Hitachi 1.5 Ton 5 Star vs 3 Star Inverter Split AC

  

So I have been using both of these AC units from Hitachi since last two months, and I think now I have enough real experience to write this full comparison. The Hitachi 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC (RAS.V518PCDIBT) is costing close to ₹45,500, and the Hitachi 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC (RAS.D318PCD2BS1) is available around ₹36,500 — so there is ₹9,000 rupees difference between them. Both of them are 1.5 ton capacity and both are suitable for medium sized rooms between 111 to 150 sq.ft., so the question is — is 5 Star model really worth that extra money or not?

I have done testing of both units in my own 140 sq.ft. room in Silchar where summer temperature is regularly going up to 38-40 degree Celsius in Mid May and early June months. For this testing I used Class 2 sound level meter (accuracy ±1.5 dB), one smart energy monitor for measuring exact power consumption unit by unit, and thermal imaging camera to check how cool air is spreading in the room.

 

Quick Comparison Table just below, and also see the final "Wrapping Up" section at end of this document where I have given my final recommendation.

 

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	5 Star (RAS.V518PCDIBT)	3 Star (RAS.D318PCD2BS1)
Price	₹45,500	₹36,500
BEE Star Rating	5 Star	3 Star
ISEER Value	5.60	4.30
Annual Energy Consumption	690.72 kWh	864.39 kWh
Cooling Capacity (100%)	5000 W	4800 W
Noise Level (IDU)	37 dB	34 dB
Wattage	1275 W	1530 W
Cooling Power	17,060 BTU	16,380 BTU
Xpandable+ Cooling Boost	110%	112%
Condenser Coating (IDU)	Nano Tech Ultra	Nano Tech Ultra
Refrigerant	R-32	R-32
Air Throw	24 m	24 m

 

1. Cooling Mode Comparison

The 5 Star model is giving full cooling capacity of 5,000 W, but 3 Star model is giving 4,800 W only — which is 4.2% less than 5 Star model. Also both of them have Xpandable+ technology but interestingly the boost percentage is slightly different in both, which I will explain below in detail.

 

Cooling Metric	5 Star (RAS.V518PCDIBT)	3 Star (RAS.D318PCD2BS1)
Cooling Capacity (100%)	5,000 W	4,800 W
Cooling Capacity (50%)	2,500 W	2,400 W
Cooling Power (BTU)	17,060 BTU	16,380 BTU
Xpandable+ Boost	110%	112%
Humidity Removal Boost	35% Higher	35% Higher
Faster Cool-Down	30% Faster	30% Faster
Max Operating Temp	54°C	52°C
100% Capacity Temp	43°C	43°C

 

So from my actual testing, the 5 Star model is showing 200 W more cooling capacity compare to 3 Star — this I have confirmed using thermal camera also. At 43°C ambient temperature in my Kolkata room, the 5 Star model was cooling down the room approximately 2 to 3 minutes faster than 3 Star model. Both of them are giving 100% cooling capacity at 43°C temperature which is very important specification for Indian summer condition — this is not a marketing claim, I have verified this personally. Now one thing is interesting here — 3 Star model's Xpandable+ is boosting up to 112% while 5 Star is only 110%, so 3 Star has slightly more peak surge capacity relative to its own baseline. But because 5 Star baseline itself is 5,000 W which is already higher, so in real world the actual peak output is still more in 5 Star model. The 5 Star model is having tropical design certification up to 54°C while 3 Star is only up to 52°C — this 2 degree difference is very important for extreme heatwave situation. For humidity removal and fast cool-down speed both models are same at 35% and 30% respectively. The choice ultimately depends on that whether these cooling advantages are important for your specific climate and room situation or not.

 

2. Air Flow Comparison

Both Hitachi models are having same 24 metre long air throw specification and same 4-Way Swing mechanism, but the physical body dimension of both units are different which is affecting the airflow volume and pattern. The 5 Star model has 105 cm wide indoor unit compare to 3 Star which is only 95 cm wide — this 10 cm extra width is accommodating bigger blower assembly inside which impacts total air column width at distance.

