The Xiaomi Redmi A5 steps into the highly competitive budget smartphone arena, offering a surprisingly robust set of features for its price point. Launched in April 2025, this device aims to provide a reliable and engaging experience for users seeking affordability without significant compromise on key specifications like display, battery, and camera. It runs on the latest Android 15 Go Edition, promising a smooth software experience.
Modern Design & Durable Build
The Xiaomi Redmi A5 boasts a refreshed design language with a sleek and practical build. It measures 8.26mm in thickness and weighs 193g, making it relatively slim and light for its size. The phone features a flat frame and a distinct camera deco design, giving it a modern and stylish appearance. It is constructed with a polycarbonate body for durability. The Redmi A5 is also IP52 rated for dust and splash resistance, providing peace of mind against everyday elements.
Large & Smooth Display
The Xiaomi Redmi A5 features a substantial 6.88-inch IPS LCD display with an HD+ (720 x 1640 pixels) resolution. A major highlight is its 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which delivers incredibly smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and an enhanced overall visual experience that is rare in this price segment. The display offers a typical brightness of 450 nits and up to 600 nits HBM (High Brightness Mode), ensuring good visibility even in brighter environments.
Efficient Performance & Latest Software
Under the hood, the Xiaomi Redmi A5 is powered by the Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) chipset. This octa-core processor (up to 1.8 GHz) delivers capable performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and light gaming. The phone comes with 3GB or 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM, expandable via memory extension up to 8GB by utilizing ROM storage. Internal storage options include 64GB or 128GB (eMMC 5.1), which is generously expandable up to 2TB via a dedicated microSDXC card slot.
Impressive Camera System
The Xiaomi Redmi A5 is equipped with a capable camera setup for its segment. It features a 32MP AI dual rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture and an auxiliary lens. This main sensor is designed to capture clear and vibrant images, even in low light, thanks to a larger camera sensor allowing for 18% more light capture compared to its predecessor. Features like HDR, Ultra HD, Night mode, and new “Film Camera” filters enhance the photography experience. It can record videos at 1080p@30fps. For selfies and video calls, there’s an 8MP front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture, supporting HDR and a fill-light for better quality selfies.
Long-Lasting Battery & Convenient Charging
A significant selling point of the Xiaomi Redmi A5 is its large 5200 mAh (typical value) non-removable battery. This substantial capacity is designed to provide over 1.45 days of typical usage, with up to 20.7 hours of video playback and 14.24 hours of reading, making it ideal for extended use. The device supports 15W wired fast charging via a USB Type-C port, allowing for reasonably quick power replenishment. The phone comes with a 15W charger in the box in some regions, which is a nice inclusion.
Pricing & Market Availability
The Xiaomi Redmi A5 is positioned as an exceptionally affordable smartphone. In Lagos, Nigeria, the price for the 3GB RAM + 64GB storage model generally starts from approximately ₦109,000 to ₦115,000. The 4GB RAM + 128GB storage variant typically ranges from ₦125,000 to ₦135,000. Prices can fluctuate based on the retailer, promotions, and specific configurations. Launched in April 2025, the Redmi A5 is widely available through various online and offline Xiaomi authorized retail stores across Nigeria.
Overall Value
The Xiaomi Redmi A5 stands out as an excellent choice for budget-conscious users in Lagos who are looking for a feature-rich smartphone without a high price tag. Its large 120Hz display, robust battery life, modern design with an IP52 rating, and the latest Android 15 Go Edition provide a compelling package. While it’s an entry-level device, the Redmi A5 delivers strong value for everyday communication, media consumption, and light productivity.
