Xiaomi Redmi A3 3/64GB

Description

Xiaomi Redmi A3

Xiaomi Redmi A3 t is a budget smartphone that offers a glass-back design, a circular camera module, and a 90Hz 6.71-inch IPS display.  Expected to be announced and officially launched on 24^th February 2024, Redmi A3 will run Android 13 (Go edition) OS, with MIUI software cover. It will be powered by an Octa-core, MediaTek Helio G36 (12 nm) processor, anchored by 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, and 128GB 6GB RAM internal memory. The front camera for selfies is a single 8MP lens and the main camera consists of a dual setup: 13 MP (wide) + 0.08 MP (auxiliary lens). Powering the handset is a 5000mAh, non-removable battery, recharged by a wired 10W fast charger. Order and buy the Redmi A3 at Plugpoint.

Xiaomi Redmi A3 Unique Selling Points

• Affordability: It is very affordable and budget-friendly
• Large 6.71-inch 90Hz Display: The large screen size and high refresh rate provide a smooth and immersive viewing experience.
• 5,000mAh Battery: The large battery capacity ensures impressive battery life12.
• OS: Redmi A3 runs on the latest Android 14 platform, which is a departure from its predecessors’ less powerful Android 13 Go edition.
• A range of RAM Options: it offers 3GB, 4GB, or 6GB configurations, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your needs.
• A Splashproof Design: The device is protected with extra seals to prevent failures caused by dust, raindrops, and water splashes.

Xiaomi Redmi A3 Technical Specifications

Product Description

Body Build

Redmi A3 measures 168.3 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm (6.63 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) and weighs 193g or 199g. Its build is of a Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back or silicone polymer back (eco-leather), and a plastic frame, it is a Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) smartphone with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button.

Display

Xiaomi Redmi A3 features a 6.71-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1650 pixels, a 20:9 aspect ratio, and a pixel density of approximately 268 ppi. The display also supports a 90Hz refresh rate. It has a Gorilla Glass 3 on top for protection. The panel also has a waterdrop notch for the 5 MP selfie camera.

Camera Set up

The device comes with a dual-camera setup.

• Rear Camera: The rear camera setup consists of an 8 MP, (wide) primary camera and 0.08 MP (auxiliary lens). The main camera records 1080p videos and features Dual-LED flash, and HDR.
• Front Camera: The front camera is a 5MP shooter for selfies and video calls. The front lens records 1080p videos.

Both the front and rear cameras on the handset are basic and provide an average experience when it comes to photography and recording videos. For 4K videos and more sophistication when it comes to photography and videography on smartphones, you may have to opt for more expensive models from Redmi (Redmi 12, Redmi Note 12R, Redmi Note 13 4G) or rival brands such as Samsung Galaxy A14, Vivo Y27s or Vivo V30 5G.

Redmi A3 has provisions for Google Camera. If you want to install Google Camera (GCam) on your device, simply:

• Download the Google Camera APK file of your preferred version.
• Ensure that the Unknown Sources option is enabled on your device. Go to Settings > Security/Privacy > Enable.
• Open the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions.
• Now you can open GCam and take advantage of all the newly enabled features on your phone.

Performance

Xiaomi Redmi A3 is a budget smartphone with the following performance specifications:

• Operating System: Android 14 (Go Edition)
• System on Chip (SoC): MediaTek Helio G36 (12nm)
• CPU: 4 cores at 1.8 GHz (Cortex-A53) and 4 cores at 2.2 GHz (Cortex-A53)
• Graphics: PowerVR GE8320
• RAM: Available in 3GB, 4GB, 6GB variants
• Storage: Available in 64GB, 128 GB variants.

Whereas these are technical specifications, the actual performance may vary based on individual usage patterns. Overall, the handset performs decently for a budget smartphone with average specifications.

Network and Connectivity

As a budget-friendly, utility handset, Xiaomi Redmi A3 supports the following network and connectivity features:

• Network Technology: GSM / HSPA / LTE for 2G, 3G and 4G Bands
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
• Bluetooth: 3, A2DP, LE
• GPS: Yes, with GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
• Radio: FM radio
• USB: USB Type-C 2.0
• SIM: Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
• 5mm jack: supported
• NFC: not supported
• Infrared: not supported
• Sensors: Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer

Battery and Power Management

Xiaomi Redmi A3 packs a 5,000mAh Li-Ion battery. The device supports 10W wired charging. However, it does not support wireless charging, reverse charging, or fast charging.

Pros and Cons of Redmi A3

Pros

• Premium look and feel
• Affordable and budget-friendly pricing. It retails at around Kes 18,500
• Large 6.71-inch 90Hz display, providing a smooth and immersive viewing experience.
• Impressive battery life, that lasts 24+ hours for an average user.
• This provides ample space for your apps, photos, and videos from the available options of 64GB and 128GB storage.
• Android One: This means it runs a clean, bloatware-free version of Android.
• 5mm jack port
• FM Radio support.

Cons

• The screen resolution is relatively low, which might affect the sharpness of images and text
• Slippery design which makes safe handling difficult due to poor grip support.
• Limited to 4G connectivity
• Slow Charging: The phone takes a while to charge fully, despite the 10W fast charger unit.
• The IPS LCD technology is not as vibrant or energy-efficient as AMOLED.
• Lower quality camera setup: The camera performance might not live up to expectations.
• With no IP rating, the phone is not officially certified as water or dust-resistant.
• No NFC

Verdict

For a budget smartphone, the Redmi A3 is a great device to have and use. It offers a decent set of features for its price. It has a large 6.71-inch display, a MediaTek Helio G36 chipset, and a 5,000mAh battery. The phone also comes with a dual-camera main setup (8MP +0.08MP), supports FM Radio, and has a 3.5mm jack port installed.

However, it has some drawbacks. The charging speed is slow, and the display is not AMOLED. Its camera performance is quite average and can be underwhelming to expectations. Also, it lacks certain key features like NFC and an IP rating. Whereas it comes at a great affordable price, several compromises such as processor, display, and camera can force you to consider other available options for the best user experience and value for your money.

Alternative Handsets

• Samsung Galaxy A14.
• Redmi 12.
• Vivo Y27s.
• Redmi Note 12R.

Check out the latest Xiaomi phones in Kenya.