Hello!
I recently had to get a new smartphone for my mom, something budget-friendly but with decent performance since her old phone was on its last legs. I decided to go with a budget model that would essentially be a "dialer" since she doesn't need much more from a phone. Among the affordable options, I chose the Xiaomi Redmi A5, which came out this year. The phone was in my hands for a bit over a month, as I needed to thoroughly test it before handing it over to my mom, so I could identify any issues and replace it if need be. During that time, I was able to get a good feel for this model, so I wanted to share my thoughts.
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💛About the Phone
Brand: Xiaomi.
Line: Redmi.
Country: China.
Release Year: 2025.
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💛Price and Availability
You can buy the Xiaomi Redmi A5 on marketplaces or at regular electronics stores. The price fluctuates between 6000-7500 rubles, depending on the color. I'm talking about the 4/128 GB version. There's also the 3/64 GB model available, which is 1000-1500 rubles cheaper.
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💛Design
The Xiaomi Redmi A5 comes in a standard box, just like most modern phones.
The phone itself has a pretty typical design.
The sides look pretty standard, with no fancy add-ons or decorations to speak of. You can only tell it's a specific model by its camera (more on that below).
❤KEY FEATURES
Display: 6.88" (1640x720) IPS 120Hz
Storage: 128GB, 64GB, 3GB RAM, 4GB RAM
Camera: 32MP primary camera, dual camera setup
Version: Global, Rostest (EAC)
Battery: 5200mAh
Processor: UNISOC T7250
SIM cards: Dual nano SIM
Operating system: Android 15
Connectivity: 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G
Water and dust resistance: IP68
Weight: 193g
Color options: Blue, Green, Gold, Black
Xiaomi Redmi A5 Review
💙THE BUNDLE
The bundle that comes with the Xiaomi Redmi A5 is pretty standard. You get a transparent silicone case, which is actually pretty good quality. I've been using it for a bit, and it's held up just fine.
So, the phone looks like this in the case that comes with it. In the seller's description, it says there's fast charging. But honestly, it's just your average charging speed. It takes a couple of hours to fully charge.
The phone comes with a SIM card ejector tool, plus some instructions and a warranty card. 💛BATTERY
It's got a 5200mAh battery, which is more than enough for a modern smartphone. If you're just making calls and sending texts, you can easily go a few days without recharging. Of course, browsing the internet will drain the battery faster, but a full day's use with regular activity won't leave you stranded.
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💛MAIN AND FRONT CAMERA
I'll show you what kind of photos you can get with the Xiaomi Redmi A5. The main camera is 32 MP, and the front-facing one is 8 MP. I read that in normal mode, the main camera actually captures at 8 MP. To activate the 32 MP mode, you need to shoot in Ultra HD.
I tested the camera in normal mode, without any adjustments, just like most phone owners do. I compared the results with my Xiaomi Redmi 13 Pro camera, taking photos simultaneously while holding both phones in my hands. In a well-lit room, the outcome is pretty decent. But the Xiaomi Redmi A5 delivers a smoother and more refined photo.
The front camera is pretty decent, considering the price of the Xiaomi Redmi A5. Here's how it captures images in 2x zoom mode. A classic photo taken from the window – it's clear that the Xiaomi Redmi A5 lags behind in terms of detail and brightness. A few more comparison shots in regular photo mode. Honestly, the camera is pretty good, considering the price of the Xiaomi Redmi A5. However, the video quality is a different story due to the lack of stabilization. You shouldn't expect top-notch quality.
I've really enjoyed using the Xiaomi Redmi A5. It looks more premium than you'd expect from a budget phone. The camera takes nice shots without much effort, and the battery life is decent. The speakers and microphone are standard, not great, but not bad either. The touchscreen responds quickly to gestures. The phone itself is snappy and doesn't lag, handling calls and browsing the web with ease. It's a great choice for watching videos and browsing the internet.
I've got to say, the Xiaomi Redmi A5 is not only the cheapest smartphone in 2025, but it's also a total surprise when it comes to quality, considering the price.
One thing that took some getting used to was setting it up. The internal interface is way different from my previous smartphones. It feels like the developers tried to make it simpler, but ended up making it more complicated. No worries, though - you just need to spend a couple of hours figuring it out. But let me tell you, setting up the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro and 13 Pro was a breeze in comparison.
One of the plus points of the smartphone is the accessibility feature for people with vision impairments. My mom actually has a problem with her vision due to a diagnosis, and it's really tough for her to see things clearly. On the phone, you can set a large font that makes it a bit easier to use the smartphone.
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💛WHOM I'D RECOMMEND BUYING Xiaomi Redmi A5 TO
Is Xiaomi Redmi A5 the top value for money? I think it is. Honestly, I didn't expect a budget phone to be this good. It's a great option for an elderly person, a kid, or a teenager. It's got enough features for staying connected, browsing the web, watching videos, and playing games. Plus, you can have fun with the camera.
Xiaomi Redmi A5 would also be a great temporary option if your primary smartphone breaks down and you can't afford to buy a new one just yet.
From me, it's a solid recommendation.
Thanks for stopping by!