Xiaomi Redmi A4 5G: A Value Champion With Surprising Features In An Entry-Level Package

Build and Design

The Redmi A4 sports a glass front and back with a plastic frame, which is impressive for an entry-level device. Its dimensions, 171.9×77.8×8.2 mm, make it slightly larger, but the weight at 212.4 g adds to a solid feel in hand. The phone comes in two striking color options: Sparkle Purple and Starry Black, appealing to both bold and classic style preferences. Here are the relevant specs:

Those dimensions place the Xiaomi Redmi A4 firmly in the larger smartphone category. Its 6.88-inch display naturally contributes to its larger footprint, making it slightly less pocket-friendly than compact devices. However, the slim 8.2 mm thickness ensures it doesn't feel bulky.

The phone's 212.4 g weight leans toward the heavier side, primarily due to the large 5160 mAh battery and the use of glass for the front and back panels. While the weight lends a premium and sturdy feel, it may cause mild hand fatigue during prolonged use, such as watching videos or gaming sessions. That said, users accustomed to modern large smartphones may find the weight manageable.

For carrying, it fits snugly into larger pockets or bags, though tighter clothing may present a challenge due to its size and heft.

The glass front and back elevate the Redmi A4's design beyond the typical entry-level fare. Glass back panels generally provide a more luxurious tactile experience compared to plastic. However, they are prone to fingerprints and smudges, meaning you might want to use a protective case to maintain its clean look.

The plastic frame strikes a balance between durability and cost-saving. While not as premium as aluminum, the plastic ensures that the phone remains relatively light and resists dents better in case of accidental drops. The frame's quality is likely high enough to feel solid in hand without the creaky, hollow feel of cheaper builds.

The Redmi A4 is available in two color variants, reflecting distinct personalities:

• Sparkle Purple: This vibrant shade is perfect for users who enjoy standing out and adding a touch of fun and personality to their gadgets. It's a great choice for the younger audience or anyone with a playful and lively style.
• Starry Black: A classic and timeless option, Starry Black exudes elegance and professionalism. It's ideal for those who prefer a minimalistic or formal aesthetic, blending seamlessly into business or casual settings.

Both colors offer versatility, but they cater to different moods and personalities. While Sparkle Purple is all about making a bold statement, Starry Black is understated sophistication.

Overall, the Redmi A4's design and build quality are impressive for an entry-level device, with glass accents giving it a premium vibe. While its size and weight may not suit those with smaller hands or tighter pockets, the thoughtful material choices add to its appeal. Coupled with its stylish colors, the phone accommodates users ranging from fashion-forward trendsetters to those who appreciate classic and practical designs.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

Adding to its durability, the Redmi A4 is dust and splash-resistant, which is a pleasant surprise at this price point, though not quite at the level of full waterproofing.

Dust resistance means the device is somewhat protected against dust ingress, but not completely dust-tight. Small particles might still find their way inside, potentially affecting internal components over time. Similarly, splash resistance means the phone can withstand small splashes of water, such as accidental spills or light rain. However, it is not designed to be submerged in water or exposed to heavy moisture.

If you frequently use your phones in harsh environments, such as construction sites, beaches, or during outdoor activities, here are some recommendations to enhance the protection of your Redmi A4 and ensure it remains in good condition:

• Protective Case: Investing in a high-quality protective case can provide an additional layer of defense against drops, bumps, and dust. Cases with raised edges can also help protect the display from scratches and direct impacts.
• Screen Protector: A tempered glass screen protector can further shield the display from scratches, cracks, and minor impacts. It's a cost-effective way to prevent damage to one of the most vulnerable parts of the phone.
• Waterproof Pouch: If you plan to use your Redmi A4 near water, such as at the beach or pool, consider using a waterproof pouch. These pouches are inexpensive and can effectively protect your phone from water damage.
• Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean the phone, especially around ports and buttons, to prevent dust buildup. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the phone, and avoid using harsh chemicals.

While the Xiaomi Redmi A4 offers some dust and splash resistance, you should exercise caution in adverse conditions. By taking simple protective measures such as using a case and screen protector, and being mindful of the phone's exposure to dust and moisture, you can significantly enhance the durability and lifespan of your device. These precautions are especially important given the phone's entry-level price point, as they help maximize the value and longevity of the investment.

