Xiaomi Redmi A5 (25028RN03A) Review, Price And Specifications.
Display: 6.88" HD+ (1640×720) 120hz IPS-LCD Notched Display.
Software: Android 15 (Go Edition) OS, HyperOS UI.
CPU: Unisoc T7250 (12nm).
RAM: 3GB/4GB/6GB (And up to 4GB of Virtual RAM).
Storage: 64GB/128GB (expandable up to 1TB).
Rear Camera: Dual-lens (13MP+0.8MP).
Front Camera: Single-lens (8MP).
Security: Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock.
Port: USB Type-C.
Network: 4G.
Speaker: Single.
Battery: 5,200mAh.
Charging Speed: 15W.
Starting Price:
₦95,000, KSh 8,799, EGP 4,999, R 1,998, €89, £79, $111.
Unlike most other similarly priced low-end phones, the Redmi A5 boots the latest Android OS out of the box. Yet, it comes with an assurance of major software updates—something you don't often get at this price point. The CPU that powers the Redmi A5 is also more robust than those inside the competition. This phone also features a higher megapixel rear camera and boasts a larger, more stunning display. However, its 720p display resolution remains consistent with competing models. All other features of the phone are also comparable to those of the competition. Even, the A5 lacks some essential features, such as an IR blaster, that are present on the competing models. Its charging speed is also slightly slower.
Price And Design Colours.
The Redmi A5 is available in various colour options of Ocean Blue, Lake Green, Sandy Gold, and Midnight Black. Currently, the price of the base version (3GB/64GB) of the phone is about 95,000 Naira.
Design: Big & Premium:
For those familiar with the Redmi A3 Pro and Redmi 14C, the Redmi A5 will be instantly recognizable. In essence, it shares the exact same size and aesthetic as its two siblings. Specifically, the Redmi A5 features a huge 6.88-inch notched display and both of its back cover and frame are notably flat. However, the A5 distinguishes itself with a unique, elongated rear camera bump (similar to those on the recent Galaxy A series & iPhones). The positions of its mono speaker is also somewhat unconventional (more on that later).
With its glossy finish, the Redmi A5 presents a premium appearance. While its build quality is somewhat less robust than those of pricier budget phones, it is nonetheless well-constructed and boasts an IP52 certification, offering resistance against water splashes and dust.
While a few other devices in this segment, such as the Itel P70, boast IP54 certification and more stylish hole-punch displays, they fall short on the Redmi A5's aforementioned strengths. Moreover, they typically command a slightly higher price.
Meanwhile, the Redmi A5's ports and buttons are similar to those of other phones in its segment. However, while most of them have their mono speakers on the bottom side, the A5's is placed on its top side. This is the only thing on the top side.
As usual, the phone's volume keys and power button (which also serves as a fingerprint reader) are located on the right side, while its 3-in-1 SIM tray (which can take two 4G nanoSIM cards and one microSD card) is on the left side. On the bottom side of the phone, you'll find a microphone, a USB Type-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
As usual, the phone's volume keys and power button (which also serves as a fingerprint reader) are located on the right side, while its 3-in-1 SIM tray (which can take two 4G nanoSIM cards and one microSD card) is on the left side. On the bottom side of the phone, you'll find a microphone, a USB Type-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
Big And Stunning Display:
As i said earlier, in spite of its unusually big size, the 6.88-inch display of the A5 has a 720p resolution, like other low-cost budget phones. And with its 260ppi pixel density, the display sharpness will leave you wanting. But what the screen lacks in sharpness, it makes up for with its remarkable colour reproduction. The display stands out among others with its more vivid and appealing colours.
Yet, like most others, it supports high refresh rates of 120Hz (for smoother page scrolling and swiping). It also has a decent peak brightness of slightly over 450 nits.
Under direct sunlight, however, you'll struggle a bit to see what's on the screen.
If you desire a slightly brighter screen, the slightly smaller display of the more expensive Itel A70 is preferable. However, apart from being slightly smaller, the Itel phone's display also lacks the more appealing colour reproduction of the A5 screen.
Higher Megapixel Rear Camera:
The Redmi A5 comes with an 8MP selfie camera, which we often get at this price point, but as opposed to the regular 13MP main rear camera, the phone offers an unrivaled 32MP rear camera. Photos taken with the camera look quite decent. They are sharp, clear, and moderately detailed. While color rendition is also pleasing, it's not remarkable.
Also, despite having the same megapixel count as most others in this segment, the front-facing camera of this phone still managed to deliver slightly clearer selfies.
