The smartphone market in 2025 is a fiercely competitive arena, with manufacturers vying to capture the attention of cost-conscious consumers who still demand reliable performance and modern features. Enter the Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G, a device that exemplifies Xiaomi’s long-standing commitment to delivering value-packed smartphones at wallet-friendly prices. Launched globally in early 2025, with its initial debut in markets like Bangladesh and Indonesia, the Redmi A5 4G positions itself as an entry-level contender designed to democratize access to essential smartphone technology. Priced at approximately BDT 10,999 (around $90 USD) for its base variant, this phone targets budget-minded users—think students, first-time smartphone buyers, or those seeking a reliable secondary device—who need a dependable daily driver without breaking the bank.
Xiaomi’s Redmi A-series has historically been about striking a balance between affordability and functionality, and the Redmi A5 4G continues this tradition. It boasts a large 6.88-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a robust 5,200mAh battery, and a modern design, all powered by the Unisoc T7250 chipset. While it lacks 5G connectivity—unlike its sibling, the Redmi A4 5G—the Redmi A5 4G compensates with a feature set tailored for users in regions where 4G networks remain dominant. This review dives deep into every facet of the device, exploring its design, performance, camera system, and more, to determine whether it truly lives up to the hype as a budget powerhouse.
Design and Build Quality
Materials and Construction
The Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G adheres to a tried-and-true formula for budget smartphones: a practical yet aesthetically pleasing build that prioritizes durability over premium materials. The device features a glass front, likely tempered but not explicitly branded as Gorilla Glass, paired with a plastic frame and a plastic back. This combination keeps costs low while ensuring the phone can withstand everyday wear and tear. The plastic back has an AG (anti-glare) frosted finish, which not only reduces fingerprint smudges but also lends a subtle sophistication to the design. It’s a far cry from the glossy, slippery backs of some competitors, making it easier to grip without a case.
The choice of plastic over metal or glass for the frame and back is a pragmatic one. Plastic is lightweight, resistant to shattering, and cost-effective—key considerations for a phone in this price range. While it lacks the premium feel of aluminum or glass-backed flagships, the Redmi A5 4G’s construction feels solid and well-assembled, with no noticeable creaks or flexing under pressure.
Dimensions, Weight, and Ergonomics
Measuring 171.9 x 77.8 x 8.3 mm, the Redmi A5 4G is a sizable device, owing largely to its expansive 6.88-inch display. At 193 grams, it’s on the heavier side for a budget phone, a consequence of its large battery and screen. While this heft adds a sense of sturdiness, it may feel unwieldy for users with smaller hands or those accustomed to more compact devices. The phone’s thickness of 8.3 mm is respectable, striking a balance between accommodating its 5,200mAh battery and maintaining a slim profile.
Ergonomically, the Redmi A5 4G is designed with usability in mind. The gently curved edges of the plastic frame soften the otherwise boxy silhouette, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor, integrated into the power button on the right edge, is intuitively placed for quick unlocking with either thumb or forefinger, depending on hand dominance. Buttons for volume control sit just above the power button, offering tactile feedback and a satisfying click. On the left, a dedicated SIM tray houses dual nano-SIM slots and a microSD slot, a welcome feature for users needing expandable storage.
Design Elements and Color Options
The Redmi A5 4G’s design is understated yet modern, with a few standout elements that elevate its visual appeal. The rear camera module adopts a pill-shaped layout, reminiscent of higher-end devices like the iPhone 16, housing the 32 MP main sensor and an auxiliary lens. This design choice adds a touch of contemporary flair, though it protrudes slightly, causing minor wobble when placed on flat surfaces. A single LED flash accompanies the cameras, neatly integrated into the module.
Xiaomi offers the Redmi A5 4G in four color variants: Midnight Black, Ocean Blue, Lake Green, and Sandy Gold (sometimes referred to as Beige in certain markets). Midnight Black delivers a sleek, professional look, while Ocean Blue and Lake Green inject vibrancy with their glossy, nature-inspired hues. Sandy Gold, with its muted metallic sheen, appeals to those seeking a more subdued yet stylish option. Each color benefits from the frosted finish, which enhances grip and minimizes smudges, making the phone practical for daily use.