Display: Smooth and Bright

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

The 6.88-inch IPS LCD is one of the standout features of the Redmi A4. With a 120 Hz refresh rate, it ensures buttery smooth scrolling and an enjoyable experience for casual gaming and video playback. The 450 nits of typical brightness is adequate for indoor use. The display resolution is 720×1640 pixels, which, while not Full HD, is perfectly serviceable for an entry-level device.

Xiaomi Redmi A4 display. Image credit: Xiaomi

Here are the relevant specs:

The Xiaomi Redmi A4's 6.88-inch IPS LCD display is one of its most striking features for an entry-level device, especially with its 120 Hz refresh rate and vibrant visuals. IPS (In-Plane Switching) LCD displays are well-known for their wide viewing angles; colors and brightness remain consistent when viewed from different angles, making it great for group viewing and casual gaming.

IPS LCDs generally reproduce colors more naturally compared to older TN panels, though they fall short of the vibrancy of AMOLED screens. They are also less expensive than OLED panels, which makes them ideal for budget smartphones.

However, compared to OLED displays, IPS LCDs typically lack deep blacks and the eye-popping contrast that comes with pixel-level illumination.

The display's 120 Hz refresh rate is a standout feature in this price segment. It enhances scrolling fluidity; websites, social media feeds, and even basic UI interactions feel buttery smooth. For light to moderate gaming, animations and frame transitions appear much smoother compared to the standard 60 Hz.

Although the 120 Hz refresh rate improves overall responsiveness, the budget-friendly chipset might struggle to fully utilize this in demanding games and apps.

The 720×1640 pixels (around 260 PPI) resolution is a modest choice. It is adequate for basic content; text, social media images, YouTube videos, and casual web browsing look clear enough for most users. However, for tasks like photo editing, high-resolution video playback, and reading dense text (like eBooks), the limited pixel density may result in slightly less crisp visuals.

This resolution suffices for the entry-level segment but may feel underwhelming for users accustomed to Full HD or higher displays.

In terms of brightness, the 450 nits typical brightness works well indoors or in shaded outdoor areas, ensuring adequate readability for day-to-day use. The HBM (High Brightness Mode) boosts brightness to 600 nits for brief periods, such as under direct sunlight.

While 600 nits is a welcome upgrade over some budget phones, it's still below the ideal level for harsh outdoor conditions, where 800 nits or higher is preferred. Direct sunlight or very bright environments might make it difficult to clearly see the screen, especially for detailed content like videos or maps.

Given this hardware and features, the Redmi A4's display is suitable for casual content, including:

• Social media scrolling, web browsing, and everyday YouTube viewing.
• Light gaming where screen clarity isn't a priority.

However, there's content which will be challenging for this display, such as:

• High-quality video playback (e.g., 4K or Full HD movies), where finer details may be lost.
• Bright outdoor environments where higher brightness levels would make a significant difference.

In conclusion, the Redmi A4's IPS LCD balances affordability with functionality. The 120 Hz refresh rate is a highlight, delivering smoothness rarely seen in entry-level phones. While the 720p resolution is adequate for casual tasks, it may not satisfy users looking for sharper visuals.

The 600 nits HBM brightness, though acceptable for shaded conditions, could fall short under direct sunlight. If outdoor usage is a significant part of your routine, this might be a consideration. Still, for its price, the display punches above its weight, offering enough features to keep budget-conscious users happy.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

Networking is the invisible thread that connects us all in the digital world! The Xiaomi Redmi A4, with its support for the networking quartet of GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G technologies, is like a well-connected socialite in the world of networks.

GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. It's the future, promising blazing-fast download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and a world of possibilities for future applications.

SIM

The Xiaomi Redmi A4 supports dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by). This capability adds a layer of convenience for those juggling work and personal life on a single device.

Chipset - Performance: A Strong Entry-Level Contender

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 (4 nm) chipset, the Redmi A4 delivers efficient performance for day-to-day tasks. The octa-core CPU (comprising two types of cores) strikes a balance between performance and power efficiency, while the Adreno GPU handles casual games with ease. Here are the relevant specs:

The Xiaomi Redmi A4 is powered by the Qualcomm SM4635 Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chipset, an SoC tailored for efficiency and reliable performance in entry-level to midrange smartphones. This 4-nm chipset is a modern, energy-efficient processor that offers decent performance for everyday tasks while ensuring prolonged battery life.

