Redmi 5A - Removing and disabling bloatwares or Google apps

Recently, newly launched Xiaomi phones come with Google apps which can't be removed or disabled easily. It's the same with some of Xiaomi pre-installed apps. The Redmi 5A is no exception.

Unlocking the bootloader and rooting the Redmi 5A can be a tedious affair for the average-joe. So we won't be getting into that here in this post. Fortunately, there is another method to disable the bloatwares and free up some space which requires much less effort.

Disable Google apps

Step 1 : Goto Google Play store and search for 'Activity Launcher'. Then install the app.

Step 2 : Start the Activity Launcher app. Tap on 'Recent activities'. At the drop down menu, choose 'All activities'. The text menu may not be visible if your phone is set on low brightness, so turn the brightness up if you have to.

Step 3 : Now scroll down the list and choose 'Settings'(the first one). On the next list, choose 'Installed apps'(the second one).

Step 4 : Now all installed apps are listed down. Tap on the '3 dots' button. Then choose 'show system'. 'Show system' will add system apps to the list as well.

Step 5 : Disable any apps you don't need. Not all apps can be disabled, and if you're not sure what the app does, leave it enabled. Also uninstall updates to the app if there is an option before you disable. This will free up space.

The Activity Launcher app can be uninstalled after you are done. Install it again if you need to use it.

Goodluck!

Xiaomi Redmi 5A - New firmware update Global Stable ROM 9.1.8.0NCKMIEI

Xiaomi released another update Global Stable ROM 9.1.8.0NCKMIEI for the Redmi 5A, a few days ago. Not much information given in the change log which is typical of Xiaomi. Total ROM size has also increased by about 200MB.

As you can see, Android security patch level is still October. I hope they update it to the latest one on the next update.

Full Recovery ROM can be downloaded from here.

Xiaomi Redmi 5A - Google apps, storage availability, firmware

Xiaomi Redmi 5A comes with alot of Google apps pre-installed, some basic Xiaomi apps like Notes and Browser, Microsoft apps like Word and Excel.

Some Google apps on previous Xiaomi phones can be uninstalled and most can be disabled, but on the Redmi 5A these apps can't be unistalled or disabled which is quite a disappointment. Even Xiaomi apps like Mi Browser can't be uninstalled anymore.

Fortunately, there is a way to disable some apps and free up space on the phone. Go here for the method.

Storage available to the user. It's not much so the dedicated micro SD card slot comes in handy.

Redmi 5A on Android Nougat 7.1.2. Latest MIUI Global Stable 9.1.6.0 NCKMIEI.

Redmi 5A - Cheapest Xiaomi smartphone to date

Xiaomi has done it again with the latest Redmi 5A which is their cheapest smartphone launched to date. The Redmi 5A offers decent specs for a sub USD99 phone(2GB RAM/16GB ROM version), usually you'll get further discounts when it's purchased online.

The Redmi 5A was first launched on 16th October in China, then followed by India in December. One notable difference between the China version and Indian(also Malaysia and Indonesia) version is the SIM slot and micro SD card slot. The China version gets a hybrid SIM slot, but the Indian version gets 2 SIM slots with a dedicated micro SD card slot.

The phone is powered by a 3000mAh battery, compared to it's previous model the Redmi 4A with a slightly bigger capacity 3120mAh battery. The non-China version gets a dedicated micro SD card slot which is a big plus for those who use two SIMs.

Additional hardware info

The rear 13MP camera uses the Samsung S5K3L8 sensor and front 5MP camera uses the Samsung S5K5E8 sensor. The HD LCD panel is manufactured by Foxconn.

Other minor differences compared to the Redmi 4A are:

-Wider aperture selfie camera f2.0 vs f2.2 on the Redmi 4A.
-New dual graphite sheet on the back panel, supposedly lowers phone temperature.
-Redmi 5A has no gyroscope sensor, Redmi 4A has it. Both have magnetometer.
-physically slightly more rounded corners.
-Redmi 5A has no RGB notification light ( only white light ), Redmi 4A has RGB(muti-colour  light.

No gyroscope sensor?

Redmi 5A does not have a gyroscope sensor but the previous model Redmi 4A has one. If you need to use apps that utilizes the gyro sensor, then this phone is not for you. Some apps like VR, Google Photo Sphere, Google Sky Map are among them that utilizes the gyroscope sensor.

The bad?

I know it's a entry-level smartphone, but if there's one major gripe that I can pick is it's charging time. You would still have to wait almost 3 hours from 0-100% charge on a 3000mAh battery. This long charging time is probably due to it's 1 amp charger too.

Some mods on the MIUI forums, suggested using any Xiaomi 2A charger is alright. Does that mean the phone is able to draw 2 amps? I'm not sure of the accuracy of that information though. If it draws 2 amps, but is the battery thermal designed to take that extra heat? One things for sure, I can barely feel any heat on the back panel while charging using the provided 1A charger.

If you're in the US, LTE compatibility will be a problem with most carriers. 3G/3.5G should work fine and also check which carrier supports GSM(2G).The China version supports CDMA 800(2G).

