Design That Captures Attention
The Redmi A4 impresses with a design that could easily be mistaken for a higher-priced device. Its geometric aesthetics, coupled with a glossy finish, radiate sophistication. While Xiaomi hasn’t explicitly confirmed Gorilla Glass protection, the back panel feels premium, albeit prone to fingerprints. The polycarbonate frame adds durability without adding unnecessary weight.
The buttons are tactile and responsive, enhancing user interaction. Practical features like dual-SIM support and a dedicated microSD slot cater to Indian consumers’ needs, making up for the base model’s limited 64GB storage.
At 212 grams and 8.2 mm thickness, the phone strikes a balance between style and comfort. It fits well in the hand, avoiding the extremes of bulkiness or fragility.
Price: Approximately $105 USD.
Camera: Decent but Limited
The camera module makes a bold statement with a radial design that mimics a multi-lens setup but houses a single 50MP f/1.8 sensor. While daylight shots capture sufficient detail for casual photography, the low-light performance is underwhelming due to the absence of advanced optics or AI enhancements.
Video recording supports 1080p at 30 fps, suitable for social media but limiting for creators. The 5MP front camera delivers average selfies under good lighting conditions but struggles in dim environments.
Performance: Smooth for Everyday Use
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4S Gen 2 and 4GB of RAM, the Redmi A4 is optimized for routine tasks like browsing, streaming, and social media. App switching feels snappy, but heavy multitasking or gaming highlights its limitations.
Xiaomi’s virtual RAM feature adds 4GB of storage-based RAM, but the real-world impact is negligible. On a positive note, 5G connectivity performs reliably, particularly on Jio’s network, showcasing Qualcomm’s strong modem technology.
Display: A Standout Feature
The 6.9-inch IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate is a surprising luxury in this price range. The screen delivers vibrant colors and smooth animations, ideal for streaming content or scrolling social media. However, the 450 nits peak brightness can struggle in direct sunlight.
The bottom-firing speakers are serviceable but don’t match the display’s quality, leaving room for improvement in the multimedia experience.
Battery Life: A Long-Lasting Performer
The 5,160mAh battery is a standout, easily supporting a full day of heavy use. Paired with the Snapdragon 4S Gen 2’s efficiency, the phone becomes a reliable choice for users on the go. Battery life is one of the phone’s strongest suits, offering enduring performance with minimal power consumption.
Software: Functional but Flawed
Running Xiaomi’s HyperOS on Android 14, the software is responsive but plagued with bloatware. The limited RAM becomes a bottleneck with heavier usage, and over time, the device may show signs of slowing down.
The A4 will receive two OS updates, meaning it will likely stop at Android 16. With Android 15 already available and previews of Android 16 in the works, this limited upgrade cycle may disappoint tech enthusiasts.
The Verdict: Affordable 5G with Trade-offs
The Redmi A4 proves that budget 5G phones can offer more than just connectivity. Its stylish design, smooth display, and impressive battery life make it an attractive option at $105 USD. However, its average cameras, limited RAM, and bloatware-heavy software might be drawbacks for some users.
Perfect for first-time smartphone buyers or as a secondary device, the Redmi A4 delivers excellent value for its price. While it doesn’t redefine the segment, it reinforces Xiaomi’s ability to blend innovation with affordability in a competitive market.