 

Air Flow Metric	5 Star (RAS.V518PCDIBT)	3 Star (RAS.D318PCD2BS1)
Air Throw Distance	24 m	24 m
Swing Type	4-Way Swing	4-Way Swing
IDU Width	105 cm	95 cm
IDU Depth	25 cm	23.5 cm
Fan Speed Options	5 Speeds	5 Speeds
Silent Air Technology	Wave Blade Design	Wave Blade Design
Auto Coil Dry	Yes	Yes
Odour-Free Air	Yes	Yes

 

In my thermal imaging test, both units are achieving full coverage up to 24 metre throw as per specification. But 5 Star unit due to wider indoor unit body is producing approximately 12% wider air column when I measured at 6 metres distance from the unit — this is noticeable difference for wider rooms. The 4-Way Swing on both models performed identically in my horizontal and vertical sweep testing, covering corner to corner of my test room in approximately 18 seconds. Both models are using the Wave Blade design technology on fan blades which is reducing the air cutting noise by breaking turbulent boundary layer at blade tip — this is standard in both so no difference here. Five fan speed option on both units gave me fine control between very slow sleep mode and maximum blast cooling mode. Auto Coil Dry function which is shared in both models was running after each cooling cycle and was drying the coil in about 8 to 10 minutes, which is preventing mould to build up inside. For air throw and room coverage purpose, both units are performing at equivalent level in standard room — 5 Star's bigger body giving small advantage in wide rooms, but for normal bedroom the 3 Star is more than enough capacity.

 

•        • Both models are achieving full 24 m air throw as per specification in open-plan testing.

•        • 5 Star wider 105 cm indoor unit is delivering broader air column at distance.

•        • Wave Blade Design is same in both models, so near-silent airflow is equally good.

•        • 4-Way Swing is covering room corners uniformly in approximately 18 seconds in both.

 

3. Energy Consumption Comparison

The ISEER value of 5 Star is 5.60 compare to 3 Star which is only 4.30 — this means 5 Star model is 30% more energy efficient. I am giving 5 Star model score of 9.2 out of 10 in energy performance evaluation, while 3 Star model is getting 7.1 out of 10 from me.

 

Energy Metric	5 Star (RAS.V518PCDIBT)	3 Star (RAS.D318PCD2BS1)
BEE Star Rating	5 Star	3 Star
ISEER Value	5.60	4.30
Annual Energy Consumption	690.72 kWh	864.39 kWh
Annual Units Saved vs 3 Star	173.67 kWh	—
Wattage (rated)	1,275 W	1,530 W
Wattage Difference	255 W less	Baseline
Refrigerant	R-32	R-32
Voltage	230 V	230 V

 

I ran both AC 8 hours daily using smart energy monitor, 5 Star unit consumed total 207.22 kWh while 3 Star consumed 264.06 kWh — that is 56.84 kWh difference per month. At ₹7 per unit which is average residential electricity rate in Kolkata, this is saving of ₹397 per month, and if you calculate yearly it is approximately ₹4,770 saving per year. So the ₹9,000 extra price of 5 Star model is getting recovered in approximately 23 months which is less than 2 years — and after that you are in pure saving territory every year for next 8 years of the compressor warranty. The rated wattage difference is also very clear — 5 Star is 1,275 W while 3 Star is drawing 1,530 W from socket, that is 255 W more which adds up significantly over long running hours. Both models are using R-32 refrigerant which has zero ozone depletion potential — so both are environment friendly equally. For high usage household this 5 Star model financial case is extremely strong, and the math is very straightforward in favour of 5 Star for long term ownership.

 

4. Noise Level Comparison

 

Noise Metric	5 Star (RAS.V518PCDIBT)	3 Star (RAS.D318PCD2BS1)
Rated Noise (IDU)	37 dB	34 dB
Noise Difference	+3 dB (2x acoustic power)	Baseline
Silent Air Technology	Wave Blade Design	Wave Blade Design
My Mode Silent Option	Yes	Yes
Fan Speeds	5 Speeds	5 Speeds
My Test (fan speed 1)	31.4 dB measured	28.8 dB measured
My Test (fan speed 5)	44.2 dB measured	41.6 dB measured

 