Conclusion

This is a great entry level smartphone for those who are on a low budget or those who are looking for a secondary phone which is cheap but dependable for basic usage. Solid build even though it's plastic, sleek metallic paint and 2 sim slots + 1 dedicated micro SD card slot, GPS works well, lightweight and one-handed operation is easy.

*Price of this phone has gone down to USD80-70 now. ( 3/1/2018 ).

Below are some photos of the Redmi 5A.

Redmi 5A - 2GB/16GB ROM variant.

5 inch HD display.

What's in the box? Phone, charger, micro USB cable and starter guide.

Original 1A charger.

Speaker on the back panel.

13MP rear camera with LED flash.

2 SIM slots and 1 micro SD card slot.

Noise cancelling mic, infrared blaster and 3.5mm audio jack.

Mic and micro USB port.

Sleek looking metallic paint finish and solid plastic build. Many people are deceived by it's look thinking the phone and back cover is made of metal.

Update ( 7/2/2018 ): Purchased another unit of Redmi 5A. This time it's Rose Gold colour and it came with a 3-pin charger instead of 2-pin. This 3-pin charger is rated at 5V/2A but charging time is about the same as the 2-pin rated at 5V/1A.

Redmi 5A charger 5V/2A

Redmi Note 4 MTK and Qualcomm version get Krack WPA2 vulnerability fix

The latest Global beta ROM 7.10.19 comes with an important security update; fix for Krack WPA2 vulnerabilities. If you haven't updated, please do so.

MIUI 9 Global Beta ROM 7.10.19 Changelog

Home screen
Optimization - Multiple themes supported on the clock widget
Optimization - Move app icons into a folder easier

System
Fix - Fingerprint module damage caused by fingerprint identification error
Fix - KRACK WPA2 security vulnerabilities

Gallery
Fix - Image has been compressed multiple times

Download links

Redmi Note 4 MTK
Fastboot ROM 7.10.19
Recovery ROM 7.10.19

Redmi Note 4 Qualcomm
Fastboot ROM 7.10.19
Recovery ROM 7.10.19

Other Xiaomi devices are being updated as well, like Mi 5s Plus, Mi Max, Mi Max Prime, Mi Max 2, Mi 2/2S, Mi 3, Mi 4, Mi 4i, Redmi 2, Redmi 2 Prime, Redmi 3, Redmi 3S, Redmi Note 4G, Redmi Note Prime, Redmi Note 3 Qualcomm, Redmi Note 3 Special Edition, Redmi Note 2, Redmi 4 / 4X, Mi 6, Mi Note, Mi Note 2.

*Credit goes to miuiermichael on the MIUI forums.

Edifier R1280T - Impressive sound quality for the price

Just got this Edifier R1280T 2.0 active bookshelf speakers from a local shop at a bargain ( approximately USD65/ brand new ). I'm really satisfied with the sound quality of this speaker. If anyone is looking for a good and cheap budget computer speakers, you can't go wrong with the Edifier R1280T.

The bass produced by these speakers is more than adequate for me. It's not room shaking kinda bass, but you can still feel that thump in your chest. Just like tons of reviews on the internet, I found there are some roll-off in the high end frequencies, and this is noticeable when you play heavy metal music. I doubt there are other speakers in this price range that can handle heavy metal music very well. So heavy metal music fans, you'll need to up your budget a little.

The next step up on Edifier's list of speakers , are the R1700BT, newer R1800BT and R1850DB. These will handle heavy metal music and everything else slightly better. Now I'm begining to sound like an Edifier fanboy.

Still going strong, after 3 years?

The Edifier R1280T has been on the market for about 3 years if I'm not mistaken. An Edifier representative wasn't sure of the exact launch date when I asked. This speaker was available on Amazon.com since October 2015. Out of curiousity, I searched and found a Youtube video introducing the Edifier R1280T that dates back to June 2014!

Edifier released the Edifier R1280DB speaker late last year(2016), which is basically a R1280T with bluetooth connectivity. If you connect to various devices frequently or speakers are placed far from the PC/source, then the Edifier R1280DB will be perfect. It is important to know that when playing music over bluetooth, sound quality won't be as good as a direct connection through a decent quality cable.

*Update: A youtube video by Digital Stereophony revealed that there is a noticeable difference between the Edifier R1280T vs Edifier R1280DB. 

A bluetooth adapter can be added to the Edifier R1280T if you need the bluetooth connectivity later. Many bluetooth adapters are available such as the Logitech on Amazon.com . Cheaper adapters on Aliexpress.com such as this will work too.

Connecting the Edifier R1280T 

Good build quality and nice looking speakers. Not too big in size either. The speaker with the dials on it's side should be the right side speaker.

The rear side of the speakers.

Rear side of the active speaker. Power cable is permanently attached.

Rear side of the passive speaker. The speaker wires goes into these spring loaded connectors.

Up close of the speaker's surface.

3 control knobs for treble, bass and volume. And the green LED power indicator.

 

 Plastic speaker grill.

The speakers sound slightly better when the grills are detached.

Up close: 13mm silk dome tweeter  

L-R: 3.5mm to RCA cable, RCA-RCA cable, speaker cables ( to connect the active speaker to the passive speaker).

Simple remote control with mute and volume buttons. 

 Speaker cables.

3.5mm jack to RCA cable provided. 

CR2025 battery is used for the remote control.