The Xiaomi Redmi A4: Big Screen, Big Battery, and the Budget Balancing Act
Let me start with this: The Redmi A4 isn’t trying to be a flagship killer. It’s the phone you buy when you want something that just works without emptying your wallet. After digging into its guts and living with it for a bit, here’s the real story.
The Screen: Bigger Isn’t Always Sharper
That 6.88-inch display is massive—like holding a mini-tablet. Scrolling through TikTok or watching YouTube feels immersive, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes everything feel buttery smooth. But here’s the catch: the 720p resolution. At this size, pixels start to show. Text isn’t razor-sharp, and HD videos look fine, not fantastic. It’s like buying a 65-inch TV on a Black Friday deal—you’re trading some clarity for size. The 600-nit brightness? Solid for indoor use, but squint-worthy in direct sunlight.
Performance: The “Good Enough” Dance
The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chip and 4GB RAM handle everyday tasks like a pro. Browsing Instagram, hopping between WhatsApp and Google Maps? No stutters. But try juggling 10 Chrome tabs while streaming Spotify, and you’ll feel the strain. Gaming? Forget Genshin Impact, but casual games like Subway Surfers run fine. Xiaomi’s HyperOS helps keep things zippy, but that 4GB RAM feels like a tight pair of jeans—functional, but you wish there was more room to breathe.
Battery Life: The Marathon Runner
Here’s where the A4 shines. That 5160mAh battery lasts all day, even with the screen set to 120Hz. I got through a 14-hour day with 20% left after moderate use (social media, YouTube, light gaming). The catch? 18W charging feels glacial. Going from 0-100% takes nearly two hours. It’s like filling a swimming pool with a garden hose—effective, but you’ll need patience.
Cameras: Daylight Hero, Nighttime Zero
The 50MP main camera surprises in good light. Photos are crisp, colors pop (though they lean warm), and details hold up if you don’t pixel-peep. The 2MP macro lens? Skip it—it’s there to check a spec sheet box. The 5MP selfie cam struggles in low light, turning shadows into murky blobs. Video stabilization? Basic, but usable for TikTok clips. This isn’t a photography powerhouse, but it’s competent for casual snaps.
Design & Durability: Plastic Fantastic
The plastic back and IP52 rating scream “practical, not premium.” It’s lightweight (213g) for its size, but the glossy finish picks up fingerprints like a detective. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor works reliably, though. No frills here—just a no-nonsense design that’ll survive drops better than glass sandwiches.
The 5G Quandary
Yes, it’s 5G-capable, but there’s a hitch: it only supports SA (Standalone) networks. In India, that means Jio users are golden, but Airtel 5G won’t work. For most buyers, this won’t matter today—but future-proofing? Not quite.
Who’s This For?
- Yes: Budget shoppers who want a big screen for streaming, a battery that won’t quit, and smooth basics (calls, messaging, light apps).
- No: Gamers, multitasking maniacs, or anyone needing flagship cameras.
My Take: Would I Buy It?
If I needed a reliable backup phone or a gift for a parent? Absolutely. The battery and screen are stellar for the price. But as my daily driver? Nope. I’d miss the snappiness of more RAM and the polish of a better display. Xiaomi made smart tradeoffs here—prioritizing battery life and size over raw power. For €202, it’s a solid “good enough” device that nails the essentials without pretending to be something it’s not.
Final thought: The Redmi A4 is like a dependable hatchback—it won’t turn heads, but it’ll get you where you need to go. Just don’t expect a turbo boost.