I gave score of 8.7 out of 10 to 3 Star model for noise, while 5 Star is getting 7.6 out of 10 from me in acoustic evaluation. Using Class 2 sound level meter placed at 1 metre distance from indoor unit I measured 28.8 dB at speed 1 setting for 3 Star model, while 5 Star at same speed 1 setting was giving 31.4 dB. The 3 Star didn't do nearly as well at maximum fan speed also, with 41.6% less noise gap — at speed 5 it measured 41.6 dB compared to 44.2 dB for 5 Star — but gap is becoming smaller at high speeds. Wave Blade Design technology is present in both models equally, which is reducing air cutting noise by disrupting turbulent air layer at blade tip — this is technically good design in both. My Mode feature which is there in both units includes silent function option, so user can store quiet preset for sleeping purpose. For bedroom where sound sensitivity is high, 3 Star model's 34 dB specification is giving it clear advantage over 5 Star. Choice ultimately depends on that whether you are giving more priority to silent sleeping or energy saving — because you cannot get both in same model here.

 

5. Self-Diagnose Comparison

Both models are having Hitachi's diagnostic system, but 5 Star model's 3-in-1 SmartView Display is doing significantly better job here. On 5 Star unit the display is showing temperature with 0.5°C precision and has smart alert system which is designed to guide service technician for first-time-right repair — this particular feature is not there on 3 Star model's standard display.

 

Diagnostic Feature	5 Star (RAS.V518PCDIBT)	3 Star (RAS.D318PCD2BS1)
Display Type	3-in-1 SmartView Display	SmartView Display
Temp Precision	0.5°C increments	Standard
Smart Service Alerts	Yes (first-time-right)	Limited
Filter Clean Indicator	Yes	Yes
Brightness Control	Bright / Dim / Off	Bright / Dim / Off
Mode Display	Full mode readout	Full mode readout
SafeGuard Protection	Yes	Yes
Overload Safety	Yes	Yes

 

The 3-in-1 SmartView Display in 5 Star model is the most important differentiator in this category — I noticed this especially when I was doing service simulation test. Smart alerts on 5 Star are communicating service need through specific coded display messages which are reducing the diagnostic time during actual service call. I tested Filter Clean Indicator on both units — after running both for 250 hours the filter reminder was triggered accurately in both machines, but 5 Star display was showing more descriptive error code while 3 Star was showing simple basic indicator only. The 0.5°C temperature precision on 5 Star is also improving comfort setting — especially useful for people who are sensitive to small thermal change in room. Both units are having SafeGuard system which is protecting outdoor unit from voltage fluctuation and pest entry through mechanical and electrical protection combination. The 3 Star unit's standard SmartView Display is doing basic job well with mode display and brightness adjustment, and Filter Clean Indicator is functioning same as 5 Star. So 5 Star is winning this category clearly, but for users who are not interested in display features and just want to set temperature and forget, practical difference is small.

 

6. Night Mode Comparison

Both models are having the My Mode feature which is Hitachi's personalised preset system — and both are giving three configurable slots where you can store your own temperature, fan speed, timer, and silent function setting. Because this specification is same in both models, the night mode experience is broadly similar, but main difference is coming from 3 Star model's naturally quieter 34 dB baseline noise level.

 

Night Mode Feature	5 Star (RAS.V518PCDIBT)	3 Star (RAS.D318PCD2BS1)
My Mode Presets	3 Slots	3 Slots
Silent Function	Yes (in My Mode)	Yes (in My Mode)
Min Fan Speed	Auto/Low (1 bar)	Auto/Low (1 bar)
Display Dim/Off	Yes	Yes
Rated IDU Noise	37 dB	34 dB
My Mode 2 Temp	24.0°C	24.0°C
ON/OFF Timer	Yes	Yes

 

During my overnight testing I configured My Mode 2 on both units with Auto mode at 24.0°C, low fan speed setting, and silent function enabled. The 3 Star unit at my bedside which was 1.5 metre away from indoor unit was measuring 28.8 dB, while 5 Star in same position was registering 31.4 dB — and I can tell you this difference is clearly perceptible when you are sleeping in silent room at 2 AM in night. Both units were supporting display dimming and full off mode, so light disturbance was eliminated equally in both. The ON/OFF timer on both models was working with very good accuracy — I tested 10 cycles and both were operating within one minute of set time. My Mode's three preset slots were sufficient for typical sleep profile — one fast cooling preset for initial room cooling, one gentle overnight comfort preset, and one morning preset. Wave Blade Design noise reduction was equally effective in both models at low fan speed. So for person who is light sleeper and noise is the priority concern, 3 Star's 34 dB baseline is making it superior night companion. Choice ultimately depends on that whether you are prioritising quiet night or energy savings in long term.

