Xiaomi launches cheaper Smart Door Lock 5 with automatic handle

Xiaomi has expanded its automated home device ecosystem with the introduction of the Smart Door Lock 5, an affordable midrange contender that inherits the aesthetics of the flagship 5 Max model without the price tag but sits way above the budget 5C in terms of features.

The new model replaces manual lever operations with a fully automated lock body that reduces noise, addressing one of the main ergonomic complaints of cheaper smart locks. The Smart Door Lock 5 sports Xiaomi's "Stellar Black" aesthetic of the more premium models, protected by a highly durable front panel. Measuring a slim 21 mm in depth on the exterior, the lock is still quite a tough nut to crack and weighs in at a hefty 3.37 kg.

Unlocking and power features

For added safety, Xiaomi has integrated a physical anti-pinch guard rail behind the vertical push/pull bar to protect fingers (or paws) during rapid closure, alongside a dedicated physical privacy deadbolt on the indoor panel.

On the biometric front, the lock relies on a semiconductor fingerprint reader that boasts a verification time of less than a second and a 99.53% accuracy rate. For users seeking alternative entry options, or simply for those who don't want to take off their gloves, the lock also supports fixed PINs, virtual anti-peeping number combinations, single guest passwords, NFC cards, Bluetooth 5.3, and, last but not least, bog-standard mechanical keys.

Notably missing is the premium 3D face recognition seen on higher-tier models, a concession likely made to keep the entry price competitive. There is also no display or camera at that price tag, and the lock is powered by eight AA batteries that would keep it working for up to a year, says Xiaomi. When those batteries are fully depleted, Xiaomi has outfitted the lock with a unique hardware-level "Emergency Startup Button" that utilizes a small reserve capacitor to jumpstart the biometric scanner just long enough to grant access. A bottom-facing USB-C port remains available for external power banks, too, so all bases are covered.

Xiaomi Smart Door Lock 5 price and release date

The lock is currently listed on JD.com with pre-orders kicking off at 10:00 AM on November 4, followed by an official sales launch on November 10. The Xiaomi Smart Door Lock 5 is priced at the equivalent of $165, much cheaper than the flagship 5 Max and only slightly higher than the entry-level Smart Lock 5C, with regional trade-in subsidies that can lower the price even further, but global availability details are yet to be disclosed.