Overall, the Redmi A5 4G’s design is a thoughtful blend of form and function. It doesn’t push boundaries like Xiaomi’s flagship offerings, but it delivers a cohesive and attractive package that punches above its weight in the budget segment.
Display
Screen Specifications
The Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G sports a 6.88-inch IPS LCD display, one of the largest in its class, with a resolution of 720 x 1640 pixels. This translates to a pixel density of approximately 260 pixels per inch (ppi), which is modest by 2025 standards but adequate for an entry-level device. The HD+ resolution ensures decent clarity for everyday tasks like browsing, texting, and video streaming, though it falls short of the Full HD (1080p) panels found in slightly pricier competitors. Text and icons appear reasonably sharp, but pixelation may be noticeable upon close inspection, particularly with high-resolution content.
The screen’s 20:9 aspect ratio contributes to an immersive viewing experience, ideal for watching movies or scrolling through social media. With a screen-to-body ratio of around 84%, the display dominates the front of the device, interrupted only by a waterdrop notch housing the front camera and slim bezels. The chin is slightly thicker than the side and top bezels, a common trait in budget phones, but it doesn’t detract significantly from the overall aesthetic.
120Hz Refresh Rate Impact
The standout feature of the Redmi A5 4G’s display is its 120Hz refresh rate, a rarity in the sub-$100 segment. This high refresh rate doubles the standard 60Hz found on most budget phones, resulting in smoother scrolling, animations, and transitions. Whether swiping through app drawers, browsing websites, or playing supported games, the fluidity is immediately apparent and elevates the user experience beyond what’s typically expected at this price point. The display also supports a 240Hz touch sampling rate, enhancing responsiveness for gaming and fast-paced interactions.
However, the 120Hz refresh rate comes with caveats. It’s not adaptive, meaning the phone doesn’t dynamically adjust between lower rates (e.g., 60Hz) to conserve battery life—a feature reserved for higher-end devices with LTPO technology. Users can manually switch to 60Hz via settings if battery life is a priority, but the default 120Hz mode is a compelling selling point that Xiaomi wisely emphasizes.
Protection and Viewing Experience
While Xiaomi doesn’t specify Gorilla Glass protection for the Redmi A5 4G, the glass front is likely reinforced to offer basic scratch resistance. The display earns triple TÜV Rheinland certifications for low blue light, flicker-free operation, and circadian-friendly performance, making it easier on the eyes during prolonged use. Features like DC dimming further reduce flicker, enhancing comfort in low-light conditions.
Brightness peaks at around 450 nits, sufficient for indoor use and moderate outdoor visibility but not ideal under direct sunlight. Colors on the IPS panel are vibrant for the category, though they lack the deep blacks and contrast of AMOLED displays. Viewing angles are solid, with minimal color shifting at extreme angles, making it suitable for sharing content with others.
In summary, the Redmi A5 4G’s display is a mixed bag: the 120Hz refresh rate and large size are standout features, but the HD+ resolution and average brightness hold it back from greatness. For its target audience, however, it’s a compelling offering that prioritizes smoothness over pixel-perfect clarity.
Performance
Unisoc T7250 Chipset
At the heart of the Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G lies the Unisoc T7250, an octa-core chipset designed for budget devices. Built on a 12nm fabrication process, it features eight Arm Cortex-A55 cores clocked at up to 2.0 GHz, paired with a Mali-G57 MP1 GPU. The 12nm process is less power-efficient than the 7nm or 6nm nodes found in mid-range and flagship chips, but it keeps manufacturing costs low, aligning with the phone’s budget positioning. The Cortex-A55 architecture prioritizes efficiency over raw power, making the T7250 well-suited for basic to moderate workloads.
