In the highly competitive world of budget smartphones, Xiaomi’s Redmi series has consistently delivered strong contenders. The latest in this line-up, the Redmi A5, has arrived with some surprising upgrades for its price point. It aims to be more than just a basic phone, but does it succeed? Here’s a detailed look at the Redmi A5, covering its specs, performance, and whether it’s the right choice for you.
Design and Display
The Redmi A5 makes a bold statement with a design that looks far more premium than its price tag. It features a modern, flat-frame aesthetic and a prominent circular camera module on the back, reminiscent of high-end flagships. The phone is also built with a glass back, a rarity in this segment, adding a touch of elegance. The front is dominated by a massive 6.88-inch IPS LCD display, a key selling point for media consumption. With a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling and animations feel incredibly fluid, a feature typically reserved for more expensive devices.
Performance for Daily Use
Under the hood, the Redmi A5 is powered by a Unisoc T7250 chipset, an octa-core processor that handles everyday tasks with ease. While it’s not a gaming powerhouse, it delivers a smooth experience for social media, messaging, and video streaming. It comes in various configurations, including a generous 6GB RAM option, and supports expandable storage up to 1TB, ensuring you have plenty of space for apps, photos, and files. Running on the lightweight Android 15 (Go edition), the software is optimized to run smoothly on the hardware, promising a fluid user experience even after long-term use.
Camera and Battery Life
Photography on the Redmi A5 is handled by a 32MP main rear camera with an auxiliary lens. In well-lit conditions, it captures decent, vibrant photos for sharing on social media. The 8MP front camera is a significant upgrade and includes a “soft-light ring” feature, which helps brighten selfies in low-light environments. For video, it records in 1080p at 30fps. The phone’s standout feature is its massive 5200mAh battery, which easily provides all-day power for even heavy users. It also supports 15W fast charging, allowing you to top up the battery quickly.
Price and Buying Advice
The Redmi A5’s primary appeal is its exceptional value. With a price point typically hovering around the $90 mark, it offers a combination of features—large high-refresh-rate display, big battery, and an impressive camera for the class—that are hard to find at this price. This makes it an ideal choice for first-time smartphone users, as a secondary device, or for anyone on a strict budget.
However, you should be aware of a few trade-offs. The Unisoc chipset, while capable, won’t handle demanding games. A notable omission is NFC, meaning you can’t use it for contactless payments. If these aren’t deal-breakers for you, the Redmi A5 stands out as a strong recommendation in the ultra-budget category, delivering a surprising amount of quality and functionality for its modest price.