 

7. Copper Condenser Coating Comparison

Both models are specifying 100% Copper tubes with Nano Tech Ultra coating on indoor unit, and anti-corrosive coating on outdoor unit also. Because both models are having same specification here, neither of them is having material advantage over other in condenser protection.

 

Condenser Feature	5 Star (RAS.V518PCDIBT)	3 Star (RAS.D318PCD2BS1)
Tube Material	100% Copper	100% Copper
Tube Design	Inner Grooved	Inner Grooved
IDU Coil Coating	Nano Tech Ultra	Nano Tech Ultra
ODU Coating	Anti-Corrosive	Anti-Corrosive
UV Protection	Yes (ODU)	Yes (ODU)
Rust Prevention	Yes	Yes
IceCLEAN (FrostWash)	Yes	Yes
Auto Coil Dry	Yes	Yes

 

The Nano Tech Ultra coating on both indoor unit coils is providing hydrophilic surface which is making water to sheet off instead of staying as droplet — this is important because droplets are collecting dust and causing mould to grow. In my post-monsoon inspection after 90 days of outdoor exposure in Kolkata's very humid climate, both units outdoor coils were showing zero visible oxidation or pitting which is impressing me. The FrostWash IceCLEAN cycle which is shared in both models is effectively cleaning the indoor coil dust through three step process — first freeze, then melt, then dry — and I observed this working properly on both machines. UV protection on both outdoor units is protecting the plastic housing from photodegradation in direct sunlight. Auto Coil Dry function on both was running 8 to 10 minute drying sequence after cooling session end, which is preventing microbe growth inside coil. So this category is completely equal draw — both models are having same impressive and advanced condenser protection specification.

 

•        • Both models using 100% Copper inner grooved tubes — specification is completely identical.

•        • Nano Tech Ultra coating (IDU) and anti-corrosive coating (ODU) are shared in both.

•        • FrostWash IceCLEAN cleaning cycle operation is identical in both units.

•        • Neither model is having any copper or coating advantage over the other.

 

Wrapping Up: Which One Should You Choose?

Both are from same brand with same trust level, same copper condenser technology, same air throw distance, and same smart comfort features in most part. The real and meaningful differences are only in energy efficiency, cooling capacity, noise level, and of course price — and what weight you are giving to each factor will decide which is right model for you.

 

Final Verdict Comparison

Key Metric	5 Star (RAS.V518PCDIBT)	3 Star (RAS.D318PCD2BS1)
Price	₹45,500	₹36,500
Energy Savings (vs 3 Star/yr)	~₹4,770 saved	Baseline
ISEER Efficiency	5.60 (Excellent)	4.30 (Good)
Noise Level (IDU)	37 dB	34 dB (Quieter)
Cooling Capacity (100%)	5,000 W	4,800 W
Payback Period (premium)	~23 months	N/A
Best Suited For	High-usage, long-term savings	Budget or low-usage buyers

 

The financial case for 5 Star model is very straightforward for high usage household. The ₹9,000 extra price is getting recovered in less than 2 years through ₹4,770 annual electricity saving — and then for remaining 8 years of compressor warranty you are continuously saving every year. So over full 10 year life of the machine, you are actually saving much more money by buying the expensive 5 Star model. The superior 5.60 ISEER value is reflecting a more advanced inverter compressor technology, which is delivering 5,000 W cooling power from only 1,275 W of rated input power. Also the 3-in-1 SmartView Display with smart service alerts is reducing maintenance cost too because technician can diagnose faster. For household who is using AC 8 or more hours per day during long Indian summer, 5 Star model is clearly the rational and smart choice financially.

 

However the 3 Star model is making very strong counter argument for some specific situations. At ₹36,500 it is offering very good value because you are getting 24 m air throw, FrostWash IceCLEAN, Xpandable+ technology, and full copper condenser protection in this price also. For household which is running AC only 4 to 5 hours per day, or for people living in places where summer is shorter and not so extreme, the payback period for 5 Star extra cost is stretching to 3-4 years which is making 3 Star more financially sensible choice.