The Story of Xiaomi’s Redmi A3: What it has and How it Compares with the Older Redmi A2

Xiaomi has introduced the Redmi A3, its latest addition to the ‘A series’ of budget smartphones. With its promise of enhanced features at an affordable price, the Redmi A3 aims to cater to the needs of budget-conscious consumers globally, which is what the previous models have been doing. Except the A3 offers more compelling looks and size that brings it a lot closer to some of the Redmi 12C, especially display-wise.

One aspect of the Redmi A-series that has not grown exponentially though, is the CPU configuration. The series has remained on the low ladder section of MediaTek’s Helio line of CPUs since its inception. So despite the notable improvement of the screen that comes with the A3, to keep costs low, Xiaomi still opted for the Helio G36 CPU used on the previous A2 and A2 Plus.

Key Specifications:

Let’s look at the key specifications of the Redmi A3 smartphone, before going into the detail of each specs, and how it compares with the A2-series, especially the Plus model.

• Display: 6.71-inch HD+ IPS LCD screen with 90Hz refresh rate
• Processor: 2.2 GHz Octa-Core MediaTek Helio G36 12nm processor
• RAM: 3GB / 4GB / 6GB LPDDR4X
• Storage: 64GB / 128GB eMMC 5.1 internal storage, expandable up to 1TB via microSD
• Operating System: Android 14
• Rear Camera: 8MP with f/2.0 aperture, secondary camera, LED flash
• Front Camera: 5MP
• Battery: 5000mAh with 10W charging
• Connectivity: Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS + GLONASS, USB Type-C port

Display:

The Redmi A3 features a generous 6.71-inch HD+ IPS LCD screen with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. This is a complete improvement of the last iteration of the series.

For example, the Redmi A2 Plus came with a fairly compact 6.52-inches screen, and it does not offer 90Hz refresh. So apps and icons should be more smoother on the A3 compared to it older brother. Additionally, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 is also on the added to the display for protection against scratches and minor impacts.

Processor:

As stated before, the Redmi A3 is using the same Helio G36 entry-level CPU used on the previous A2-series. This is obviously not a powerful CPU, but given that it has 8-core setup at 2.2GHz, it should me more than enough for a simple day-to-day use.

This Chipset is paired with an IMG PowerVR GE8320 GPU clocked at 680MHz, making it a good choice for entry-level gamers on budget. But you better not aim more than your limit, remember we are talking about a sub-100 USD phone here.

RAM and Storage:

Users have the option to choose from configurations offering 3GB, 4GB, or 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM, combined with 64GB or 128GB of eMMC 5.1 internal storage. The built-in storage can be expanded up 1TB via microSD, meaning storage space should not be an issue.

Operating System:

As for the operating system option, the Redmi A3 is running on Android 14, the latest iteration of the Android operating system. Recalls that the Redmi A2 Plus came with Android OS, and one thing I like about that device (Redmi A2 Plus), is how optimized the OS is. Our review unit ran very smooth with less lags, and if you care for update, you can expect Android 13 or even more for the Redmi A3.

Camera Capabilities:

The Redmi A3 is equipped with an 8MP rear camera featuring an f/2.0 aperture, complemented by a secondary camera and LED flash, enabling users to capture decent quality images in various lighting conditions. The device also features a 5MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

Design and Build:

The Redmi A3 boasts a distinct design aesthetic from all its predecessors. It looks more beautiful in the eyes, offering a leather-like finish for the Olive Green variant and a sleek glass back design for the Lake Blue and Midnight Black variants. The choice of materials enhances the visual appeal of the device, while providing a more comfortable grip, making it easy to handle and carry around. Additionally, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner seat is on the side of the phone, as against the rear placement of the A2 Plus.

Battery Life and Charging:

The Redmi A3 features a massive 5000mAh battery, the exact same size that came with the A2 as well as the A1 series. However, given the power-efficient Helio G36 CPU, you can still expect a full day of use from the A3. Although there is now the addition of a USB Type instead of the USB 2.0 on the previous models, the overall charging speed remains the same – 10W.

Connectivity and Other Features:

The Redmi A3 offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS + GLONASS. Additionally, the presence of a 3.5mm audio jack and FM Radio caters to users who prefer traditional audio connectivity options.

Pricing and Availability:

As for pricing, Xiaomi has competitively priced the Redmi A3 globally. The base model (3GB + 64GB) starts at approximately $87.59, the 4GB + 128GB variant is priced at around $99.59, and the top-end 6GB + 128GB model is available for approximately $111.59. The device is already on sale in multiple continents including Africa.

FAQ:

• Does the Redmi A3 support expandable storage?
  • Yes, the Redmi A3 supports expandable storage of up to 1TB via a microSD card, providing users with ample space for multimedia files and apps.

• What is the refresh rate of the display?
  • The display of the Redmi A3 features a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring smoother animations and transitions compared to traditional displays.

• Is the Redmi A3 equipped with a fingerprint scanner?
  • Yes, the Redmi A3 features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for convenient and secure unlocking of the device.

• Does the Redmi A3 support fast charging?
  • While the Redmi A3 supports 10W charging over USB Type-C, faster charging options would have been desirable.

Final thoughts and alternatives:

The Redmi A3 is a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers, due to its feature-rich specs all at an affordable price tag. We all love the fact that the screen has not just grown, but it is now even faster and smoother, thanks to the added 90Hz refresh. It is still a budget smartphone though, seeing that all you are getting CPU-wise, is the Helio G36. However, so long as you can remind yourself that this device is priced under $100, you should be safe.

Meanwhile, if you wish to consider something else, there are a bunch of other offers from competitors like Tecno (POP 8), Infinix (Smart 8 series), and itel (the P55 series). But I bet only a few of them will be able to give the Redmi A3 a run for the price.