Let’s be honest—budget smartphones don’t always have the best reputation. We’ve all seen those entry-level phones that struggle to keep up, with sluggish performance, underwhelming displays, and cameras that leave much to be desired. So when I first got my hands on the Redmi A5, I’ll admit I didn’t expect much. But after spending a couple of weeks with it, I’ve got to say: this little device punches well above its weight.
If you’re someone looking for a reliable smartphone without emptying your wallet—or you’re buying for a parent, a student, or as a backup phone—the Redmi A5 is one of the few in its price range that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
First Impressions: Clean, Minimal, and Surprisingly Sturdy
Unboxing the Redmi A5, the first thing I noticed was its design. Xiaomi has managed to make it look sleek without trying too hard. The back has a matte texture that not only adds grip but also resists fingerprints better than glossy finishes. It’s plastic, of course, but doesn’t scream “cheap” the way many budget phones do.
It’s light, slim, and fits comfortably in one hand—something I appreciate in a world of increasingly bulky phones.
Display: 6.52 Inches of Real Estate That’s Easy on the Eyes
The Redmi A5 sports a 6.52-inch HD+ LCD, which, on paper, might not sound all that impressive. But honestly, for casual scrolling, watching YouTube, or browsing social media, it’s more than fine. Colors are decent, brightness is adequate for indoor use, and while it won’t blow your mind with razor-sharp detail, it gets the job done.
I spent a good amount of time watching reels and even a few Netflix episodes, and the experience was surprisingly enjoyable. Yes, the resolution is capped at 720p, but unless you’re pixel-peeping, it’s not a deal-breaker.
Performance: Entry-Level, But Not Frustrating
Under the hood, you’ve got a MediaTek Helio G36 processor paired with 2GB or 3GB of RAM, depending on the variant. Now, I won’t sugarcoat this—this isn’t a phone for power users. Don’t expect to run Genshin Impact or edit videos here. But for basic tasks like WhatsApp, Instagram, light web browsing, and even some casual gaming (think Subway Surfers or Candy Crush), the Redmi A5 holds its own.
I used the 3GB RAM version with 32GB of storage, and while I did experience the occasional lag when switching between apps quickly, it wasn’t unbearable. Xiaomi’s MIUI for Android Go (which is optimized for low-end hardware) helps keep things smooth enough for everyday use.
Battery Life: An Absolute Champ
Now, here’s where the Redmi A5 shines—its battery life is phenomenal. With a 5000mAh battery, this phone easily lasts a day and a half with moderate use. I’ve even gone two full days without reaching for the charger when I was only using it for light tasks.
That’s the kind of endurance you rarely see in budget phones, and it’s a huge plus for students, older users, or anyone who needs a phone that just keeps going.
Cameras: Basic, But Usable
The Redmi A5 features an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing shooter. If you’re hoping for stunning portrait mode shots or night photography, this won’t be your go-to. But for quick snaps in good lighting, the rear camera is more than capable.
I took a few pictures during an afternoon walk, and while colors weren’t as vivid as on higher-end phones, they were clear and perfectly shareable. Video quality is basic, maxing out at 1080p, but again, it’s enough for video calls and quick clips.
Software: Clean and Simple
One of the standout things here is Xiaomi’s use of Android 12 (Go Edition). This stripped-down version of Android is designed specifically for entry-level hardware, and it shows. Apps launch quicker, storage usage is lower, and the system feels less bloated.
You don’t get all the bells and whistles of full MIUI, but that’s a plus in this case. Fewer background processes mean more resources for the tasks that matter.
Real-World Use: Who Is This Phone For?
This isn’t a flagship killer. But it’s also not trying to be. The Redmi A5 is for:
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Students who need a reliable device for online classes and communication.
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Older adults who just want a phone that’s easy to use and lasts all day.
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Parents are looking for an affordable first phone for their kids.
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Anyone needing a dependable secondary phone for calls, texts, and light use.
In fact, I set one up for my uncle recently, and he loves how simple and responsive it is for things like YouTube and WhatsApp.
The Verdict: Worth It?
Absolutely—if you understand what you’re getting. The Redmi A5 is not trying to compete with mid-range or flagship phones. But within its budget category, it does a lot right.
You’re getting:
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A solid build
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Good battery life
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Decent everyday performance
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A user-friendly Android Go experience
It’s not flashy, and it won’t win any awards for speed or camera performance—but for under $100 (pricing may vary depending on your region), it’s honestly one of the best ultra-budget phones you can buy today.
Conclusion
The Redmi A5 proves that a phone doesn’t have to be expensive to be good. It’s not perfect, but it’s practical, reliable, and thoughtfully designed for real-world use. For anyone on a tight budget or looking for a no-frills device that simply works, this one deserves a serious look.
Have you tried the Redmi A5 or any other budget phones recently? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments.