Xiaomi 5G CPE Pro Router CB0401 Review: Qualcomm 5G, Wi-Fi 6 AX5400 & More
The Xiaomi 5G CPE Pro Router CB0401 promises a significant upgrade in home networking, boasting a Qualcomm 5G chip, Wi-Fi 6 AX5400 capabilities, and a suite of advanced features. After several weeks of rigorous testing in a variety of scenarios, I’m ready to share my in-depth review.
This review will cover everything from its setup and ease of use to its real-world performance in demanding situations, such as streaming 4K video to multiple devices simultaneously and handling intense online gaming sessions. I’ll also explore its unique features like NFC connectivity and its mesh networking capabilities. Get ready to dive into the details!
Key Features
The Xiaomi 5G CPE Pro CB0401 packs a punch with its impressive feature set. Beyond the headline-grabbing 5G and Wi-Fi 6, it includes OFDMA and MU-MIMO for efficient multi-device management, a 160MHz bandwidth for reduced congestion, and the convenience of NFC for quick device pairing. The inclusion of WPA3 enhances security, and IPv6 support promises improved network efficiency. It’s clearly designed for a seamless, high-performance experience.
| Colour Name | White |
|---|---|
| Wireless Technology | WiFi 6 |
| Band Technology | Dual Band |
| Wireless Standard | 5G |
| Model Number | CB0401 |
| Wireless Standard Value | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax，IEEE 802.3/3u/3ab |
Performance & Testing
My testing involved connecting numerous devices—smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, and gaming consoles—to the router simultaneously. The 5G speeds were truly impressive, consistently delivering download speeds close to the advertised 3.4Gbps in areas with strong 5G signal. The Wi-Fi 6 performance was equally exceptional, with minimal latency during online gaming sessions and seamless 4K streaming across multiple devices. Even with 16 devices connected, the network remained stable and responsive. The 160MHz bandwidth certainly lived up to its promise of a congestion-free experience. I experienced no noticeable slowdown even during peak usage times. The heat dissipation was also surprisingly effective, even during extended periods of heavy use. The router remained cool to the touch, a significant positive.
However, there was a slight learning curve with the initial setup. The NFC functionality, while convenient, isn’t compatible with all devices. Moreover, the range of the Wi-Fi signal seemed slightly weaker than some competing models in areas with significant obstructions.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Blazing-fast 5G and Wi-Fi 6 speeds, excellent multi-device performance, effective heat dissipation, convenient NFC pairing, strong security features.
- Cons: Slightly steeper learning curve for initial setup, NFC compatibility not universal, Wi-Fi range could be improved.
Final Verdict
The Xiaomi 5G CPE Pro Router CB0401 is a powerful and capable router that delivers on its promises of speed and performance. While some minor improvements could be made to the setup and Wi-Fi range, the overall user experience is excellent. The combination of 5G and Wi-Fi 6 technology provides a significant upgrade for users who demand consistently high speeds and reliable connectivity for numerous devices. If you’re looking for a top-tier router for a demanding home network, the CB0401 is a strong contender. I highly recommend it.
