In an era where 5G connectivity is slowly becoming the norm, affordability remains a key concern for many consumers. Xiaomi’s Redmi A series has long been a favorite among budget-conscious smartphone buyers, offering great value for money. The latest iteration, the Redmi A4 5G, is being hailed as a game-changer in this regard, boasting the distinction of being India’s most affordable 5G smartphone, starting at just Rs 8,498.
At this price, it’s a compelling choice for anyone looking to upgrade to a 5G device without breaking the bank. But does it really deliver on its promise? While the Redmi A4 offers a solid overall package for its price, it comes with one major flaw that might make you think twice before purchasing.
Design and Display: A Familiar Aesthetic
The design of the Redmi A4 5G follows the minimalist aesthetic that is common in the budget segment. The phone has a plastic back and frame, but it feels solid in the hand, with a smooth finish that makes it comfortable to hold. The rear camera module is neatly placed and doesn’t protrude too much, giving the phone a clean and sleek look. The available color options – black, blue, and green add to the visual appeal, catering to a variety of personal preferences.
The 6.5-inch IPS LCD display is large and offers decent brightness levels, which is a plus for a phone in this price range. It’s an ideal size for media consumption, browsing, and general use. However, when compared to more expensive models, the display’s resolution (HD+) might feel underwhelming, especially for those used to Full HD screens. But for the price, it’s perfectly serviceable for casual tasks.
Performance: A Smooth 5G Experience
The real highlight of the Redmi A4 5G is its performance. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, this budget device can handle daily tasks such as social media browsing, watching videos, and light gaming with ease. The Dimensity 700 also brings 5G connectivity to the table, making the Redmi A4 one of the most affordable 5G-enabled smartphones in the market.
With 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD), users get a reasonable amount of storage and multitasking power. Apps open quickly, and switching between them doesn’t cause noticeable slowdowns. The smartphone also supports 5G bands, ensuring that users can take full advantage of the faster network speeds once 5G coverage becomes more widespread.
However, while the phone performs admirably for day-to-day tasks, heavy gaming and intensive applications might push its limits. Games like PUBG and Call of Duty can run, but expect the settings to be scaled down to ensure smooth performance.
Cameras: Decent, But Not Extraordinary
For photography enthusiasts, the Redmi A4 5G is equipped with a dual rear camera setup that includes a 13MP primary camera and a 2MP depth sensor. The camera delivers good results in well-lit conditions, with colors looking vibrant and images appearing sharp. However, low-light performance is subpar, as expected in this price range, with noise creeping in and details getting lost in dim lighting.
The 5MP front camera offers decent selfies, but it’s nothing to write home about. Overall, while the camera setup is functional, it’s clear that this phone isn’t made for those who prioritize top-tier photography.
Battery Life: Stamina for the Day
The 5,000mAh battery is another strong point of the Redmi A4 5G. With moderate usage, you can easily expect to get through an entire day on a single charge. The device supports 18W fast charging, although the charging speed could have been better. Still, it’s sufficient for a budget phone, ensuring that users don’t have to wait too long to get back to using their devices.
The Major Flaw: Software Experience
The one major flaw that holds the Redmi A4 5G back from being the perfect budget phone is its software experience. The phone runs MIUI 14 on top of Android 13, and while MIUI has improved over the years, it still suffers from bloatware. The presence of unnecessary pre-installed apps, ads, and notifications can hinder the overall experience. These intrusive elements make the phone feel less user-friendly, especially for users who are new to the Xiaomi ecosystem or prefer a cleaner Android interface.
Moreover, while Xiaomi promises software updates, the frequency and longevity of these updates are often inconsistent, which could be a concern for those looking to keep their phones up-to-date with the latest Android features and security patches.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice with a Caveat
In conclusion, the Redmi A4 5G is a great budget smartphone that offers excellent value for money, especially with its 5G capabilities at an affordable price. Its performance is solid, and the battery life is commendable. However, the software experience, marred by bloatware and intrusive ads, detracts from what could have been a near-perfect budget phone.
For those who can overlook these issues, the Redmi A4 5G remains a fantastic choice for anyone looking to dive into the world of 5G without spending too much. But if you’re someone who values a clean software experience above all else, you may want to consider alternatives.
