The Xiaomi Redmi A5 redefines what to expect from an ultra-affordable smartphone, offering a host of features typically found on more expensive devices.
With a large, high-refresh-rate display, a powerful battery, and a capable camera system, the Redmi A5 is designed to provide a smooth and enjoyable user experience for a very low cost. It is a solid option for budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on essential modern smartphone features.
Design and Display
The Redmi A5 sports a stylish design with a modern, flat frame and a premium-looking camera module. Despite its plastic build, it feels durable and is rated with an IP52 rating for dust and splash resistance. The highlight of the phone is its expansive 6.88-inch IPS LCD screen. This display features a 120Hz refresh rate, providing incredibly smooth scrolling and animations—a rarity in this price segment. The HD+ resolution is a small trade-off, but the screen’s high brightness of up to 700 nits ensures good visibility, even in bright outdoor conditions. The display also boasts triple TÜV Rheinland certification for eye comfort, making it suitable for prolonged use.
Performance and Battery
Under the hood, the Redmi A5 is powered by a Unisoc T7250 octa-core processor. It is available in configurations with 3GB or 4GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 2TB via a microSD card. This combination provides sufficient power for daily tasks, social media, and light gaming. The phone runs on Android 15 (Go Edition), a lightweight version of the operating system that helps ensure a responsive and lag-free experience. The 5,200mAh battery is a major selling point, easily lasting a full day or more on a single charge. It also supports 15W wired fast charging, though a full charge may still take a couple of hours.
Camera
For its price, the Redmi A5’s camera capabilities are impressive. It features a 32MP main camera on the back, which captures clear and detailed photos in good lighting. The camera system is enhanced by AI features and offers various modes, including a dedicated night mode for improved low-light photography. The 8MP front-facing camera is also solid, producing sharp and vibrant selfies and supporting features like a fill light and portrait mode. While not a professional camera, it performs well for casual photography and social media.
Price
The Redmi A5 is positioned as an exceptionally affordable smartphone, with prices varying by region and specific configuration. In Nigeria, for example, the phone can be found for a starting price of around ₦96,700 for the 3GB/64GB model, while the 4GB/128GB version is typically priced at around ₦113,200. This competitive pricing, combined with its high-end features like a 120Hz display and a large battery, makes the Xiaomi Redmi A5 a superb value-for-money proposition.
