Android Oreo coming soon on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5
Xiaomi has confirmed that Redmi Note 5 users in India will soon receive an Android 8.1 Oreo-based MIUI update. Earlier this week, several Redmi Note 5 users in various countries had reported having received a notification for an update to the latest MIUI version that brings Android Oreo to the smartphone. However, Xiaomi had not revealed any official changelog via its MIUI forums. But now, the company has formally announced the rollout and said that it will be releasing an Android Oreo-based Global Stable ROM for Redmi Note 5 users. It has also revealed some of the key new features, including Face Unlock, that the update will bring to the handset.
With the latest MIUI update, Xiaomi says via a Mi thread, Redmi Note 5 users will finally get the Face Unlock feature. The company also noted that the new face unlocking feature will work for users in Indonesia, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam after they update their handsets. Meanwhile, other countries will get the feature later. Additionally, Xiaomi has also noted that the latest update will also include camera algorithms updates and image quality optimisation.
When Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 5 earlier this year, the smartphone came with decent specifications and features. However, it ran MIUI 9 based on Android Nougat. But now, Xiaomi is finally rolling out the MIUI Global Stable ROM based on Android 8.1 (Oreo) update for the handset. Notably, the Redmi Note 5 Pro that was unveiled alongside the Redmi Note 5 had already received the update in June.
As per the earlier report, the global version of the Android Oreo-based update brings the version to MIUI v9.6.5.5.0. Images shared by some Redmi Note 5 users had shown the latest MIUI version to be 9.6.5.0 (OEGMIFD).
The Redmi Note 5 users who have not received a notification for the latest update, can go to Settings > About phone > System update > Check for updates. Since this is an OTA update, it might take a while before it lands on your smartphone.
To recall some of the specifications, the Redmi Note 5 is a dual-SIM handset that sports a 5.99-inch full-HD (1080x2160 pixels) display. It is powered by an octa-core Snapdragon 625 SoC, coupled with 3GB or 4GB RAM options. The smartphone bears a fingerprint sensor at the back. It houses a 12-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel sensor at the front. It comes in two storage variants - 32GB and 64GB - both of which are expandable via microSD card in a hybrid dual-SIM format. The Redmi Note 5 packs a 4,000mAh battery, with 5V/2A fast charging. It measures 158.5x75.45x8.05mm and weighs 180 grams.
Catch the latest from the Consumer Electronics Show on Gadgets 360, at our CES 2026 hub.