The Xiaomi Redmi A4 5G brings an exciting mix of premium features to the budget smartphone segment, promising an enticing package at an accessible price. Positioned under $120, this device is aimed at users looking for an affordable yet capable phone that doesn’t skimp on modern essentials. With a sleek design, large display, 5G connectivity, and robust performance capabilities, the Redmi A4 5G feels like a well-rounded offering on paper. However, what truly sets this phone apart is its ability to combine premium aesthetics and practicality, all while maintaining an affordable price tag. Let’s take a closer look at how it performs in real-world use and whether it lives up to its promise of delivering an exceptional user experience.
At first glance, the Redmi A4 5G impresses with its striking glass back, a feature rarely seen in its price bracket. This design choice lends the device a premium feel, despite the trade-off of slightly increased weight. Xiaomi has managed to pack impressive hardware specifications into this compact yet sturdy body, including a Snapdragon 4S Gen 2 chipset, a 120Hz display, and a 50MP camera. While the brand has chosen a no-frills approach with minimal pre-installed bloatware, it offers just enough customization and functionality to suit most users. With its sleek finish, well-placed hardware features, and intuitive software interface, the Redmi A4 feels like a phone designed to punch above its weight class.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Opening the Redmi A4 5G box is a straightforward yet satisfying experience. The retail packaging sports a bold red color scheme with A4 branding that immediately catches your attention. Inside the box, you’ll find the phone itself, a 33W charging brick, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, a SIM ejector pin, and some standard paperwork. Unfortunately, Xiaomi has opted not to include a protective case, which would have been a welcome addition.

The device’s first physical impression is undeniably positive. The glass back adds a touch of elegance and premium appeal, making the phone look far more expensive than it is. While the 212g weight is noticeable, it’s not a deal-breaker, as the sturdy build quality and slim 8.22mm profile provide a comfortable grip. The phone’s polycarbonate frame is flat and durable, further enhancing its overall aesthetic and usability.


Moving to its practical features, the Redmi A4 includes a headphone jack at the top, a dual SIM tray with expandable storage (up to 1TB via microSD), and a single down-firing speaker. The power button doubles as a fast and reliable fingerprint scanner, which is conveniently placed for one-handed use. Additionally, the phone is IP52-rated for splash resistance, a thoughtful inclusion that adds a layer of durability.
Display and Multimedia Experience
The Redmi A4 boasts a 6.88-inch HD+ LCD display with a resolution of 1640×720 pixels. Despite its budget nature, the display offers vibrant colors and decent brightness levels, peaking at 600 nits. This ensures the screen remains legible even under direct sunlight. The 120Hz refresh rate combined with a 240Hz touch sampling rate delivers a smooth and responsive experience, particularly when scrolling through apps or playing games.

Watching videos on this display is an enjoyable experience, thanks to its sharp picture quality and well-optimized content playback. The phone can handle up to Full HD resolution on platforms like YouTube, which complements the HD+ screen. While the bezels are slightly thick, they don’t detract from the immersive experience provided by the edge-to-edge display. However, the teardrop notch for the front camera feels a bit outdated compared to punch-hole designs found on other modern devices.

Audio performance is decent, with the single down-firing speaker producing loud and clear sound. While it’s not as rich or immersive as dual stereo speakers, it suffices for casual media consumption. Additionally, the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a big win for users who prefer wired audio solutions.
Camera Performance

The Redmi A4 5G features a dual-camera setup on the back, comprising a 50MP primary sensor and a depth sensor for portrait shots. For a budget phone, the camera performance is commendable. Daylight photos exhibit vibrant colors, sharp details, and good dynamic range, thanks to HDR support. The rear camera is capable of Full HD 30fps video recording, producing stable and clear footage.

The 5MP front-facing camera, housed within the notch, performs well for selfies. Images appear bright and natural, and the camera manages to handle varying lighting conditions effectively. While it’s not the most powerful selfie camera out there, it does an admirable job considering the phone’s price point. The front camera also supports video recording, delivering decent clarity and audio quality for casual vlogging or video calls.

Software and User Experience
Running Xiaomi’s HyperOS based on Android 14, the Redmi A4 offers a smooth and user-friendly interface. The software is optimized to deliver a lag-free experience even on budget hardware. Xiaomi has included a few pre-installed apps, but most of them can be uninstalled, leaving users with a cleaner interface.

One standout feature of HyperOS is its customization options, particularly the dynamic lock screen designs that give users the ability to personalize their devices. Navigation through the system feels intuitive, and multitasking is handled well, thanks to the efficient memory management. Overall, the software strikes a fine balance between functionality and aesthetics, making it suitable for both casual users and tech enthusiasts.
Hardware and Performance
Under the hood, the Redmi A4 is powered by the Snapdragon 4S Gen 2 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM (expandable up to 8GB with virtual RAM). This combination ensures smooth day-to-day performance, with apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube running without hiccups. Even multitasking between multiple apps feels snappy and responsive.

While not designed as a gaming phone, the Redmi A4 can handle popular titles like BGMI at smooth and ultra graphics settings, delivering frame rates between 35-45fps. Extended gaming sessions may cause the phone to heat up slightly, but it remains manageable. Benchmark tests place the device firmly within the expected range for budget smartphones, showcasing impressive performance for its price.
Battery Life and Charging
The Redmi A4 is equipped with a robust 5,160mAh battery, which comfortably provides a full day of use on a single charge. Light users can even stretch this to two days without needing to recharge. While the phone supports 18W fast charging, Xiaomi has generously included a 33W charger in the box, a rarity in this price segment. Charging times are reasonable, with a full charge taking approximately two to three hours.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Redmi A4 5G is a standout option in the budget smartphone category, offering a well-rounded package that punches above its weight. Its sleek design, reliable performance, and thoughtful features like 5G connectivity, a 120Hz display, and a large battery make it a compelling choice for users seeking affordability without compromise. While it’s not without minor drawbacks, such as the lack of stereo speakers and a slightly outdated notch design, these shortcomings are forgivable given its price point.
For anyone looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with a touch of premium quality, the Redmi A4 5G is an excellent choice. It proves that even entry-level devices can offer a satisfying experience, making it a worthy contender in its segment.