Xiaomi Redmi 5A β One of the most popular budget models of 2017, which is still relevant due to its reliability and availability. Despite modest technical specifications by modern standards, the smartphone stands out for its thoughtful design, compact size and usability with one hand. In this article, we will analyze in detail what the Redmi looks like. 5A, What materials are it made of, where are the buttons and connectors, and compare it with other models of the line Redmi.
If you are planning to buy this device in the secondary market or just want to know what it looks like βliveβ β our review will help you navigate. We will look not only at the external features, but also at the nuances that you should pay attention to when choosing (for example, the differences in the versions from 2 GB and 3 GB of RAM on markings).
Dimensions and weight: compactness as the main advantage
Xiaomi Redmi 5A It is classified as a "mini-smartphone" - its screen size is only 5 inches, making it ideal for users with small hands or those who prefer compact gadgets:
- π Length: 140.4 mm
- π Width: 70.1 mm
- βοΈ Thickness: 8.35 mm (excluding camera protrusion)
- ποΈ Weight: 137 grams
For comparison: modern smartphones with a diagonal of 6.5-6.7 inches weigh 180-220 grams, and their width often exceeds 75 mm. 5A It can fit easily into a jeans pocket or a small handbag without causing discomfort, but the 8.35mm thickness does not make it a soapbox, because it is comfortable in the hand thanks to the rounded edges.
Interesting fact: despite the plastic case, the smartphone does not slide in the hands due to the matte side faces, but the back panel (especially in black) can collect fingerprints - this is worth considering when choosing a color.
Materials of the case: plastic or metal?
Externally, Redmi. 5A It resembles Xiaomiβs flagship models of the time (such as the Mi 5 or Mi 6), but instead of metal, it uses high-density plastic with a simulated metal coating:
- π Best antenna: plastic does not screen the signal, so network reception and Wi-Fi are more stable than metal counterparts.
- π‘ Support NFC: In some regions (for example, India) the version with the module was sold. NFC, which is difficult to integrate into a metal body.
- π οΈ Repairability: The back cover is removable (although it requires a mediator to open neatly), making it easier to replace the battery.
On the other hand, plastic is less durable: when you fall on asphalt or concrete, you're more likely to have chipped or cracked. 2.5D, But without the extra film or glass, it gets scratched quickly. Xiaomi's original cases are no longer manufactured for this model, but the universal 5-inch diagonal is fine.
β οΈ Note: Redmi is often found in the secondary market 5A If the back cover is not evenly attached or if there is traces of glue, it is a sign of opening. BM47.
Location of buttons and connectors: where is it located
Redmi's ergonomics 5A It's a little bit of a thought, and all the controls are arranged so that they can be easily reached with one hand:
| Element | Location. | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Power button | Right edge (top) | Metallic, tactile response, some versions highlight when notified. |
| Volume buttons | Right face (below the power button) | Two separate keys, without swinging mechanism (like Redmi) 4A). |
| Slot for SIM-map | Left face (top) | Hybrid Slot: either 2 nano-SIM or 1 nano-SIM + microSD up to 256GB. |
| 3.5 mm connector | Top face (left) | Without protection from moisture - when water enters, oxidation is possible. |
| Micro-USB | Lower face (center) | Supports OTG, The data transfer speed is limited by the standard USB 2.0. |
On the back panel are:
- π· Camera: 13 MP (main) with a single flash. camera protrusion is minimal - the smartphone does not stagger on the table.
- π Speaker: Monophonic, right of the camera, with a finger in landscape orientation.
- π‘ Logo: Redmi's inscription below, no backlight.
There are no physical buttons in the front under the screen β instead, backlit touch keys (color settings in Settings) β Additionally. β The sensor works even when the screen is off (for example, to wake up with a double tap).
π‘
If touch buttons donβt respond, try calibrating them: go to Settings β System system β Reset β Resetting interface settings.
Colors and design options: what are they?
Officially Xiaomi Redmi 5A It came in four colors, but in some regions there were exclusive options:
- β« Black: Matte, the most practical, but collects prints.
- π Gold: Glossy, metallic, popular in Asia.
