Redmi A4 5G review: An excellent budget smartphone, except for one major flaw

The circular camera island on the back gives the Redmi A4 a premium look reminiscent of Xiaomi’s flagship, the 14 Ultra. It also includes essentials like a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot, features expected in budget smartphones. While the Redmi A4 5G looks and feels great in hand, it is slightly slippery and prone to smudges—especially the sparkle purple variant—when used without a case.

Using social media, watching reels feels like a breeze

Apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram work just fine. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

In the past, I have seen many budget phones struggling to complete basic smartphone needs such as browsing the web, streaming videos, and playing simple games. As one tends to add more apps, the phone gets slower, but this is not the case with the Redmi A4. I was pleasantly surprised that the phone can handle a bit of multitasking with ease. I was able to swiftly switch between various social media apps such as Instagram, Facebook, X, and WhatsApp. Although some apps did reload occasionally, I didn’t encounter significant stuttering or lag.

That said, the display’s 720p resolution is a noticeable drawback. On the 6.88-inch screen, the lower pixel density is evident, particularly for users accustomed to higher-resolution displays. Still, for those upgrading from a budget 4G smartphone or buying their first device, this won’t be a major issue. On a positive note, the mono speaker at the bottom is surprisingly loud and delivers clear audio even at high volumes.

Android 14-based HyperOS on the Redmi A4 is feature-rich and smooth, offering plenty of customisation options. However, the phone does pack a bit of bloatware, and some third-party apps tend to push notifications, which can be disabled, but it is indeed a bit of work.

Cameras that do their job

Redmi A4 5G camera sample. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

Redmi A4 5G camera sample. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

Redmi A4 5G camera sample. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

I didn’t have high expectations for the cameras on the Redmi A4, but the 50 MP primary shooter performs admirably. The 5MP selfie camera is sufficient for video calls and daytime selfies, delivering decent results for its price point.

Here are some camera samples straight from the Redmi A4 5G camera:

Minor details that make a huge difference

The phone has everything that one wants from an entry-level smartphone. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

Some of the smallest features on the Redmi A4 make it a practical smartphone, including the side-mounted fingerprint sensor and FM radio. In fact, if you don’t have wired headphones to connect to local radio, there is also support for streaming, and if you have a Jio 5G pack, you can enjoy radio stations from across the world.

The phone’s 5,160 mAh battery with 18W fast charging support is another highlight. It easily lasts two days on a single charge with regular use, and the included fast charger is a welcome addition.

Verdict: A well-packed 5G smartphone that works for half of India

A 5G phone that only works on Jio network. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

Unlike most 5G phones that have launched in recent years, the Redmi A4, powered by the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2, only supports a standalone (SA) 5G network. This means the phone is only compatible with Jio’s 5G network and will not work on Airtel 5G based on non-standalone (NSA) technology. In fact, the upcoming 5G service by Vi is also NSA, and the Redmi A4 will not be compatible with that as well. Hence, the Redmi A4 is a Jio-only 5G smartphone in India.

This limitation means the Redmi A4 is not a viable option for Airtel users or those looking to future-proof their device for broader 5G compatibility. However, for Jio customers seeking an affordable 5G smartphone, the Redmi A4 5G is an excellent choice that delivers solid performance and value.