Introduction: Redefining 5G Affordability
Redmi A4 5G is a game-changer for budget smartphones—providing genuine 5G connectivity in India below ₹10,000 (~$120). Redmi has launched it as a gateway device to democratize high-end connectivity for the masses. Powered by a Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chipset, 6.88‑inch 120 Hz screen, 50 MP camera, and a humongous 5,160 mAh battery, the Redmi A4 5G delivers more than its price indicates. But is the experience smooth, or are there visible corners? Let’s find out.
Launch, Availability & Build
Launch and Pricing
Launched in India on 20 November 2024, the Redmi A4 5G debuted at ₹8,499 for the 4 GB + 64 GB variant and ₹9,499 for the 4 GB + 128 GB version. Sales went live on 27 November via Xiaomi’s official store, Amazon, and partner retail outlets.
Design & Build Quality
The phone sports a halo glass sandwich design with a glossy rear panel, lending it a premium feel rarely seen in this segment. It comes in Starry Black and Sparkle Purple options. It’s 212g in weight and 8.22mm thick, though still very bulky given its thickness. There’s a side-mounted fingerprint reader and the presence of a 3.5 mm headphone jack and microSD port as pleasant added conveniences. It also boasts an IP52 rating for splash and dust resistance.
Display & Visual Experience
Big Yet Basic
The Redmi A4 5G features a 6.88‑inch IPS LCD screen, HD+ resolution (720×1640 px), 20:9 screen ratio, 120 Hz refresh rate with a maximum of 600 nits. It is TÜV Rheinland low blue light certified and features flicker filtration for safe viewing.
Real-World Viewing
Even as the 120 Hz refresh rate results in silky-smooth scrolling, text remains soft and is not crisp at all, given the large screen and low pixel density. Off-axis viewing angles do not last long, with a mask effect on contrast and clarity—especially when exposed to sunlight. While support for Widevine L1 enables Full‑HD streaming on OTT apps, though the screen only supports HD resolution.
Performance, Software & UI
Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 Power
Internally is the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 (4nm) chip, a first in the sub-₹10k segment. It integrates two Cortex‑A78 cores up to 2.0 GHz with six Cortex‑A55 cores at 1.8 GHz, and Adreno 611 GPU. This is the first budget phone to include this chipset.
Memory and Storage
Equipped with 4 GB LPDDR4x RAM, along with up to 4 GB virtual RAM extension, and 64 GB or 128 GB UFS 2.2 storage extendable via microSD by up to 1 TB.
HyperOS Based on Android 14
It ships with Android 14 and Xiaomi’s HyperOS, promising two years of OS updates and four years of security patches—uncommonly long support for this price tier. HyperOS offers cleaner UI, fewer intrusive ads than MIUI, and customisation tools—but still includes uninstallable bloatware that may send spammy notifications.
Everyday Performance
In day-to-day usage—browsing, social networking, WhatsApp, streaming, and a bit of light multitasking—the phone works smoothly without delay. But app opening or app switching can reset them because of low RAM. CPU-focused tests produce average scores common in budget phones, and intensive gaming or high-end app usage suffers unless settings are dialed down.
Camera Capabilities
Rear and Front Cameras
The Redmi A4 5G features a 50 MP main rear camera (f/1.8) and a depth sensor, though lack of macro or ultrawide lens limits flexibility. It also features a 5 MP front (f/2.2) camera in a water‑drop notch.
Daylight Performance
In bright light, the rear camera produces reasonably lively and detailed shots with HDR. Portrait photography provides solid edge detection and natural-looking skin tones, but good detail is lacking. Selfies are acceptable in daytime, but softness and noise are evident due to the low-res sensor.
Low-Light Performance
Low light conditions witness performance plummet. Images are blurred, grainy, and low-res, with unappetizing colors—matching the hardware limitations and lack of an actual night mode.
Video Recording
Recording maxes at 1080p @ 30 fps, with prominent noise and camera shake—poor for content creators seeking sharpness or stabilization.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery Specs
Carrying a 5,160 mAh battery, the Redmi A4 gives over a day of normal use (calls, messaging, browsing, light scrolling).
Charging
There is support for 18 W fast charging, but curiously, the phone comes with a 33 W charger, though only limited to 18 W charging for device protection. Taking a full charge takes approximately two hours.
Connectivity & Extras
5G Limitations
While it is being marketed as a 5G phone, it only carries standalone (SA) 5G bands: n1/n3/n5/n8/n28/n40/n78. It only works on Jio’s SA-only 5G in India and will not work on Airtel or future NSA-based plans.
Other Connectivity Features
Doubles up with dual-band Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS/GLONASS, fingerprint reader, FM radio (via headphone jack), USB Type-C port, and a headphone jack.
Pros & Cons
Redmi A4 5G Pros
- Affordable true 5G via Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chipset
- Large 120 Hz screen for silky smooth rendering of UI
- Humongous 5,160 mAh battery for all-day use
- Luxury glass finish and build for class
- Long-term update support: 2 years OS, 4 years security
- Storage expansion, microSD card support, FM radio, fingerprint reader
Redmi A4 5G Cons
- Tiny HD+ resolution display on a large panel looks soft
- Limited 5G—only Jio SA support, incompatible with other operators
- Hobbled camera performance, especially in low light
- 4 GB RAM is limiting for serious multi-tasking or heavy apps
- Preloaded bloatware and random UI crashes
- Long charging times with bundled fast-charger
Real-World Feedback
Expert Opinions
Redmi A4 5G is the globe’s first sub-₹10k phone featuring Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, widely liked for its value but panned for screen and camera limitations. It is liked by professionals for its premium build and massive screen but panned for HD resolution and heaviness (~212g). Its seamless software and 120 Hz screen are liked, but there are worries regarding memory limitations and screen crispness.
User Community Reactions
“Redmi is King in budget ‘A’ segment … long life … no signal issues.” – Reddit user proposing Spartan use for elderly or new users
“Its screen is huge and it is only 720p … the Snapdragon chip doesn’t wow” – Reddit comment regarding seeming quality inconsistencies in spite of specs
Conclusion & Recommendations
Who Should Get Redmi A4 5G
- New smartphone users looking for dependable performance and future-proofed 5G functionality
- Users upgrading from 4G phones, especially on Jio’s network
- Social media, streaming, call, and light app users
- Budget buyers wanting long battery life and excellent build
Who Should Not Use Redmi A4 5G
- People looking for sharper screen—use FHD screens instead
- Airtel or Vi 5G network users—this phone gives Jio SA bands only
- Mobile gamers or heavy multi-taskers—4GB RAM will result in stutters
- Users who want better low-light camera experience or pro-grade photography
Summary Verdict
The Redmi A4 5G is a statement of purpose: a ₹10,000-below 5G phone with top-end looks, smooth 120 Hz display, and excellent battery life. It bundles next-gen connectivity—albeit only for Jio’s standalone 5G—into a price segment that was once reserved for feature phones.
Redmi A4 5G is flawed: the screen is not crisp, the camera does poorly in poor light, and the RAM is low. But within these limitations, it provides good value for money.
Overall rating: 7.8/10 – Redmi A4 5G is an excellent budget option for general users, students, and first-time smartphone purchasers seeking long-term usage and acceptable future-readiness.
