Redmi A5: A Budget Smartphone

In a world where smartphones are getting pricier by the day, Xiaomi’s Redmi A5 emerges as a breath of fresh air for budget-conscious buyers. Launched in India and select global markets in April 2025, this entry-level 4G phone proves you don’t need to break the bank for a reliable, feature-packed device. With a massive 6.88-inch HD+ display, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and TÜV Rheinland-certified eye protection, the Redmi A5 is designed to impress. Let’s dive into what makes this phone a standout in the sub-₹7,000 segment and why it’s worth your attention.

A Display That Steals the Show

The Redmi A5 boasts a 6.88-inch HD+ IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720×1640 pixels, making it one of the largest screens in its price range. Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite series, scrolling through social media, or reading an e-book, this expansive screen delivers an immersive experience. The display supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which is a rarity in budget smartphones. This means smoother scrolling, snappier animations, and a more responsive feel when navigating apps or playing casual games.

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What’s more, the screen is designed with your eye health in mind. It comes with triple TÜV Rheinland certifications for low blue light, flicker-free viewing, and circadian-friendly technology. These features reduce eye strain during long usage sessions, making the Redmi A5 a great companion for students, professionals, or anyone glued to their phone for hours. With up to 600 nits of brightness and wet-touch support, the display remains usable even in bright sunlight or with damp fingers—a thoughtful touch for real-world scenarios.

Performance That Keeps Up

Under the hood, the Redmi A5 is powered by the Unisoc T7250, an octa-core chipset built on a 12nm process. With two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.8GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6GHz, it delivers dependable performance for everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and streaming. Paired with up to 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM and a Mali-G57 MP1 GPU, the phone handles multitasking and light gaming without breaking a sweat. An AnTuTu benchmark score of around 260,000 to 300,000 places it firmly in the budget performance sweet spot.

Storage options include 64GB or 128GB of eMMC 5.1 storage, expandable up to a whopping 2TB via a microSD card. Need space for photos, videos, or apps? The Redmi A5 has you covered. Plus, with virtual RAM expansion up to 8GB (using part of the storage), you get a slight boost for smoother app switching. Running on Android 15 (Go Edition) with Xiaomi’s HyperOS, the phone offers a clean, modern interface. Xiaomi also promises two years of OS updates and four years of security patches, ensuring the device stays relevant for years.

Cameras That Capture the Moment

The Redmi A5 doesn’t skimp on photography, featuring a 32MP AI-powered main camera with an f/2.0 aperture. While the secondary rear sensor’s details remain unspecified, the primary camera shines in well-lit conditions, capturing sharp, vibrant shots. Night mode enhances low-light performance, making it versatile for casual photographers. For selfies and video calls, the 8MP front camera (also f/2.0) gets the job done with decent clarity. Both cameras support 1080p video recording at 30fps, which is solid for the price.

A Battery That Lasts and Lasts

Battery life is a highlight of the Redmi A5, thanks to its massive 5,200mAh cell. Whether you’re streaming videos, chatting, or browsing, this phone easily lasts a full day—or more—on a single charge. It supports 15W fast charging (some sources mention 18W), and while it’s not the fastest, it’s practical for a budget device. Xiaomi claims the battery retains strong health even after 1,000 charging cycles, so you won’t need to worry about it degrading quickly.

Design and Build: Sleek Yet Sturdy

At 193g and 8.26mm thick, the Redmi A5 feels surprisingly light for its large display. Its flat-frame design and matte, smudge-resistant finish give it a premium look that belies its price. Available in eye-catching colors like Pondicherry Blue, Just Black, Jaisalmer Gold, and Lake Green, the phone also offers nature-inspired veined patterns on some variants for extra flair. An IP52 rating adds basic dust and splash resistance, while a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and AI-powered face unlock ensure quick, secure access.

Connectivity and Extras

The Redmi A5 covers all the essentials: 4G VoLTE, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, and a USB Type-C port. It even retains the beloved 3.5mm headphone jack—a feature disappearing from pricier phones. A bottom-firing speaker delivers decent audio for media playback, though don’t expect high-fidelity sound. The inclusion of FM radio is a nice touch for those who enjoy local broadcasts.

Pricing and Availability

In India, the Redmi A5 is priced at ₹6,499 for the 3GB+64GB variant and ₹7,499 for the 4GB+128GB model. It’s available on Flipkart, Xiaomi’s official website, Mi Home stores, and offline retailers starting April 16, 2025. Globally, it launched in Indonesia for IDR 1,199,000 (roughly ₹6,100) for the 4GB+128GB version. With such aggressive pricing, the Redmi A5 undercuts many competitors while offering comparable—or better—features.

Why the Redmi A5 Stands Out

The Redmi A5 isn’t just another budget phone; it’s a carefully crafted device that balances performance, design, and affordability. Its massive display with a high refresh rate, long-lasting battery, and decent camera make it ideal for first-time smartphone buyers, students, or anyone seeking value for money. While it lacks 5G connectivity and won’t handle heavy gaming, it excels at what it’s built for: reliable daily use with a premium feel.

Compared to alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy A05s or Xiaomi’s own Redmi 14C, the Redmi A5 offers a larger screen, newer software, and better update support. The Poco C71, essentially a rebranded Redmi A5, shares similar specs but targets a slightly different audience with its branding.

Final Thoughts

The Redmi A5 is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune for a smartphone that delivers. Its vibrant display, robust battery life, and thoughtful features like eye protection and expandable storage make it a compelling choice in the budget segment. If you’re looking for an affordable phone that doesn’t compromise on the essentials, the Redmi A5 deserves a spot on your shortlist. Have you tried the Redmi A5 yet? Share your thoughts in the comments below!