Benchmark scores provide a clearer picture: the Redmi A5 4G achieves an AnTuTu score of approximately 300,000, placing it firmly in the entry-level tier. On Geekbench, it scores around 350 in single-core performance and 1,200 in multi-core, reflecting its capability for everyday tasks but highlighting limitations under heavy multitasking or demanding applications.
CPU and GPU Performance
The octa-core CPU handles routine operations—web browsing, social media, messaging, and video streaming—with ease. App launches are reasonably swift, and the phone maintains stability during casual use. The Mali-G57 MP1 GPU, while modest, supports light gaming like Candy Crush, Subway Surfers, or Asphalt 9 at low settings. More graphically intensive titles like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact are playable at reduced frame rates and graphics quality, but expect occasional stutters and heating during extended sessions.
RAM and Multitasking
The Redmi A5 4G comes in two RAM configurations: 4GB and 6GB, both using LPDDR4X memory. The 4GB variant, paired with 64GB or 128GB of eMMC 5.1 storage, is sufficient for basic multitasking—running a few apps like WhatsApp, Chrome, and YouTube simultaneously—though background app refreshes may occur under load. The 6GB option offers a noticeable improvement, keeping more apps in memory and reducing reload times, making it the better choice for users who juggle multiple tasks or enjoy casual gaming.
Dynamic RAM expansion, a software feature, allows the phone to borrow up to 4GB from internal storage, effectively boosting the 4GB model to 8GB or the 6GB model to 10GB. This virtual RAM enhances performance in memory-intensive scenarios, though it’s limited by the slower speed of eMMC storage compared to dedicated RAM.
Real-World Performance
In day-to-day use, the Redmi A5 4G delivers a smooth experience for its price. The 120Hz display complements the chipset’s performance, making navigation feel snappy despite the modest hardware. Multitasking with 4-6 apps is manageable on the 6GB variant, while the 4GB model may lag with heavier workloads. Gaming performance is adequate for casual players but falls short for enthusiasts seeking high frame rates or detailed graphics.
Overall, the Redmi A5 4G’s performance is tailored to its audience: it excels at essential tasks and offers surprising fluidity thanks to the high refresh rate, but it’s not built for power users or hardcore gamers.
Software Experience
Operating System and UI
The Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G ships with Android 15 Go Edition, a lightweight version of Google’s latest OS optimized for entry-level hardware. Paired with Xiaomi’s HyperOS, it delivers a streamlined yet feature-rich user interface. Android 15 introduces improved security, enhanced multitasking, and better power management, while the Go Edition ensures efficient operation on modest specs like the T7250 chipset and 4GB/6GB RAM.
HyperOS, Xiaomi’s evolution of MIUI, brings a clean design with customizable home screens, icon packs, and themes. It retains Xiaomi’s signature features like a robust app drawer, gesture navigation, and system-wide dark mode. However, the Go Edition limits some resource-heavy animations and features, keeping the experience lean and responsive.
Unique Features and Pre-Installed Apps
HyperOS includes practical tools like a built-in screen recorder, file cleaner, and battery optimization suite. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor pairs with AI-backed face unlock for quick and secure access. However, the software comes with a downside: bloatware. Pre-installed apps like Mi Browser, Mi Video, and third-party offerings (e.g., games or shopping apps) clutter the system, though most can be uninstalled or disabled.
Software Updates and Support
Xiaomi’s update policy for budget devices is typically conservative. The Redmi A5 4G is likely to receive one major OS update (to Android 16 Go Edition) and two years of security patches, aligning with industry norms for the segment. While this isn’t as generous as the four-to-five-year commitments from brands like Samsung or Google, it’s sufficient for a phone at this price, especially for users who upgrade frequently.
The software experience is a double-edged sword: HyperOS adds value with its customization and tools, but bloatware and limited update support temper its appeal. For casual users, it’s a functional and user-friendly package.
