control sensor.

The sensors are shifted up as high as possible to avoid accidental triggering during operation.

Display and image quality

This Xiaomi has a 5.7-inch display with an IPS matrix. Black borders are minimal. However, unlike many competitors, the screen resolution is only 1,920 × 1,080 pixels (386 PPI).

Xiaomi Mi5S Plus has one of the best screens in its class. Color reproduction, clarity, contrast all suggest that the screen is AMOLED. However, this is a very good IPS, more tenacious than a panel on organic LEDs.

The screen has a standard 10-touch touchscreen. This provides excellent touch sensitivity and high response speed.

Hardware platform and performance

Xiaomi Mi5S Plus is equipped with the most modern Snapdragon 821 processor with increased frequencies up to 2.35 GHz. For the end-user, this is the only difference from the 820, since the video-core remains unchanged.

The smartphone has received several modifications. The basic version of the Mi5S Plus has 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal memory. The following variants received 6 GB of RAM and 64 or 128 GB of internal memory. It is worth recalling that the used permanent memory complies with the UFS 2.0 specification.

The gadget is equipped with a double slot for SIM cards. Flashcards are not supported. As it was proved by multiple users, most have more than enough built-in 64 GB. Additionally, internal memory is more reliable than flash drives.

Another plus of the Xiaomi Mi5S Plus is a full-fledged USB Type-C connector that uses a USB 3.0 controller. There is a video output to HDMI, and audio, and increased data transfer speeds. There is even end-to-end charging.

Operating system

I have never understood those who are eager for a speedy update. The release of a new system version is not a reason to update. Let them test it, then you can use it.

Probably, Xiaomi engineers agree: the stability of the operating system is more important than new raw features. Therefore, the flagship runs Android 6 Marshmallow with the proprietary MIUI 8 add-on, familiar to our readers from reviews of Redmi Pro, Redmi Note 4, Redmi 3s.

The system is concise, thoughtful, and convenient. There are settings for everything that the most fastidious user may need.

Unlike the younger Xiaomi Mi5S with a 5.2-inch screen, the Plus version has official global firmware. And it has the usual Google services, and most importantly: pressing the Home button launches Google voice search, not MIUI!

There is a simplified smartphone control mode for beginners. It disables all unnecessary functions and only the basic icons of the increased size remain. The logic of operation becomes similar to the control of an ordinary push-button phone or washing machine. So, if not for the cost, the device could be recommended as a gift to the relatives of the older generation.

The smartphone would be also a great choice for a student. Thanks to its memory capacity students can download numerous apps to make their life easier: translate from one language to another, plan the classes, take notes, and more. In some cases the smartphone assistance is not enough, then students can get supports from essay writer help to improve their grades for academic writing assignments.