Xiaomi is back, surprising us with the next generation in their earbuds line – the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5.
In this review, we’ll explore the main features, design, performance, and overall value of these new wireless earbuds. Priced around $30, the Redmi Buds 5 are positioned as affordable yet feature-packed audio gadgets.
Let’s see if they live up to the expectations!
Unboxing and First Impressions
Upon unboxing, I received the Redmi Buds 5 in light blue variants.
The packaging is straightforward with earbuds pictures, and as these are released exclusively in China, for now, expect Chinese inscriptions.
Inside the box, you’ll find the earbuds, a charging cable, silicon ear tips in various sizes, and a Chinese user manual.
A nice touch is the color-matching silicon ear tips with the earbuds.
Before deep into the review here are the full specs of the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5:
| Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Colors | Black, White and Light Blue |
| Dimensions (Earbud) | 30 x 22 x 24 mm |
| Weight (Earbud) | 5g |
| Dimensions (Charging Case) | 60 x 50 x 22 mm |
| Weight (Charging Case) | 42g (with earbuds inside) |
| Active Noise Cancelling | Up to 46 dB |
| Driver Size | 12.4 mm Dynamic Driver |
| Battery Capacity (Earbud) | 150mAh |
| Battery Capacity (Charging Case) | 500mAh |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | 10 hours (ANC off) |
| Total Battery Life (with Case) | 40 hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Water Resistance | IP54 |
| Price | About $30 |
Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5: Design and Build Quality
Charging Case
The Redmi Buds 5 showcases a revamped design, starting with the charging case.
Made from matte plastic and complemented with glossy accents, it features a power button on the side and a USB-C port at the front.
There’s a small LED indicator outside and a larger one inside, visible upon opening the case.
Earbuds
The earbuds themselves have also undergone a design overhaul compared to Redmi Buds 4.
They retain the silicon ear tips (essential for active noise cancelling), but now include stems, presumably enhancing the microphone quality.
The earbuds’ outer part is matte, with a noticeable touch panel. The panel is particularly distinct in the white version, featuring a silver accent.
Comfort and Fit
Despite no explicit waterproof rating, the earbuds fit comfortably and securely in the ears, suitable for daily use but perhaps not for intense sports or water activities.
Each earbud measures 30x22x24 mm and weighs a mere 5g, ensuring a comfortable fit without strain.
Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5: Control Functions and App
The Redmi Buds 5 offer a range of control functions. By default, you can double-tap on either earbud to play or pause music.
A triple-tap on the left or right earbud allows you to switch to the next track.
Additionally, pressing and holding either earbud for 2 seconds toggles between noise reduction and transparency modes.
They also serve for accepting or rejecting phone calls.
One standout feature is the in-ear detection, which automatically pauses music when you remove one earbud and resumes when you put it back in.
However, the control functions can be customized further through the mobile app.
The app provides options for customizing single tap and double-tap actions, including functions like previous song, volume control, and more.
While we’re on the topic of the app, it’s worth noting that pairing these earbuds can be a bit finicky, especially with iPhones.
Ensure your app region is set to mainland China to detect the Redmi Buds 5.
In the app, you can check battery levels, switch between noise reduction modes, and even update firmware.
Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5: Features and Sound
Latency Test
Regrettably, the Redmi Buds 5 don’t offer a dedicated game mode. Testing the latency in games revealed a noticeable delay, which might affect the gaming experience for some users. This is a downside, especially if you’re an avid mobile gamer.
Microphone Test
The Redmi Buds 5 are equipped with dual microphones and claim to withstand wind noise at 6 m/s.
While we couldn’t test this in a real wind scenario, we simulated noise with a TV.
The results were impressive, with the earbuds clearly capturing audio even in noisy conditions.
Sound Quality
One of the standout features of the Redmi Buds 5 is their impressive sound quality.
Boasting a large 12.4 mm dynamic driver and a titanium-coated diaphragm, these earbuds are tuned by Xiaomi’s acoustic lab.
The mobile app offers audio effects like standard, enhanced treble, enhanced bass, and enhanced voice.
This allows users to customize their sound experience to a certain extent.
In our tests, we found that the Redmi Buds 5 delivered excellent sound quality across various music genres.
Vocals were crisp, and the bass had a satisfying punch. Whether you’re into heavy rock or hip-hop, these earbuds offer a pleasant listening experience at all volume levels.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Redmi Buds 5 come equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC) that boasts an impressive 44 dB of noise reduction.
To put this to the test, we measured ambient noise levels and found that the earbuds effectively canceled out background noise up to 50 dB, making them ideal for quieter environments such as libraries and offices. Even at 60 dB, the noise was significantly reduced.
The earbuds feature three levels of noise reduction – mild, balanced, and deep, which automatically adjust based on your surroundings.
This feature is particularly useful for those on the go in bustling city environments.
Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5: Battery Life
Last but not least, let’s talk about battery life. Each Redmi Bud 5 earbud has a 150 mAh battery, while the charging case packs a 500 mAh battery.
On a single charge, the earbuds can last up to 10 hours with ANC turned off. With the charging case, you can get a total battery life of up to 40 hours.
This significant improvement in battery life compared to the previous generation is a definite plus.
Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Improved design with dual LED indicators and appealing earbud stems.
- Effective ANC and sound customization options.
- Impressive battery life.
Cons
- Lack of water protection information.
- No gaming mode, affecting latency in gaming scenarios.
Final Thoughts
The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 offers an impressive package at an affordable price point.
With their sleek design, customizable controls, and outstanding sound quality, they are a strong contender in the budget wireless earbuds market.
While they have their limitations, such as the absence of water resistance and a dedicated gaming mode, their overall performance and value for money make them a worthwhile choice for anyone in search of budget-friendly wireless earbuds with advanced features.
So, if you’re on a tight budget and seeking a reliable audio companion, the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 might just be the perfect fit for you.
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
