The Xiaomi Redmi 6A is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2018 and still in demand in the aftermarket, combining the minimalism and functionality of the Redmi lineup of the period. If you are planning to buy this device or just interested in its design, this article will help you to understand everything from the materials of the case to the location of the controls.
Despite its modest price tag, the Redmi 6A has a modern look with narrow bezels (by 2018 standards) and compact dimensions, and comes in several colors, each with its own characteristics, and we will take a closer look at the front and rear panels, where the connectors, speakers and buttons are located, and compare it with other models of the Redmi series.
Dimensions and weight: compactness as the main advantage
Xiaomi Redmi 6A It's a compact smartphone, which makes it easy to use for one hand. 147,5 × 71,5 × 8,3 Mmm, and the weight is everything. 145 For comparison, modern budget smartphones often exceed 160 mm long and weigh 180–200 Thanks to this, Redmi 6A It can fit easily in a narrow pocket of jeans or a small handbag.
The 8.3mm thickness of the body makes it thin, but it doesn't feel fragile. The back is slightly rounded around the edges, which improves ergonomics. However, it's worth considering that due to the glossy coating (in some colors), the device can slide in the hand - this is one of the few design drawbacks.
- 📏 Length: 147.5 mm (comfortable for a medium-sized hand)
- 🔄 Width: 71.5 mm (easily held with thumb)
- ⚖️ Thickness: 8.3 mm (thinner than many modern state employees)
- 🏋️ Weight: 145 g (not tiring with prolonged use)
For those who are used to large smartphones with a screen diagonal of 6.5 inches or more, the Redmi 6A may seem too small. However, its compactness is a plus for those who appreciate mobility and ease of carrying.
Materials of the case: plastic or metal?
The Xiaomi Redmi 6A may look like a metal smartphone, but it's actually made of plastic, and the manufacturer used a high-quality, metallized polycarbonate that mimics aluminum, which has reduced the cost of the device while still maintaining a presentable look.
The back panel is glossy or matte depending on the color. For example, the "Black" option is usually matte, and the "Gold" or "Blue" option is glossy. Matt models are less branded and do not collect fingerprints, while the glossy ones look more premium, but require frequent cleaning.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi's glossy back panel 6A easily scratched when in contact with keys or coins in your pocket, it is recommended to use a case even when using it carefully.
The side faces of the smartphone are also plastic, but with metallized edges that give them strength and improve the appearance, the power and volume buttons are made of the same material and have a clear stroke without backlashes.
| Color of the case | Type of coating | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Black. | Matte | Least stamps, scratch resistant |
| Gold | Glossy | Premium view, but collects prints |
| Blue | Glossy | Bright design, requires careful handling |
| Pink. | Matte/glossy | A rare option, often with a combined texture |
Front panel: screen, frames and sensors
Front of Xiaomi Redmi 6A It looks concise because it's minimalist. It's equipped with a smartphone. 5,45-inch HD+ side-screen 18:9 permit 1440 × 720 The frames around the display are relatively narrow for their time, but by modern standards they seem wide - especially the bottom one, where the physical Home button with a built-in fingerprint scanner is located.
Above the screen are:
- 📞 Speaker for conversations (left)
- 👁️ Front camera 5 MP (center)
- 🔦 Light and proximity sensor (right)
The Home button not only performs navigation functions, but also serves as a fingerprint scanner, it has a backlight that lights up when you notify, and on its sides are the Back touch buttons and the Recent apps that don't highlight.
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If the touch buttons on Redmi 6A are no longer responsive, try calibrating them in the Settings menu → System → Gestures → Sensor calibration.
The screen is covered with protective glass, but its strength is inferior to Gorilla Glass of recent generations. If you fall from a height of more than 1 meter, there is a risk of cracking, so it is recommended to use film or glass.
Back panel: camera, logo and connectors
The back of the Xiaomi Redmi 6A is minimalist, and the top left corner is the 13MP main camera with a single lens and LED flash, and the microphone is nearby to cancel the noise during calls, and the Redmi brand logo is on the bottom of the panel.