Camera System
Rear Camera
Specifications and Features
The Redmi A5 4G features a dual-camera setup on the rear: a 32 MP wide-angle primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and a 0.08 MP auxiliary lens (likely a depth sensor or placeholder). The main camera supports autofocus, LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes, with video recording capped at 1080p@30fps. The large aperture promises decent light capture, a critical factor for budget phone photography.
Performance in Different Conditions
In daylight, the 32 MP sensor performs admirably for its class. Photos exhibit natural colors, good dynamic range with HDR enabled, and respectable detail, especially in well-lit scenes. The higher megapixel count allows for cropping without significant quality loss, a boon for casual photographers. However, the lack of an ultra-wide or macro lens limits versatility compared to competitors with multi-camera arrays.
Low-light performance is where the camera falters. Without a dedicated night mode, images in dim conditions suffer from noise, loss of detail, and muted colors. The LED flash helps in close-up shots but can’t salvage distant subjects. Video quality at 1080p is serviceable, with decent stabilization for casual clips, though it lacks the sharpness of higher-end devices.
Front Camera
Specifications and Features
The front-facing 8 MP camera, with an f/2.0 aperture, sits in the waterdrop notch. It supports 1080p@30fps video recording and includes basic beautification filters—a staple of Xiaomi’s selfie cameras.
Performance Assessment
For selfies, the 8 MP sensor delivers satisfactory results in good lighting, capturing accurate skin tones and sufficient detail for social media posts. The wider aperture aids in brighter shots, but dynamic range is limited, often blowing out highlights in harsh sunlight. In low light, selfies become grainy, though usable for video calls with adequate ambient light. Video quality mirrors the rear camera’s: functional but not exceptional.
The camera system is a pragmatic compromise. The 32 MP rear sensor shines in daylight, but the lack of additional lenses and weak low-light performance hold it back. The front camera meets basic needs, making the Redmi A5 4G a decent pick for casual photography enthusiasts on a budget.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery Capacity and Performance
The Redmi A5 4G’s 5,200mAh battery is a highlight, offering exceptional endurance for its price range. In real-world use, it easily lasts a full day of heavy usage—think 6-7 hours of screen-on time with mixed activities like streaming, browsing, and gaming. For lighter users, two days between charges is achievable, aided by the efficient Unisoc chipset and Android 15 Go Edition’s power optimizations.
The 120Hz refresh rate does increase power draw, but switching to 60Hz extends runtime further. In battery tests, the phone sustains over 17 hours of Wi-Fi browsing or 12-14 hours of video playback, placing it among the best in its class.
Charging Capabilities
The device supports 18W fast charging, though Xiaomi includes a 15W charger in the box. A full charge from 0-100% takes approximately 2 hours with the bundled charger, while a 30-minute top-up delivers about 40-50% capacity—impressive for a budget phone. The USB-C 2.0 port ensures compatibility with modern cables, though data transfer speeds remain modest.
Longevity Insights
After over 1,000 charging cycles, Xiaomi claims the battery retains significant capacity, a testament to its quality control. While long-term testing isn’t possible at launch, the large capacity and conservative charging speeds suggest good longevity for a device in this segment.
The battery life is a standout feature, offering peace of mind for users who prioritize uptime over frequent charging. The 18W support, even with a 15W charger, keeps it competitive in the budget space.
Connectivity and Additional Features
Network and Connectivity
The Redmi A5 4G supports 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE bands, ensuring broad compatibility in regions where 5G isn’t yet widespread. Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) provides reliable wireless performance, while Bluetooth 5.3 offers improved range and efficiency for accessories like earbuds or smartwatches. GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS ensures accurate navigation, though it lacks the precision of multi-band GNSS found in pricier phones.
The USB-C 2.0 port handles charging and data, but its slower transfer speeds (up to 480 Mbps) are a minor limitation for large file transfers. Dual SIM support caters to users juggling personal and work numbers, a common need in emerging markets.
Additional Features
The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, complemented by AI face unlock for added convenience. The sensor suite—accelerometer, compass, proximity—covers essentials, though the absence of a gyroscope limits some AR apps or gaming features. A 3.5mm headphone jack, increasingly rare in 2025, is a welcome inclusion for wired audio fans, delivering decent sound quality through budget earphones.
