Xiaomi has launched a selfie centric smartphone in a new series called the Redmi Y1. Check this Redmi Y1 review to get an idea about how the handset performed and if it is worth the price. This handset comes with a 16MP camera on the front and is powered by Snapdragon 435 octa core processor.
Redmi Y1 is Judwaa of Redmi Note 5A that was launched in China. The lightning image in the Xiaomi teaser images (that Xiaomi shared before the launch) – most thought was related to fast charging is actually referring to lightning speed MIUI 9.
And indeed the MIUI 9 does perform really well, very smooth on this phone. Overall performance was impressive, camera quality is also pretty good, you can check the camera section. This handset comes with 3080 mAh battery that also does a good job.
Redmi Y1 features, specifications
Inside the box (unboxing the Redmi Y1) : Redmi Handset – Model Y1, user manual, SIM Tray ejector PIN, data cable (USB to Micro USB) and travel charger 5V/2A
SAR Value : 1.092 W/Kg head and 1.440 W/Kg body
Body : Curvy design, very good build and comes with metallic finishing, very comfortable to hold and use
SIM Type : Nano + Nano + micro SD slot (128GB), you can use all 3 together, 4G with VoLTE supported, video calling option when using contacts not in dialer
Weight and Dimensions : 153 grams, 153 x 76.2 x 7.7 (mm)
Screen : 5.5 inches, 1280 x 720 pixels resolution, viewing angles, touch response and color reproduction are pretty good, 2.5D curved glass and Gorilla Glass protection – mentioned on box too
Connectivity : 4G, VoLTE (work on both SIM, but you can use 4G on only one SIM at a time), WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth
Sensors : Accelerometer, Proximity, light, magnetic, gyro, step and hall
LED Notification : Yes
OTG : Yes supported
RAM : 3GB (about 1.5GB free on first boot)
ROM : 32GB (about 21GB free on first boot)
OS : MIUI 9 based on Android Nougat 7.1.2
Unique feature : Finger Print sensor and IR blaster
Y1 review Performance
CPU : 64 bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 octa core @1.4GHz
GPU : Adreno 505
Heating : Medium
Max Battery Temperature : 37 degrees
Y1 Performance was smooth, no lags, MIUI 9 worked buttery smooth. Even when playing high end games there was no lags.
Redmi Y1 Benchmark
Antutu : 45615 / 8693
NenaMark3 : 59.4fps (3-4)
Multi Touch : 10 points
Disk Speed : 154 MB/s read and 78 MB/s write
Redmi Y1 Gaming Review
I played 3 games (Asphalt 8 in high mode, Modern Combat 5 and Real Racing 3) and all of these high end games did well without any noticeable lags.
Redmi Y1 Camera Review
Rear Camera : 13MP, flash, f/2.2
Front Camera : 16MP selfie flash, f/2.0
Video Recording : FHD resolution
The Y1 camera performance is above average. This smartphone is really good for selfies, do check some of my selfie shots in the camera sample section below. Daylight and nigh shots also turned out great. This Redmi phone can shoot max FHD videos and in video recording mode there is just the time-lapse option, there is no slow-motion option.
Camera Rating : 4 out of 5
Y1 review camera samples
Download Original Image files (right click and save) (do not use it for commercial purpose, without permission of gogi.in).
Other features
The finger print sensor on the back is really fast. You can also use dual space (two whatsapp accounts for example), app lock feature (lock apps so they open only after you use security features like pin, finger print etc). Sound is loud and clear, no issues with networks.
Redmi Y1 Battery Review
Battery capacity : 3080 mAh (Non-removable)
Charging Time : Charge – 2 hours (1% to 100%) using the charger provided
Battery Life : 5 to 7 hours non-stop (moderate to heavy)
Daily usage battery life : One day to One and a half day of battery life depending on your usage
Battery Test Results
Battery Temp at idle : 31 degrees
Running Benchmark app : 14 minutes / 3% / 33 degrees
Asphalt 8 + MC5 game play : 24 minutes / 8% / 37 degrees
FHD video playback with full brightness (WiFi /4G on) : 30 minutes / 8% / 35 degrees
Verdict
Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 5A in India and called it the Redmi Y1. It is indeed a very good handset and does well in all areas be it performance, gaming, camera and battery life. A very good buy for those looking for a powerful handset with an affordable price tag and someone who loves taking selfies.
