The entry-level smartphone market has been relatively stagnant in recent years, with the focus shifting toward mid-range and high-end options. But the Redmi A4 5G looks to shake things up. With an affordable price tag starting at just ₹8,299, this device comes with several surprises under its hood. However, there’s plenty you should know before jumping into a purchase. Does this phone meet the mark, or do its compromises outweigh the benefits? Let’s break it down.
Designed to Impress
The Redmi A4 5G takes its design cues from more premium devices, ditching the entirely plastic build typical of its price range. Available in Sparkle Purple and Starry Black, the rear panel is made from glass with a sleek metallic finish. The camera module is encased in a textured design, giving it a much classier appearance compared to other entry-level options.
The device weighs a comfortable 212g, and it carries an IP52 rating, meaning it’s resistant to occasional splashes. However, this durability doesn’t extend to water immersion, as such damage isn’t covered under warranty.
That said, there are a couple of minor drawbacks. With its 6.88-inch screen, the phone feels large and chunky, further emphasized by thick bezels, particularly on the bottom. While the design feels modern, the notch at the top of the display may come across as outdated to some.
Strengths:
- Premium-looking glass back
- Sturdy design with IP52 splash resistance
Weaknesses:
- Outdated notch design
- Thick display bezels
Display Performance
At first glance, the HD+ display appears to check the basics of an entry-level smartphone, but there are limitations. The 120Hz refresh rate is an impressive inclusion at this price point, helping provide a smoother scrolling experience. However, the 720×1640 resolution doesn’t render sharp graphics, making text and images appear slightly soft on such a large display.
Brightness levels are adequate for indoor use, but the screen struggles in direct sunlight, making outdoor usage a hassle. Additionally, the viewing angles are subpar, with colors and contrasts distorting when tilted—a feature that unintentionally mimics a privacy screen.
Surprisingly, the Redmi A4 5G includes Widevine L1 certification, allowing for sharp media playback on OTT platforms despite its resolution limitations.
Strengths:
- 120Hz refresh rate for a smoother experience
- Widevine L1 certification for higher media quality
Weaknesses:
- Low resolution for its size
- Poor viewing angles outdoors
Software and Performance
The phone runs HyperOS, a simplified Android skin that attempts to make the most of its modest hardware. However, bloatware is a significant issue, with numerous pre-installed apps crowding the interface. On the positive side, most of these apps can be uninstalled, and HyperOS enforces a consistent design through its Mi Sans font, enhancing the user experience.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 processor does a decent job handling basic tasks. Everyday apps like social media and browsers function smoothly when paired with the MEMC-enhanced 120Hz display. But the 4GB RAM and UFS 2.2 storage reveal their limits when multitasking or switching between apps. Expect occasional hiccups and longer app load times.
The Redmi A4 5G is not a gaming-centric device. Even lightweight games like Subway Surfers work fine, but demanding games such as Asphalt 9 struggle to run smoothly, highlighting the phone’s limitations.
Additionally, the phone only supports 5G (SA) bands, meaning you’ll only enjoy 5G speeds on Jio’s network. Airtel users, or anyone on an NSA band network, won’t experience this feature.
Strengths:
- 120Hz refresh rate saves the day in software navigation
- Wide compatibility with Jio’s standalone 5G
Weaknesses:
- Limited 5G bands restrict network compatibility
- Struggles with heavy multitasking and gaming
Camera Capabilities
The 50-megapixel primary camera performs as expected for an entry-level phone but doesn’t go beyond the basics. Daytime shots exhibit decent dynamic range and color accuracy but lack detail and sharpness. The 2X digital zoom worsens the quality further and is best avoided.
Low-light photography is where the device falters greatly. Images appear flat and noisy, making them largely unusable. The 5-megapixel front camera delivers adequate selfies in good lighting, although portrait mode struggles with background separation. Video recording maxes out at 1080p/30fps, but footage lacks detail and stabilization, making it shaky and grainy.
Strengths:
- Passable photo quality in daylight
Weaknesses:
- Poor low-light and zoomed photos
- Average video recording performance
Battery Life
The Redmi A4 5G offers a 5160mAh battery, delivering reasonable endurance. It managed 19 hours and 32 minutes in a video playback test, and casual usage extended beyond a full day. However, charging is less impressive. While the device ships with a 33W charger, it caps at 18W, taking about two hours to fully charge.
Strengths:
- Long-lasting battery for casual users
Weaknesses:
- Slow charging despite a 33W charger in the box
Conclusion
The Redmi A4 5G is a unique offering in the entry-level smartphone market. By integrating 5G at such an affordable price point, Xiaomi has created a device tailored for first-time smartphone users or those upgrading from feature phones. However, the limited support for 5G bands, lackluster camera performance, and display shortcomings mean this phone might disappoint more demanding users.
For buyers with a tight budget of around ₹8,299, the Redmi A4 5G presents reasonable value with standout features like its sleek design, solid battery life, and smooth refresh rate. But for those willing to stretch their budget slightly, alternatives like the Moto G35 5G can deliver a more complete smartphone experience.