The single bottom-firing speaker gets loud but lacks depth, making external audio devices or Bluetooth speakers preferable for media consumption. FM radio support adds utility for users in areas with limited internet access.
These features round out a practical package, with the headphone jack and dual SIM functionality standing out as thoughtful additions for the target demographic.
Storage Options and Expandability
Internal Storage Variants
The Redmi A5 4G comes in two storage configurations: 64GB and 128GB, both using eMMC 5.1 technology. The 64GB variant, paired with 4GB RAM, suits basic users who store minimal apps, photos, and media. The 128GB option, available with 4GB or 6GB RAM, offers more breathing room for larger app libraries or offline content, making it the better pick for power users within the budget segment.
Expandability
A dedicated microSDXC slot supports cards up to 2TB, a generous ceiling that future-proofs the device for expanding storage needs. This separate slot, rather than a hybrid SIM tray, ensures users don’t sacrifice dual SIM functionality for extra storage—a practical design choice.
For average users, 64GB is sufficient with cloud backups, while 128GB plus microSD expansion caters to those hoarding media or apps. The eMMC 5.1 storage is slower than UFS alternatives in mid-range phones, but it’s adequate for the price.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing Details
In Bangladesh, the Redmi A5 4G retails at BDT 10,999 ($90 USD) for the 4GB/64GB variant and BDT 12,999 ($107 USD) for the 6GB/128GB model. In Indonesia, the 4GB/128GB version is priced at IDR 1,199,000 ($76 USD), reflecting regional pricing adjustments. Expected pricing in India, where it may launch as the Poco C71, hovers around ₹6,990-₹9,990 ($85-$120 USD), depending on taxes and market strategy.
Color Options and Variants
Available in Midnight Black, Ocean Blue, Lake Green, and Sandy Gold, the phone offers aesthetic variety across regions. No region-specific hardware variants have been confirmed, though availability may differ (e.g., only 4GB/64GB in some markets).
The pricing positions the Redmi A5 4G as one of the most affordable 120Hz phones, undercutting many rivals while delivering a robust feature set.
Comparative Analysis
Competitors in the Segment
The Redmi A5 4G competes with devices like the Realme C63, Samsung Galaxy A05, and Infinix Hot 40i. The Realme C63 offers a 50 MP camera and 45W charging but lacks a 120Hz display. The Galaxy A05 brings Samsung’s reliability and a 5,000mAh battery, though its 60Hz screen and Helio G85 chipset feel dated. The Infinix Hot 40i matches the 120Hz refresh rate but uses a weaker Unisoc T606.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 120Hz display for smooth visuals
- Large 5,200mAh battery with solid endurance
- Affordable pricing with expandable storage
- Modern design with multiple color options
Cons:
- HD+ resolution limits sharpness
- Weak low-light camera performance
- Unisoc T7250 lags behind mid-range chips
- Bloatware-heavy software
The Redmi A5 4G shines with its display and battery but trails in camera quality and raw power, making it a strong value pick rather than a category leader.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G is a testament to Xiaomi’s mastery of the budget segment, delivering a compelling mix of features for under $100. Its 6.88-inch 120Hz display, 5,200mAh battery, and practical design make it a standout for cost-conscious users seeking a reliable daily driver. The Unisoc T7250 chipset and 32 MP camera handle essentials well, though they falter under demanding conditions or low light. Android 15 Go Edition with HyperOS offers a smooth, customizable experience, tempered by bloatware and modest update support.
For students, casual users, or those in 4G-dominant regions, the Redmi A5 4G is a near-perfect fit—especially the 6GB/128GB variant for its multitasking edge. Power users or photography enthusiasts may find it lacking, but at this price, compromises are expected. Ultimately, the Redmi A5 4G is a budget smartphone that punches above its weight, earning a strong recommendation for value-driven buyers.