Rating : 4.4 out of 5
Redmi Y1 price in India is Rs. 8,999 with 3GB RAM and 32GB ROM.
Y1 Handset will be available in Gold and Gray color options.
Vijeesh
Gogi ji,
Shall I go for it ? or is it better to wait for Redmi note 5? My budget and 10,000. Please suggest.
Vijeesh
my budget is 10,000.
Monu
I got update notification for Redmi Y1 now it’s 452 MB FILE
kkbangra
You have said in your review that it has a Octacore processor but at Amazon site it is mentioned that it has quardcore processor. Which is true???
Gogi Rana
Redmi Y1 is octa core and Redmi Y1 Lite (cheaper one) is quad core.
Ravi
Kindly plz share PPI of display
roopak
Hello Gogi,
I have heard Xiaomi used different camera sensors(omnivision and samsung) for the same models of redmi note 4 and redmi note 3. So please specify the camera sensor of the review handset.
Xiaomi might be sending phone with samsung camera sensors for reviewers.
preeti
hi gogi ….
you said that it has metallic finishing …so is it plastic body or metallic body ?????? …
and for volume output ..did the volume output had depth ..??? ….
i m asking this question bcz my redmi note produce good depth sound output but redmi note 4 output is very bad and redmi note 4 speaker quality output is not comparable to redmi note 3 …
so plz clarify …
W. Hasan
Note 4’s sound has the greatest depth and best quality in earphone and speaker too. Note 3 stands nowhere. I haven’t checked redmi note 5 and note 5 pro’s sounds so can’t comment. But all the predecessors of redmi 4 and redmi note 4 stands nowhere in sound quality and depth.
rohit
does this Redmi Y1 phone heat up while charging??
RUSHIKESH
Which is better redmiY1 Lit or redmi4 in price range of 6999 as I am students can’t afford more than that ? Will redmi provide update of miui9 for redmi4 ?
Wamiq
Don’t buy y1 lite unless and until u want a big display phone desperately.
hemant
They will provide miui 9 in mid November conformed i have redmi 4 too so i know that rest specifications are in front of u and choice is ur
Sethu
Does it have IR?
Sam
All Xiaomi phones has IR blaster.
Maninder
Gogi seems like u have started running or jogging…slimmer
Wamiq
He has become Xiaomi (Katrina) from Asus (Sonakshi)… Lol
nitish
Sir which will u recommend redmi 4 3gb 32gb or redmi Y1 ,.
Wamiq
I’ll recommend Y1. Think why?
Dipak
Full hd & 4000 mah are out KATRINA is in. 😃😎😎😍😍😍😘😘😘😘
Wamiq
What about 2000 price cut? This phone is priced same in China bro.
Dipak
But still not a great specs @ this price. Earlier they done with note 3, 4, note 4. But this time no excitement with this release. They should stop selling 4a and 4 to succeed it. Now a days people are Interested to buy a phone in budget segment. Do you really heard specs of y1 lite? Only separate SD card option is good. Why should not go with redmi 4. Y1 Is ok. Not great as earlier release. They also play a trick. They give review unit earlier to almost all expert. Why didn’t give y1 lite? The are not same. Sorry 4 my bad English bro.
YK
Redmi note 3 was really a great phone for the price they offered. Today lenovo is clearly matching xiaomi in nearly all price points and in some cases like offering fhd display at low prices they are ahead of xiaomi.
Wamiq
And what about 2000 less price?
Karthik
Expecting something like Mi Note 3 and a great disappointment from Xiaomi, Please bring something in 20k
Sam
thanks for redmi y1 review, major Con of this phone is Big Black Borders .
Wamiq
No I don’t think so. Plz see the videos bro I think it has same boarder width as redmi note 4.
Sam
it is clearly noticeable after watching many vids .
Wamiq
It’s 1.5 times redmi note 4.
Vikash
Redmi note 4 battery performance ~ Redmi y1 battery performance
What’s better ?
Wamiq
Almost same, (less battery with 720p display, more battery with 1080p display) but a little better in note 4.
Tpw
Note 4 ofcourse