Xiaomi launched a budget friendly smartphone called Desh Ka Smartphone the Redmi 5A. This is upgraded version of Redmi 4A, though there is hardly any difference but the big noticeable difference is the price. Redmi 5A will be available for Rs. 4,999.

So here is the 5A the talked about Desh Ka Smartphone. It is Snapdragon 425 quad core powered that does a very good job for normal usage. MIUI 9 runs out of the box and that adds more glamour. Overall performance is great.

When you use this handset it does not feel like a Rs. 4,999 handset  – in fact it gives you the feel of a premium smartphone. Take any smartphone out there under Rs. 5,000 compare it and you will want to go for the Redmi 5A.

Redmi 5A review

Redmi 5A features, specifications

Inside the box (unboxing the Redmi 5A) :  Handset, user manual, SIM Tray ejector PIN, data cable (USB to micro USB) and travel charger 5V/1A
Body : Plastic body with metallic finishing, available in Dark grey, Gold and Rose gold. Easy to hold and use. Build and finishing very good
SIM Type : Nano + Nano + Micro SD card slot – you can use all 3 together
Weight & dimensions : 135 grams, 140 × 70.1 × 8.35mm
SAR value : 1.072 (Head) and 0.910 (body)
Screen  : 5 inches, 1280 x 720 pixels. Color reproduction, viewing angles and touch response are very good considering the price
Connectivity :  4G, VoLTE, (Video call),(works on both SIM – but you can use 4G on only one SIM), Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth
Sensors : Accelerometer, Proximity, Light, Magnetic, Step Counter
Security and Extra : No finger print sensor but there is IR blaster
LED Notification : Yes
OTG : Yes supported
RAM : 2GB (about 800MB free on first boot)
ROM : 16GB (about 11GB free on first boot)
OS : MIUI 9 based on Android Nougat 7.1.2

Redmi 5A quality

Redmi 5A Performance

CPU :  Snapdragon 425 64 bit qua core @ 1.4GHz
GPU :  Adreno 308 @ 500MHz
Heating : Medium
Max Battery Temperature : 39 degrees

Decent hardware, decent performance – not for gaming but can play in low resolution mode. Heat up is under control.

Redmi 5A back panel

Redmi 5A Benchmark

Antutu : 36821 / 2531
NenaMark3 :  59.3 fps (3-3)
Multi Touch : 10 points
Disk Speed :  170 MB/s read  and 72 MB/s write

Redmi 5A 5 inch HD screen

Redmi 5A Gaming Review

I tried Modern Combat 5 it lagged and then I played Asphalt 8, it was smooth in medium quality mode. Since this handset is using a quad core processor you can play games in lower visual quality mode.  Not really made for gaming users.

Redmi 5A 13Mp rear camera

Redmi 5A  Camera  Review

Rear Camera : 13MP, f/2.2, low light enhancement, LED flash
Front Camera : 5MP, f/2.0, face recognition
Video Recording : 1080p Max

This handset can focus better cause of PDAF and daylight shots turned out great. Night shot are also pretty good. Overall camera quality is average, slightly better than as seen on the Redmi 4A. Selfie is good enough. Redmi 5A camera shots are good enough to share online.

Redmi 5A side view

5A can shoot FHD videos and can play FHD videos.

Camera Rating : 3.7 out of 5

Redmi 5A camera samples

Redmi 5A camera sample hydrant Redmi 5A camera sample leaves Redmi 5A camera sample tree Redmi 5A camera sample tree rope Redmi 5A camera sample longshot HDR Redmi 5A camera sample longshot Redmi 5A camera sample night Redmi 5A camera sample night HDR Redmi 5A camera sample selfie

Download Original Image files (right click and save) (do not use it for commercial purpose, without permission of gogi.in).

Other features

Sound is loud and clear. No issues with networks. Finger print sensor is missing but there is IR blaster that you can use to control your home appliances.

Redmi 5A  Battery Review

Battery capacity : 3000  mAh (Non-removable)
Charging Time : Charge – 2 hour 30 minutes (1% to 100%) using the charger provided
Battery Life : 6 to 8 hours non-stop (moderate to heavy)
Daily usage battery life : One day to one and a half days, even more based on your usage

Battery Test Results

Battery Temp at idle : 29 degrees
Running Benchmark app :
 15 minutes / 5% / 33 degrees
Asphalt 8 + MC5 game play : 17 minutes / 4% / 34 degrees
FHD video playback with full brightness (WiFi /4G on) :  36 minutes / 9% / 39 degrees

Verdict

For Rs. 4,999 there is nothing out there to compete with the Redmi 5A. If you still have doubt visit Mi Store and check the handset, get a demo and don’t forget to carry cash / credit / debit card.

Rating : 4.3 out of 5

Redmi 5A price in India starts from Rs. 4,999 (2GB/16GB) for the first five million units, post which it will be available for INR 5,999. 3GB RAM + 32GB storage: Priced at INR 6,999.

Redmi 5A will be available from 12 noon, 7 December 2017, across Flipkart, Mi.com, and Mi Home stores, followed by offline retailers including Mi Preferred Partners in the subsequent weeks.

By Rajeev Rana

Founder and Chief Editor - gogi.in