Redmi A5 64GB – Powerful Budget Smartphone with 120Hz Display

Redmi A5 64GB – Powerful Budget Smartphone with 120Hz Display

Key Features

• Screen Size: 6.88 inches
• Resolution: 1640 x 720 pixels
• Display Technology: IPS LCD
• HDR Support: No
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• Smart TV Features: No
• Operating System: Android 15 (Go Edition)
• Audio Quality: Supports FM Radio and 3.5mm headphone jack
• Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS
• Ports: USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack

What Comes in the Box

• Redmi A5 64GB Smartphone

• USB Type-C Cable

• 18W Charger

• SIM Ejector Tool

• User Manual

In April 2025, Xiaomi introduced the Redmi A5 in Kenya, aiming to provide a high-quality smartphone experience at an affordable price point. Priced at KSh 9,499 for the base model, the Redmi A5 offers a range of features that cater to the needs of budget-conscious consumers. This review delves into the various aspects of the device, including its design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, connectivity, and overall value proposition.

Design and Build Quality

The Redmi A5 boasts a sleek and modern design, featuring a 6.88-inch display that offers an immersive viewing experience. The device is available in four colors: Midnight Black, Sandy Gold, Lake Green, and Ocean Blue, allowing users to choose a variant that suits their personal style. The matte finish on the back panel helps in minimizing fingerprints and smudges, ensuring that the device maintains its pristine look over time.

Weighing 193g and measuring 171.7 x 77.8 x 8.3 mm, the Redmi A5 is comfortable to hold and use. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor and AI face unlock provide convenient and secure methods to unlock the device, enhancing user privacy and ensuring that only authorized individuals can access the device.

Display

The Redmi A5 features a 6.88-inch HD+ IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1640 x 720 pixels. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and an enhanced user experience, making it ideal for gaming and multimedia consumption. The display is TÜV Rheinland certified for low blue light and flicker-free operation, reducing eye strain during prolonged use.

With a brightness of up to 450 nits and a 240Hz touch sampling rate, the display delivers vibrant visuals and responsive touch interactions. The large screen size provides ample real estate for multitasking and immersive content consumption, making it a standout feature in the budget smartphone segment.

Performance

Under the hood, the Redmi A5 is powered by the UNISOC T7250 octa-core processor, built on a 12nm process. With a combination of Cortex-A75 and Cortex-A55 cores, it delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks such as browsing, messaging, and social media. The device comes with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card. For users requiring more memory, the 4GB RAM variant is also available.

In benchmark tests, the Redmi A5 scores around 265,000 on AnTuTu, indicating solid performance for its class. GPU tests show similar performance, with scores hovering around 912,000 in GFXBench. Geekbench numbers are modest, with single-core and multi-core scores at 439 and 1,469 respectively. These numbers suggest that while the phone isn’t built for hardcore gaming or heavy multitasking, it’s perfectly fine for regular tasks like browsing, streaming, and chatting.

Camera

The Redmi A5 features a 32MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, capable of capturing detailed and vibrant photos. It supports HDR, Night mode, Ultra HD, and Film effects, enhancing the photography experience. The 8MP front camera is equipped with HDR, Night mode, Portrait, and Time-lapse features, ensuring high-quality selfies. Both cameras support 1080p video recording at 30fps.

Under bright illumination conditions, the 32MP rear camera delivers images with acceptable details along with accurate color representation. A daylight camera exposure leads to visible clarity and colorful images with good contrast levels. The camera functions well enough for everyday photography because users can record important moments without difficulty in these lighting situations.

In low-light conditions, the camera produces inferior results, leading to higher noise levels and decreased image definition, resulting in diminished detail. Users should recognize that poor performance occurs during low-light photography, which is a standard drawback in this category.

Battery and Charging

The device is equipped with a 5200mAh battery, providing all-day usage on a single charge. It supports 15W fast charging via a USB Type-C port, allowing users to quickly recharge the device and minimize downtime. The battery life and charging capabilities make the Redmi A5 a reliable companion for users on the go.

In real-world usage, the Redmi A5’s battery performs well, delivering sufficient power for an entire day under normal usage conditions such as web browsing, social media, and video streaming. The device provides reliable all-day operation, eliminating the need for frequent recharging sessions.

Connectivity

The Redmi A5 supports 4G LTE connectivity, ensuring fast internet speeds for browsing and streaming. It also features dual SIM slots, allowing users to manage personal and work numbers efficiently. Other connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, and FM Radio. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack caters to users who prefer wired audio connections.

The device’s connectivity options ensure that users can stay connected and enjoy various multimedia experiences without compromising on performance or convenience.

Security

For security, the Redmi A5 offers a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and AI face unlock, providing convenient and secure methods to unlock the device. These features enhance user privacy and ensure that only authorized individuals can access the device.

Software and Updates

The device runs on Android 15 (Go Edition), optimized for entry-level smartphones. Xiaomi has committed to providing two major Android updates, ensuring that the device remains up-to-date with the latest features and security patches. The MIUI skin offers additional features such as split-screen view and Google Assistant integration, enhancing the overall user experience.

Performance Benchmarks

In benchmark tests, the Redmi A5 scores around 265,000 on AnTuTu, indicating solid performance for its class. GPU tests show similar performance, with scores hovering around 912,000 in GFXBench. Geekbench numbers are modest, with single-core and multi-core scores at 439 and 1,469 respectively. These numbers suggest that while the phone isn’t built for hardcore gaming or heavy multitasking, it’s perfectly fine for regular tasks like browsing, streaming, and chatting.

Gaming Performance

For casual gamers, the Redmi A5 holds its own. In games like Mobile Legends, the device can handle ultra graphics settings with a frame rate averaging around 58, even during intense team fights. PUBG Mobile runs smoothly on lower settings, with an average FPS of 29 and a minimum of 24. While it’s not designed for heavy AAA titles, the Redmi A5 is more than capable of handling mobile gaming staples.

User Experience

The Redmi A5 offers a clean and intuitive user interface, thanks to the Android 15 (Go Edition) operating system. The MIUI skin adds additional customization options, allowing users to personalize their device to suit their preferences. The device’s performance is smooth and responsive, with minimal lag during everyday tasks. The large display and long battery life enhance the overall user experience, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers.

FAQ

1. What is the screen size of the Redmi A5?

   • The Redmi A5 features a 6.88-inch HD+ display.

2. Does the Redmi A5 support 4G LTE?

   • Yes, the Redmi A5 supports 4G LTE connectivity

3. How much RAM does the Redmi A5 have?

   • The base model comes with 3GB of RAM.

4. Can I expand the storage on the Redmi A5?

   • Yes, the Redmi A5 supports microSD cards for expandable storage.

5. What is the battery capacity of the Redmi A5?

   • The Redmi A5 is equipped with a 5200mAh battery.

6. Does the Redmi A5 have a headphone jack?

   • Yes, it includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.

7. Is tit water-resistant?

   • It is splash-resistant but not fully water-resistant.

8. What operating system does the Redmi A5 run?

   • It runs on Android 15 (Go Edition).

9. Does it support fast charging?

   • Yes, the Redmi A5 supports 15W fast charging

10. Is it available in Kenya?

    • Yes, the Redmi A5 is available for purchase in Kenya.

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