At the bottom of the body are:
- 🔊 Main speaker (mono, without stereo sound)
- 🔌 Micro-USB connector (obsolete standard for 2026)
- 🎤 Microphone (for recording sound and calls)
- 📶 Slot for 2 SIM-map + MicroSD (hybrid, up to 256 GB)
One of the design drawbacks is that the 3.5mm headphone jack was not available, which was removed in favor of space saving, which caused some users to complain, as wireless headphones were not as common in 2018.
How to open a tray for SIM-cards without a paper clip?
The camera protrudes slightly above the body (about 1 mm), so when placing the smartphone on the table, it can swing. This is not critical, but it is worth considering when using without a case.
Location of buttons and controls
The Redmi 6A's ergonomics are designed to keep all the buttons at hand, and on the right side are:
- 🔘 Power button (textured for better grip)
- 🔊 Volume buttons (two separate keys)
On the left side is a hybrid slot for SIM-card that supports:
- 2 nano-SIM + 1 microSD (simultaneously)
- Or 1 nano-SIM + 1 microSD
The top of the smartphone is empty — there are no connectors or additional microphones, which simplifies the design, but makes it impossible to connect external accessories (for example, an infrared port for controlling equipment).
☑️ Check buttons before buying a used Redmi 6A
Comparison with other Redmi models
Xiaomi Redmi 6A looks similar to other smartphones in the Redmi 6 series, but has key differences, for example, compared to Redmi 6 and Redmi 6 Pro, it has:
- 📱 Smaller screen (5.45" vs 5.84" in the Pro version)
- 📷 Single camera (vs dual Redmi 6)
- 🔋 Less powerful processor (Helio) A22 vs Helio P22)
- 💰 Lower price (budget model in line)
Compared to its predecessor, the Redmi 5A, the Redmi 6A’s design is more modern thanks to:
- 🖥️ Screen 18:9 (vs 16:9 at Redmi) 5A)
- 🎨 Thinner frames
- 🔍 The fingerprint scanner on the Home button (y) 5A It wasn't)
| Model | Screen diagonal | Camera. | Fingerprint scanner | Processor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 5A | 5,0" | 13 MP | No. | Snapdragon 425 |
| Redmi 6A | 5,45" | 13 MP | Yes (on the Home button) | Helio A22 |
| Redmi 6 | 5,45" | 12+5 MP (double) | Yeah (back panel) | Helio P22 |
| Redmi 6 Pro | 5,84" | 12+5 MP (double) | Yeah (back panel) | Snapdragon 625 |
A unique feature of the Redmi 6A is the combination of the fingerprint scanner on the Home button and compact dimensions, which is not found in the newer Xiaomi budget models. For example, in the Redmi 8A (2019), the scanner was moved to the rear panel, and in the Redmi 9A (2020) it was completely removed.
Covers and accessories: what is suitable for the Redmi 6A
Due to the popularity of the model for Xiaomi Redmi 6A, many accessories are produced:
- 📱 Silicone cases (protection against scratches and impacts)
- 🔋 Bumper covers (combines protection and style)
- 🛡️ Tempered glass (to protect the screen)
- 🔌 Micro-USB adapters → USB-C (Compatibility with modern cables)
When choosing a cover, pay attention to:
- 🕳️ The cutout under the camera (must match exactly)
- 🔊 Openings for speaker and microphone (must not overlap)
- 🔘 Access buttons (buttons should be pressed without effort)
⚠️ Note: Some cheap covers for Redmi 6A They can block the fingerprint scanner on the Home button. Check compatibility reviews before buying.
To protect the screen, it is better to choose oleophobic glass, which repels fat and fingerprints, and there are hybrid cases with built-in glass, but they are usually thicker and less comfortable.
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The Redmi 6A is compatible with the Redmi 6 cases, but not the Redmi 6 Pro because of the different screen sizes and camera layout.