Redmi A4 5G
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetics
The Redmi A4 5G comes with a minimalist design language, featuring clean lines and a matte finish that gives it a premium look. The phone is available in three colors: Midnight Black, Frosted Blue, and Sunlight Gold. Each color option has its unique charm, with the matte texture effectively resisting fingerprints and smudges.
Ergonomics
Weighing around 200 grams, the Redmi A4 5G strikes a balance between sturdiness and comfort. Its slightly curved edges make it easy to hold, even during prolonged usage. The button placement is intuitive, with the volume rocker and power button conveniently located on the right side.
Durability
The phone is constructed with polycarbonate materials that feel solid. While it lacks official IP ratings for water and dust resistance, the device is coated with P2i nano-coating, offering some protection against accidental splashes.
Display
Specifications
- Size: 6.6 inches
- Resolution: Full HD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels)
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Panel Type: IPS LCD
- Peak Brightness: 600 nits
The Redmi A4 5G boasts a large 6.6-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is a standout feature in its price segment. The screen delivers sharp visuals, vibrant colors, and smooth transitions, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming.
Performance
While it doesn’t feature an AMOLED panel, the IPS LCD performs admirably, offering good viewing angles and sufficient brightness for outdoor usage. The 120Hz refresh rate enhances scrolling and gaming experiences, making the interface feel snappy and responsive.
Performance
Chipset and Processing Power
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6020
- CPU: Octa-core (2x Cortex-A76 at 2.2 GHz & 6x Cortex-A55 at 2.0 GHz)
- GPU: Mali-G57 MC2
- RAM Options: 6GB / 8GB
- Storage Options: 128GB / 256GB (UFS 2.2)
The Redmi A4 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 chipset, a capable performer in the budget 5G category. The octa-core processor handles multitasking efficiently, while the Mali-G57 GPU ensures decent gaming performance.
Real-World Usage
In daily tasks such as browsing, streaming, and social media, the device performs without noticeable lags. Casual games like Candy Crush run seamlessly, while more demanding titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty are playable at medium settings without significant frame drops.
Software
MIUI 14 on Android 13
The phone runs on MIUI 14, based on Android 13, offering a host of customization options and features. Xiaomi has minimized bloatware in this version, but some pre-installed apps are still present. Fortunately, most of these can be uninstalled.
Features
- Customization: Themes, widgets, and gesture controls enhance the user experience.
- Security Updates: The device comes with a promise of two years of software updates and three years of security patches.
- 5G Integration: MIUI optimizations ensure smooth 5G connectivity, maximizing data speeds and reliability.
Camera
Specifications
- Rear Camera:
- Main: 50MP, f/1.8
- Depth: 2MP, f/2.4
- Front Camera: 8MP, f/2.0
Performance
The 50MP primary sensor is a highlight, capturing sharp and detailed images in daylight. Colors are vibrant yet natural, and the dynamic range is impressive for the price point. However, low-light photography is where the Redmi A4 5G shows limitations. The absence of optical image stabilization (OIS) leads to noise in darker environments, though the dedicated Night Mode helps improve results to an extent.
Portraits are decent, with good edge detection and background blur, thanks to the 2MP depth sensor. The front-facing 8MP camera is adequate for selfies and video calls but struggles slightly in low-light conditions.
Video Recording
The device supports 1080p video recording at 30fps. Videos are stable and well-detailed under good lighting but lack the finesse of higher-end devices in dynamic scenarios.
Battery Life
Specifications
- Capacity: 5000mAh
- Charging Speed: 33W fast charging
- Charger Included: Yes
The 5000mAh battery ensures a full day of moderate to heavy usage. On average, the Redmi A4 5G delivers around 6-7 hours of screen-on time, making it ideal for users who need reliable endurance.
The included 33W charger takes the phone from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes, with a full charge achieved in under 90 minutes. While not industry-leading, this is more than acceptable for its price range.
Connectivity
5G and Network Performance
Equipped with support for multiple 5G bands, the Redmi A4 5G ensures compatibility with global networks. During testing, download and upload speeds were consistently impressive, especially in areas with strong 5G coverage.
Additional Features
- Dual SIM support
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.2
- GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, and BDS
- USB-C port
- 3.5mm headphone jack
Audio
The Redmi A4 5G features stereo speakers, which deliver loud and clear audio. While bass response is limited, the overall sound quality is satisfactory for watching videos and casual music listening. The 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome addition for audiophiles who prefer wired connections.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable pricing with 5G support
- Smooth 120Hz display
- Solid build quality and design
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Long-lasting battery with fast charging
- Decent camera performance in daylight
Cons
- IPS LCD instead of AMOLED
- Limited low-light camera capabilities
- MIUI’s occasional ads and pre-installed apps
- No IP rating for water and dust resistance
Verdict
The Redmi A4 5G delivers exceptional value for money, offering a well-rounded package that includes a high-refresh-rate display, reliable performance, and solid battery life. While it may not compete with flagship models, it comfortably meets the needs of budget-conscious consumers seeking a capable 5G smartphone.
At its price point, the Redmi A4 5G is hard to beat, making it a strong contender for anyone looking to step into the world of 5G without breaking the bank.