Still, like others in this segment, the A5 can only shoot videos in 1080p at 30fps with both its front and rear cameras.
Latest OS & More Robust CPU:
The Redmi A5 comes pre-installed with HyperOS custom UI, running on top of the latest Android 15 (Go Edition) OS. Currently, the A5 is one of the very few budget phones, at this price point, that comes out of the box with Android 15. Yet, Redmi assures A5 buyers up to two years of major software updates. This, as i mentioned earlier, is something you don't even get at this price point.
The Redmi A5 is powered by the Unisoc T7250, otherwise known as the T615, CPU. Which is also the same processor that is inside the Tecno Pop 9 4G.
Though the T615 is also a 12nm low-end CPU like the Unisoc T603 and the recently unveiled Helio G50 that accompany the Infinix Hot 40i and Itel P70 respectively, it delivers better performance than them. The T615 also packs slightly better graphics power. This is because while the other two processors feature the PowerVR GE8322 GPU, the T615 is equipped with a more competent Mali-G57 MP1 GPU.
Nonetheless, the T615 (or T7520) is still a low-end processor. This means the Redmi A5 is meant for regular tasks such as social media consumption and light games. Although it was able to handle many averagely demanding games, it did so at low frame rates and medium graphics settings. And if you will be multitasking with the phone every now and then, I'd suggest you go for the higher RAM version
Speaking of its RAM options, the Redmi A5 is available in 3GB and 4GB RAM variants. While the 3GB variant is paired with 64GB of internal storage, the 4GB variant is paired with either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. In some regions, there is also a 6GB RAM variant, and it's paired with 128GB of internal storage. By the way, you can expand the Redmi A5's internal storage, via microSD card, up to 1 terabyte (1TB).
Slightly Bigger Battery, Slightly Lower Fast Charging:
Although in this segment, the Itel A70 is the king of battery. Not only is the Itel phone equipped with a huge 6,000mAh battery, it also packs a mountable 4,000mAh battery (or power bank) in its box. Still, while almost all other budget phones offer a typical 5,000mAh battery, the Redmi A5 features a slightly bigger 5,200mAh battery. However, compared to the 18W fast charging of most of them, the Redmi phone has a maximum charging speed of 15W. And with its out-of-the-box 15W charger, it took almost two and a half hours to fully charge the Redmi A5 from zero percent.
Xiaomi Redmi A5 (25028RN03A) Full Specs:
GENERAL
Maker: Xiaomi.
Name: Redmi A5 (25028RN03A).
Year Announced: March, 2025.
Dimensions: 171.7x77.8x8.3mm.
Build Resistance: IP52.
Weight: 193g (6.81 oz).
Colour: Ocean Blue, Lake Green, Sandy Gold, Midnight Black.
DISPLAY
Screen Type: IPS-LCD Capacitive Touchscreen.
Screen Type: IPS-LCD Capacitive Touchscreen.
Size and Resolution: 6.88-inch, HD+, 1640-by-720 pixels, 120Hz high refresh rate.
Aspect ratio & Pixel Densities: 20.6:9, 260PPI.
Protection: N/a.
PORTS:
3.5mm Audio Jack: Yes.
USB Type-C Port: Yes.
PERFORMANCE
Chipset: Unisoc T7250, 12nm Octa-core Processor, 1.8GHz.
GPU: Mali-G57 MP1.
RAM: 3GB/4GB/6GB (up to 4GB Extra through RAM extension).
Operating System: Android 15 Go Edition, HyperOS UI.
STORAGE
Internal Storage: 64GB/128GB.
Micro-SD card slot: Yes, up to 1TB (One terabyte).
SIM AND NETWORK
SIM: Nano, Dual SIM slots.
Network: GSM, WCDMA, HSPA+, LTE.
CAMERA
Rear camera: Dual-lens; (32MP f/2.0+0.8MP) With LED-Flash.
Front camera: Single-lens, 8MP (f/2.0) Single Front Flash.
VIDEO RECORDING:
Rear Cameras: 720p, 1080p @ 30 fps.
Front Camera: 720p, 1080p, @ 30 fps.
CONNECTIVITY:
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, HotSpots, USB-OTG.
BIOMETRIC, SENSORS & LOCATION:
Security: Face Unlock, Side-mounted fingerprint reader.
Sensors: Ambient light sensor, G-sensor, Accelerometer, Electronic compass.
Others: GPS, Location (Geo, Glonass), Compass.
BATTERY
Battery Capacity: 5,200mAh.
Wired Fast Charging: Yes (15W).
Reverse (Wired) Charging: N/a
Wireless-Charging: N/a.
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