Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G

Released on March 21, 2025, the Redmi A5 4G enters the market as a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t compromise on essential features. It is ideal for consumers looking for a reliable daily driver with modern capabilities at an affordable price.

Design & Build Quality

The Redmi A5 4G features a refined design, combining a glass front and back with a plastic frame. It measures 171.7 x 77.8 x 8.3 mm and weighs 193g, offering a solid in-hand feel while maintaining portability. The device is available in four attractive colors—Black, Beige, Blue, and Green—catering to different style preferences. Its dust and splash resistance ensures added protection in everyday scenarios, making it a practical choice for varied environments.

Display

The device boasts a 6.88-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1640 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio, offering an expansive view for media consumption, reading, and browsing. A standout feature is its 120Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth and responsive user experience. While the display does not include advanced protection layers, it delivers adequate clarity and fluidity for daily tasks and entertainment.

Performance

Powered by the Unisoc T7250 chipset built on a 12nm process, the Redmi A5 4G includes an octa-core CPU (2×1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6×1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) and Mali-G57 MP1 GPU. This combination ensures efficient multitasking and reliable performance for light to moderate usage. Users can choose between 4GB or 6GB RAM configurations, with internal storage options of 64GB or 128GB. A dedicated microSDXC slot is available for further expansion, supporting users with larger storage needs.

Camera

The rear camera features a 32MP wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture, accompanied by an LED flash and HDR capabilities. It supports 1080p video recording at 30fps, suitable for capturing high-resolution photos and videos in good lighting conditions. The front-facing 8MP camera also supports 1080p video, making it ideal for video calls and casual selfies.

Battery Life

The Redmi A5 4G houses a 5200mAh non-removable Li-Po battery, delivering strong endurance for a full day of regular usage. It supports 18W wired fast charging via a USB Type-C port, allowing for efficient recharging. While it does not support wireless charging, the device’s battery capacity and charging speed make it highly functional for users with active lifestyles.

Software and User Interface

Running Android 15 (Go edition) and Xiaomi’s HyperOS interface, the Redmi A5 4G is optimized for efficiency and smoothness, even with modest hardware. The lightweight OS ensures fast app launches and reduced background resource use. Redmi also promises up to two major Android upgrades, ensuring future software support and enhanced device longevity.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Connectivity is robust, including dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual standby), support for 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE networks, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band), Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, and USB Type-C 2.0. Although it lacks NFC, it covers essential wireless standards. The rear-mounted fingerprint scanner adds a layer of security, while the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack enhances usability for audio enthusiasts. The device also includes an accelerometer for app-based motion detection.

Market Position

The Redmi A5 4G is positioned as an entry-level smartphone with above-average features, appealing to students, first-time smartphone users, and value-driven consumers. Its large screen, long battery life, smooth software experience, and capable camera system make it an excellent choice for everyday use without the premium cost.

Conclusion

The Redmi A5 4G delivers exceptional value for its price, offering features that meet the needs of today’s smartphone users. With its modern design, high refresh rate display, reliable performance, and long-lasting battery, it is well-suited for users seeking quality and affordability. It is a strong contender in Kenya’s growing budget smartphone segment.

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