Redmi Projector 5: 1080p for $148, but don't hold your breath for a US or UK release
Xiaomi's Redmi sub-brand has launched the Redmi Projector 5 Standard Edition in China at a promotional price of 999 yuan — roughly $148 — making it one of the cheapest native 1080p projectors on the market. After the presale window closes on September 10, 2026, the price rises to 1,299 yuan (around $190). There is no confirmed release date for the US or UK, and Notebookcheck notes that Xiaomi rarely rolls out Redmi projectors at scale internationally.
The hardware
The projector delivers a native 1920×1080 resolution and 400 CVIA lumens of brightness. CVIA is a Chinese measurement standard — Projector1 estimates that 400 CVIA translates to roughly 280 ANSI lumens, the figure used on most Western spec sheets. That puts it below the Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air, which claims 400 ANSI lumens at a similar price point in the US and UK. In a darkened room the Redmi should perform fine; bright living rooms are a harder sell.
The 1.2:1 throw ratio means the projector can fill a 120-inch screen from about three metres away. Inside sits a MediaTek MT9 processor with 1 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage — enough for a reasonable app library. A sealed optical engine is designed to keep dust out, which is a common failure point on budget projectors.
The Redmi Projector 5's built-in 360-degree metal gimbal allows flexible placement without stands or brackets.
The standout feature
The built-in 360-degree metal gimbal is genuinely practical. Most budget projectors require books or makeshift stands to get the angle right; this one rotates freely, including ceiling projection from a flat surface. A ToF (time-of-flight) laser handles auto-focus and keystone correction automatically, so nudging the unit doesn't send you scrambling through menus. Xiaomi also claims SGS certification for low blue-light output, and the projector supports its HyperConnect smart-home ecosystem for automation routines.
Native 1080p resolution and a sealed optical engine are the headline specs at this price point.
Availability limbo
The Redmi Projector 5 is currently sold exclusively through Xiaomi Youpin and JD.com in China. Xiaomi's global projector catalogue skews toward its higher-end Mi and Laser lines; the budget Redmi label has historically stayed home. If you're in the US or UK and the price appeals, grey-market imports are an option — but import duties, warranty gaps, and power adapters add cost and hassle. For now, the Anker Nebula Capsule 3 (around $300 in the US) remains the most accessible compact alternative with genuine Western retail support.
The Redmi Projector 5 Standard Edition is currently available only through Xiaomi Youpin and JD.com in China.
If a global launch is announced, expect the price to land higher than the Chinese promotional figure once local taxes and distribution are factored in.