The 4-nm process means smaller transistors, leading to improved power efficiency and thermal management compared to older architectures.

The CPU features an octa-core setup divided into two clusters:

• 2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 cores (Performance Cores): These high-performance cores handle demanding tasks, such as running apps that require significant processing power (e.g., photo editing); multitasking across multiple apps without noticeable lag; and light gaming with moderate graphics requirements.
• 6×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores (Efficiency Cores): These power-efficient cores handle background and lightweight tasks, such as browsing, texting, and watching videos; and running low-priority apps in the background without draining battery life.

By offloading simpler tasks to the efficiency cores, the phone conserves energy, ensuring that the 5160 mAh battery lasts longer.

The integrated Adreno GPU is designed for handling graphical tasks. While Xiaomi has not fully disclosed its specifics, it complements the CPU by enabling smooth rendering for games with light-to-moderate graphics requirements, and by supporting animations and UI interactions to enhance responsiveness.

However, for graphically intensive tasks, such as 3D gaming or video editing, the GPU may struggle, especially at higher frame rates or resolutions.

With these under-the-hood components, the Redmi A4's Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 is well-suited for:

• Everyday Activities: Browsing the web, using social media apps, watching HD videos, and running lightweight productivity tools like Microsoft Office and Google Docs.
• Casual Gaming: Titles like Subway Surfers, Clash Royale, and even mid-tier games like Call of Duty: Mobile on lower settings.
• Multitasking: Switching between apps is smooth, especially with the UFS 2.2 storage, which ensures quicker data read/write speeds.

However, the Redmi A4's processing hardware may feel limited for tasks that demand a more powerful configuration, such as:

• High-End Gaming: Demanding games like Genshin Impact and PUBG Mobile at higher graphics settings might stutter, especially during intensive scenes.
• Advanced Productivity or Creative Work: Editing high-resolution photos or videos requires a more powerful CPU-GPU combo, especially if rendering times are a concern.
• AI-Driven Applications or Heavy Multitasking: Apps relying on advanced AI processing or intensive multitasking with multiple resource-hungry apps might push the chipset beyond its comfort zone.

In summary, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2, paired with the efficient Cortex core setup, provides a capable foundation for entry-level users. For the price, it excels at balancing energy efficiency with solid day-to-day performance.

While it handles light to moderate workloads with ease, users looking for heavy gaming or professional-grade productivity will need to consider devices with higher-end configurations.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

With support for microSDXC cards, you can expand storage easily. The use of UFS 2.2 storage ensures faster app loading and smoother multitasking compared to eMMC alternatives commonly found in this segment.

Cameras: Basic, but Capable

The Redmi A4 features a 50 MP primary camera, which captures good detail in well-lit conditions. It is accompanied by an auxiliary lens, likely for depth sensing or macro shots.

Xiaomi Redmi A4 main and selfie cameras. Image credit: Xiaomi

Video recording maxes out at 1080p at 30 fps, both for the rear and 8 MP front-facing camera. While selfies won't wow anyone with their sharpness, the front camera performs adequately for video calls and casual snapshots.

Battery and Charging: Long-Lasting Power

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

The 5160 mAh battery is a highlight of this device, offering extended usage for light to moderate users. The 18 W wired charging is sufficient for topping up the large battery within a reasonable time frame. For users focused on prolonged battery life, this phone won't disappoint.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

The Redmi A4 include a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a must-have for many budget phone users.

Connectivity

With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, the Xiaomi Redmi A4 ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.

The Redmi A4 boasts Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a seamless and high-quality connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.

The Xiaomi Redmi A4 features the GPS positioning system for accurate navigation and location services.

The lack of NFC might disappoint some users who rely on it for contactless payments, but it's not a deal-breaker at this price point.

The inclusion of FM radio adds a touch of nostalgia for those who love the classic radio experience and like to keep it old school.

Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology.

Sensors

The Xiaomi Redmi A4 comes equipped with the following sensor:

• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the Redmi A4.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Xiaomi Redmi A4 release date?

  The Xiaomi Redmi A4 has been announced on the 16th October, 2024. It is expected to release on the 27th November, 2024.

• What is Xiaomi Redmi A4 price?

  The Xiaomi Redmi A4 is priced at INR 8499 (about USD 101) for the 4 GB / 64 GB variant, and INR 9499 (about USD 113) for the 4 GB / 128 GB variant.