Xiaomi operates across diverse market segments. At the high end, we find flagship devices such as the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Conversely, their sub-brand Redmi targets the budget segment with aggressively priced models. We have previously reviewed the Redmi Note 14 Pro & Redmi Note 14 Pro+. Now, we turn our attention to one of their most affordable offerings, the new Xiaomi Redmi A5. Boasting a nearly 7-inch display, a 120 Hz refresh rate, a large-capacity battery, and a 32 MP camera, all at a sub-1500 SEK price point, its specifications appear compelling.
Does the Redmi A5 establish itself as the new benchmark for budget smartphones, or are there inevitable compromises that temper its impressive specifications? Let’s investigate.
First Impressions: Design and Build Quality
Upon initial inspection, the Redmi A5 presents a more premium feel than its price suggests. Despite its all-plastic construction, Xiaomi has achieved a commendable level of perceived quality. The matte finish on the back panel effectively minimizes fingerprints and enhances grip, while the flat frame contributes to a contemporary aesthetic.
Despite its dimensions (173.3 x 79.4 x 8.26 mm), the phone’s weight of 198 grams feels surprisingly balanced and manageable. The buttons provide tactile feedback, and the side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button offers swift and reliable biometric authentication.
Notably, the device includes both a USB-C port for charging and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, features often absent in higher-priced models. Furthermore, the phone features an IP52 rating, providing a degree of protection against dust and water splashes.
The Screen: Large but not very sharp
The display is a key feature, presenting both advantages and disadvantages. Its 6.88-inch size is well-suited for media consumption and web browsing. However, the combination of this large area with a low HD+ resolution (720 x 1640 pixels) results in a relatively low pixel density of approximately 260 ppi. Consequently, text and icons may appear less sharp compared to displays with higher resolutions. That said, readability is acceptable, even for extended text passages.
The screen offers an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, contributing to a smooth and responsive user experience during interface navigation, such as scrolling through menus and on the home screen.
It’s worth noting the presence of substantial bezels surrounding the display. These are notably wider than those found on more premium devices, contributing to a slightly less modern aesthetic. This represents a clear compromise to achieve the desired price point.
The display’s brightness is adequate for indoor use, but visibility can be compromised in direct sunlight. Color reproduction is acceptable, but lacks the vibrancy characteristic of AMOLED panels.
Performance and Software
The device is powered by a Unisoc Tiger T7250 chipset. For those unfamiliar with this processor, its performance is comparable to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 680. Benchmark results from tests like AnTuTu and Geekbench demonstrate similar performance levels between the two platforms.
Our test unit features 4 GB of RAM. The phone handles routine tasks such as social media, calls, messaging, and web browsing smoothly and without significant lag. However, the limitations of the T7250 chipset become apparent under heavier workloads. This device is not ideally suited for gaming. Simpler titles are playable, but graphically demanding games struggle to maintain a playable frame rate.
The Redmi A5 runs Android 15 (Go Edition) with Xiaomi’s HyperOS interface. Go Edition is a streamlined version of Android tailored for lower-powered hardware, ensuring responsive performance for essential tasks. Xiaomi commits to two Android version updates and four years of security patches, a noteworthy level of software support for this price bracket.
Camera: Functional in daylight
The camera system is frequently a significant trade-off in budget smartphones, and the Redmi A5 is no exception. Despite the marketing emphasis on a “32MP AI camera,” its actual capabilities are more modest.
The images above, captured in daylight, demonstrate the camera’s ability to produce acceptable images with sufficient detail and reasonable color accuracy under favorable lighting conditions.
Digital zoom is available up to 10x. However, utilizing zoom levels beyond 2x is generally not recommended, as image quality degrades considerably.
While perhaps not entirely fair, the comparison above illustrates the difference between Xiaomi’s most affordable and most premium devices. The images show the same scene captured at 10x zoom with the Redmi A5 (left) and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra (right).
In low-light conditions, the camera’s limitations become more apparent. The image on the left was taken with the Redmi A5, while the image on the right was captured with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Images from the Redmi A5 exhibit increased noise, reduced detail, and blurring.
Night mode attempts to compensate for the lack of light, but the resulting images are rarely impressive.
Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30 frames per second. The absence of image stabilization (OIS/EIS) results in shaky footage. While adequate for basic video calls and quick snapshots, the camera’s performance is not exceptional.
Battery and Charging: The Star of the Show
Battery life is a standout feature of the Redmi A5. The combination of a large 5200 mAh battery, a low-resolution/energy-efficient HD+ display, and an optimized operating system delivers impressive endurance. The phone easily lasts through a full day of typical use, and lighter users may achieve up to two days on a single charge.
The phone supports 15W charging, requiring approximately 2.5 hours to fully charge the battery from empty. While not particularly fast by current standards, this is an acceptable trade-off considering the exceptional battery life.
Conclusion
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the 4GB model we tested is 1490 SEK, though it can currently be found for under 1200 SEK. At this price point, the phone offers considerable value, characterized by excellent battery life, an attractive design, acceptable system responsiveness, and solid build quality.
Compromises include a low-resolution display with prominent bezels, a camera that performs adequately only in optimal lighting, and limited gaming performance. However, for users prioritizing affordability and extended battery life, these trade-offs may be easily justified.
For users seeking maximum performance or superior camera capabilities, alternative options exist. However, for those desiring a dependable smartphone that offers all-day (or multi-day) battery life without breaking the bank, the Xiaomi Redmi A5 presents a compelling option.
Xiaomi provided a review sample for this evaluation. Provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews are conducted objectively, with the interests of our readers and consumers as our foremost priority.
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