Xiaomi has launched its Redmi A5 in India, an affordable 4G smartphone priced at just Rs 6,499. However, we also have the Redmi A4 5G, which offers 5G connectivity for a little extra money at Rs 8,499. This raises a big question – Is it worth getting a 4G phone in 2025, or should you spend the extra Rs 2,000 and get a 5G device? Let’s find out the answer in this detailed comparison between the Redmi A5 4G and the Redmi A4 5G.
The Redmi A4 5G is priced Rs 2,000 higher and offers the same storage configurations as the Redmi A5.
The Redmi A5 is sold on Flipkart, while the Redmi A4 5G is available on Amazon. You can also purchase both phones on Mi.com.
Redmi A5 vs Redmi A4 5G: Build and Design
The Redmi A5 has a plastic back panel with a chamfered ring around the camera module for a premium finish. It has flat edges, and its overall design is identical to that of the iPhone 16. The phone is available in Pondicherry Blue, Just Black, and Lake Green colours.
The Redmi A4 5G features a glass back panel, which is rare for a smartphone under Rs 10,000. It has flat edges, but the camera module is circular in shape and larger in size. It resembles modern Android flagships, such as the Vivo X200 or even the OnePlus 13 to some extent. The device comes in Starry Black and Sparkle Purple colour options.
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Redmi A5
Redmi A4 5G
The Redmi A4 5G offers a premium finish and in-hand feel with its glass back panel. Apart from this difference, both phones are largely similar in terms of form factor. They also have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor in common, which is a good thing to have in this budget.
Redmi A5 vs Redmi A4 5G: Display
The Redmi A5 features a 6.88-inch IPS LCD screen with an HD+ resolution of 1640×720 pixels. The refresh rate is 120Hz, which is the highest for its starting price of Rs 6,499. The screen has a waterdrop notch for the selfie camera.
The Redmi A4 5G comes with a 6.88-inch IPS LCD screen, with HD+ 720p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It also has a similar waterdrop-style notch. The side bezels are thinner compared to the Redmi A5, but the bottom bezel is almost the same size.
Redmi A4 5G display
The Redmi A5 and Redmi A4 5G have almost the same display specifications, with no major differences. The similarity is such that it will be difficult to identify the device just by looking at the screen.
Redmi A5 vs Redmi A4 5G: Cameras
The dual rear camera setup on the Redmi A5 includes a 32MP primary sensor and a secondary auxiliary lens. It can record videos up to 1080p 30fps. The selfie camera is an 8MP shooter. The device comes with AI camera features with built-in filters, HDR, and portrait mode.
The Redmi A4 5G has a 50MP primary rear camera, paired with an auxiliary lens. This setup can shoot videos at 1080p 30fps. For selfies, you get a 5MP sensor. Built-in camera features include portrait mode, time lapse, 10x digital zoom, image filters, and more.
Redmi A4 5G camera module
The Redmi A4 5G has a higher resolution rear camera that can help to capture better images during the day. The Redmi A5 bounces back with an upgraded selfie camera for sharper selfies, and a decent 32MP primary rear sensor. If selfies are a priority, then you should pick the Redmi A5.
Redmi A5 vs Redmi A4 5G: Processor
The Redmi A5 is equipped with the Unisoc T7250 processor, based on a 12nm architecture. It is paired with the Mali-G57 MP1 GPU. The device uses eMMC 5.1 storage for both 4GB+64GB and 4GB+128GB variants.
The Redmi A4 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chipset with a 4nm architecture, paired with the Adreno 611 GPU. It is available in 4GB+64GB and 4GB+128GB variants, with both using UFS 2.2 storage.
The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 is a more powerful processor than the Unisoc T7250. There’s a huge difference in the fabrication technique between the two (4nm vs 12nm), with Qualcomm having a huge edge. 5G connectivity is also an added advantage. Overall, the Redmi A4 5G is a better device, compared to the Redmi A5.
Redmi A5 vs Redmi A4 5G: Software
The Redmi A5 runs on Android 15. It offers plenty of customisation options with theme support. The device will get two major Android updates and four years of security patches, making it eligible for up to Android 17.
The Redmi A4 5G runs on HyperOS based on Android 14. It offers the same level of customisation features as the Redmi A5, and the same 2+4 year software update cycle. However, it is only eligible for up to Android 16.
HyperOS on Redmi A4 5G
The software experience will be almost the same on the Redmi A5 and the Redmi A4 5G. The newer Xiaomi phone will give you one additional year of Android update, giving you a slight advantage.
Redmi A5 vs Redmi A4 5G: Connectivity
The Redmi A5 is a 4G-only smartphone that supports dual SIM, 4G LTE, VoLTE, WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, and GPS connectivity.
The Redmi A4 5G supports 5G connectivity, but only on Jio 5G as the device supports SA 5G networks. Hence, you will not be able to use Airtel 5G or Vi 5G, and these two networks will be limited to 4G-only. In addition to SA 5G, the phone has 4G LTE, VoLTE, WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, and GPS.
The Redmi A4 5G has exclusive support for Jio 5G due to its 5G SA-only (5G Stand Alone) compatibility. You need to have a Jio SIM to get 5G connectivity. Otherwise, both phones support 4G on all networks.
Redmi A5 vs Redmi A4 5G: Battery and Charging
The Redmi A5 gets its power from a 5200mAh battery. It supports 15W wired charging, and a charger is provided in the box.
The Redmi A4 5G features a 5160mAh battery, which supports 18W charging. A charger is included with the device.
Both phones have a similar battery capacity. The Redmi A4 5G supports slightly faster charging speeds, but the difference is not that huge.
Redmi A5 vs Redmi A4 5G: Verdict
The Redmi A5 is a good, affordable smartphone that offers an HD+ 120Hz display, a decent pair of cameras, and a large battery capacity. However, it cuts a big corner with its chipset, as the Unisoc T7250 feels a little underpowered, considering a 2-year period. It is indeed cheaper, but its such a big compromise that it becomes hard to recommend the phone.
The Redmi A4 5G is available for Rs 2,000 extra, and it offers a much better Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 processor with Jio 5G connectivity. As both phones have identical displays and batteries, the extra performance on the Redmi A4 5G makes it worth the price tag of Rs 8,499. It also offers faster UFS 2.2 storage, which will be beneficial in the long run.
If you are on a very tight budget, we recommend saving a little more or opting for EMI payment options and getting the Redmi A4 5G, rather than the Redmi A5. It sounds easier said than done, but the Redmi A4 5G is a far superior choice, making it worth the price difference.