- π Blue: Matte, rare in Europe. Often faked.
- πΉ Rose Gold: Glossy, pearl-colored, limited editions.
In India and China, they also sold a special version with 3GB of RAM in Dark Grey, which is distinguished by the marking on the box: the inscription: 3GB+32GB Note that pink and blue are often forged, replacing the original back cover with a replica - check the serial number in the Mi Authenticity Check app.
All versions have a textured pattern on the back of thin lines that you can see in bright light, and it's anti-counterfeiting, which is missing or rough on the copies.
Comparison with other models: Redmi 4A vs Redmi 5A vs Redmi 6A
To better understand what Redmi looks like 5A, And we can compare it to the closest siblings in the line:
| Characteristics | Redmi 4A | Redmi 5A | Redmi 6A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen diagonal | 5 inches | 5 inches | 5.45 inches |
| Case material | Plastic (matte) | Metal-imitated plastic | Plastic (glossy) |
| Charging connector | Micro-USB | Micro-USB | Micro-USB |
| Power button | Metal, no backlights. | Metal, with backlighting (on some versions) | Plastic, unlit. |
| Camera (back) | 13 MP (strong projection) | 13 MP (minimum projection) | 13 MP (medium ledge) |
The main visual difference of Redmi 5A from Redmi 6A β The five is the classic 16:9, and the six is the 18:9 (extended display with thin bezels on top and bottom). 6A There is no backlight of touch buttons, and the back panel is completely glossy, which makes it more of a brand.
Redmi 4A superficially identical 5A, but he:
- π The volume button (y) 5A β two-key).
- πΆ Antenna lines on the back panel (y) 5A They're gone).
- π Battery at 3120 mAh (y) 5A β 3,000 mAh).
How to distinguish Redmi 5A forgery?
Packaging and packaging: what should be in the box
Original packaging Xiaomi Redmi 5A β This is a white box with a picture of the smartphone on the front and the specifications on the back:
- π± Redmi Smartphone 5A (sticker-on-screen).
- π Charger 5V/1A (white, with the Mi logo).
- π Micro-USB cable 1 meter long (white or black, depending on the color of the phone).
- π Instructions in Chinese/English (in European versions β multilingual).
- π§ Paperclip for tray extraction SIM-map.
Note that in some regions (e.g. India) there was a transparent silicone case, but in the European versions it was not. If the seller claims that the case is "original", ask for the box to show you - it should contain a mention of the accessory.
There's a hologram at the bottom of the box with a serial number, which is mandatory for original products.
- π·οΈ The sticker on the back of the phone (should contain) IMEI, boxy).
- π Battery marking (BM47 3,000 mAh).
- π Designed by Xiaomi on the charger.
β οΈ Warning: If there is a charger in the box with an exit 5V/2A cable USB-C β before you 100% The original Redmi. 5A It is equipped with only micro-USB and charging on the 1And.
βοΈ Checking the originality of Redmi 5A
Photo of the real device: what it looks like in life
So you can better imagine what Xiaomi Redmi looks like. 5A, We have prepared a selection of photos of the real device (black, version). 2/16 GB. Pay attention:
- πΈ Front panel: wide frames at the top and bottom, touch buttons without backlighting (in the off state).
- π Rear panel: matte coating, texture pattern, minimum camera protrusion.
- π Connectors: Micro-USB in the center of the lower face, 3.5 mm audio jack on top.
Photo 1: Front view (screen off) wide bezels and a 5MP front camera are clearly visible.
Photo 2: Back view. Redmi logo at the bottom, 13 MP camera with a single flash.
Photo 3: Side face. Power and volume button on the right side, slot for SIM-left-hand.
The photos also show that the screen has a noticeable air gap, which is typical for budget models. In bright light, this can create glare, but in everyday use does not interfere.
If you buy a phone with your hands, ask the seller to send you photos:
- π¦ Hologram boxes.
- π Battery (marking) BM47).
- π± Rear panel (textured pattern).
π‘
The main external difference of Redmi 5A from fakes - build quality: the original has no backlashes between the case and the screen, and the buttons are pressed with a clear click.