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