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.

Xiaomi Redmi Y1 review

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

Xiaomi Redmi Y1 back panel

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

Redmi Y1 hydrant Redmi Y1 outdoor leaves Redmi Y1 camera sample tree Redmi Y1 camera sample tree with rope Redmi Y1 long shot Redmi Y1 long shot camera sample in HDR mode Redmi Y1 camera sample night Redmi Y1 camera sample night in HDR Redmi Y1 camera sample selfie long background Redmi Y1 camera sample selfie background Redmi Y1 camera sample selfie near car Redmi Y1 indoor selfie 2 low light Redmi Y1 indoor selfie low light

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.

Xiaomi Redmi Y1 quality

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.

By Rajeev Rana

Founder and Chief Editor - gogi.in