Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has just unveiled its latest entry-level offering, the Xiaomi Redmi 5A in the Indian market. With a highly competitive price tag, the Redmi 5A packs some serious features for a budget smartphone.
The device comes with a dedicated microSD card slot, Infrared Blaster, the latest MIUI 9 and is powered by a Qualcomm processor. It is the successor to the Redmi 4A and comes with the latest MIUI 9.We got our hands on the Xiaomi Redmi 5A and here is our initial impression of the ‘Desh Ka Smartphone’.
Xiaomi Redmi 5A Specifications
| Key Specs | Xiaomi Redmi 5A |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.0 inches IPS LCD |
| Screen Resolution | 1280 x 720 pixels |
| Operating System | Android 7.1.1 Nougat with MIUI 9 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 |
| Processor | CPU: 1.4 GHz quad-core GPU: Adreno 308 |
| Memory | 2GB / 6GB |
| Inbuilt Storage | 16GB / 32GB |
| Storage Upgrade | Yes, up to 128GB |
| Primary Camera | 13 MP, f/2.2 aperture, autofocus, LED flash |
| Video recording | 1080p@30fps |
| Secondary Camera | 5 MP with f/2.0 aperture |
| Battery | 3,000mAh |
| Fingerprint Sensor | No |
| NFC | No |
| 4G ready | Yes |
| SIM card type | Dual SIM |
| Dimensions | 140.4 x 70.1 x 8.4 mm |
| Weight | 137 grams |
| Price | 2GB RAM – Rs. 4,999 3GB RAM – Rs. 6,999 |
Physical overview
The Xiaomi Redmi 5A bears similar looks to its predecessor. It comes with a plastic build but feels pretty solid. The phone is slim as well as lightweight. The front of the phone features the display and capacitive navigation keys, with the camera and earpiece on top.
The back of the device is plastic and houses the rear camera and flash on the top-left corner. With a ‘Mi’ branding at the lower center, the back also houses the speakers towards the bottom.
On the left side, you will find two ejectable trays, one being the SIM 1 and microSD card tray and the other one is for SIM 2.
The right side of the device sports the lock button and the volume rockers, which are made of plastic.
You will find an Infrared Blaster and a 3.5mm earphone jack on the top side of the phone.
The Redmi 5A features a Micro USB port and a microphone at the bottom.
Display
The Xiaomi Redmi 5A shares the same display as the Redmi 4A. It is a 5-inch IPS LCD panel with HD (1280 x 720 pixels) resolution. It is a crisp display and despite the basic resolution, you can use the phone under direct sunlight.
The display is also easy to dim and comfortable for low light usage. There is no lag or stickiness in the display. The panel is responsive and the vibration feedback is also good.
Cameras
In terms of optics, the Redmi 5A features a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera. The rear camera comes with flash and the camera user interface is also simple. It is a feature loaded camera that comes with multiple inbuilt filters. Here are the camera samples of the Xiaomi Redmi 5A
Daylight Samples
This phone’s camera is responsive and snappy in natural light usage. It is quick to focus and captures detail with no shutter lag. The focus is also quick to adjust and shift.
Artificial light samples
While the detail retention is affected here, the Xiaomi Redmi 5A captures good images in artificial lighting. There is no shutter lag and the phone manages to focus accurately too.
Low Light Samples
The camera started to show shakes and minimal shutter lag in low light imaging. Without flash firing, the details were not captured, and if you fire the flash, the intensity overexposed the image. However, manual mode is a good option if you want a good low light photo on the Redmi 5A.
Hardware and Performance
Xiaomi has offered good hardware on the Redmi 5A. The phone runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 quad-core processor. There are two variants of the phone i.e. 2GB RAM with 16GB internal storage, and 3GB RAM with 32GB storage. You also get up to 128GB expandable memory using a microSD card.
For performance, the phone runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat with the latest MIUI 9 on top. The MIUI also helps optimize the RAM and performance. While there are certain frame skips while gaming, this phone is good for an entry-level device.
Battery and Connectivity
You get a 3,000mAh battery on the Xiaomi Redmi 5A. While this should last for a full day of moderate usage, a bigger battery is always appreciated. It is a dual SIM 4G VoLTE smartphone with WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, Micro USB port, 3.5mm earphone jack and an Infrared Blaster.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Redmi 5A starts at a price of Rs. 4,999 for the first 5 million customers. After that, the price will be Rs. 5,999 for the 2GB+16GB variant. At this price, it is a good phone and comes loaded with features and premium looks.
We think that Xiaomi should have given a fingerprint sensor or metal body on the Redmi 5A for a more premium feel, but the device is good with the current specifications as well.
