The budget smartphone market in India has a new king, and it is trending everywhere this week. The Redmi A4 5G has officially broken the price barrier, bringing reliable 5G connectivity to the sub-₹9,000 segment.
With the cost of living rising in 2026, finding a phone that offers a 120Hz screen, a premium glass back, and a Snapdragon processor for less than ₹10,000 feels like a steal. But is it too good to be true?
Here is a complete, honest breakdown of the Redmi A4 5G—its real-world performance, the “Jio vs. Airtel” 5G catch you need to know, and whether you should buy it today.
Why Is This Phone Trending Now?
The Redmi A4 5G is currently the most affordable Snapdragon 5G phone in India.
- Price Point: Starting at just ₹8,499, it targets first-time smartphone users and students who want fast internet without spending a fortune.
- Processor Debut: It is the first phone in India to feature the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 (4nm) chipset, promising better battery efficiency than older MediaTek rivals.
Key Features & Real-World Test
1. Design & Display: Looks More Expensive Than It Is
Redmi has ditched the cheap plastic feel. The A4 5G comes with a “Halo Glass” sandwich design, giving it a premium, glossy look similar to phones costing ₹20,000.
Read more: OPPO A6x 5G
- Screen: A massive 6.88-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While it is not Full HD, the 120Hz smoothness makes scrolling through Instagram and menus feel surprisingly fluid.
- Durability: It has an IP52 rating, meaning it can handle light rain and dust splashes.
2. Performance: The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2
This is where the phone shines for its price.
- Daily Use: The 4nm Snapdragon processor handles WhatsApp, YouTube, and browsing without heating up.
- Gaming: It is NOT a gaming beast. You can play BGMI or Free Fire on “Smooth/Balanced” settings, but don’t expect high frame rates. It is built for efficiency, not raw power.
3. The “5G Catch”: Know This Before You Buy
This is the most critical detail many reviews miss. The Redmi A4 5G supports Standalone (SA) 5G networks perfectly.
- Jio Users: You will get excellent, unlimited True 5G coverage.
- Airtel Users: Since Airtel primarily uses Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G in many areas, some users might face compatibility issues or fall back to 4G until Airtel fully rolls out SA infrastructure. If you are a hardcore Airtel user, check your local network type first.
4. Camera & Battery
- Rear Camera: The 50MP Main Sensor takes decent photos in daylight with good color accuracy. Night shots are average (grainy), which is expected at this price.
- Battery: A unique 5,160mAh battery ensures it easily lasts 1.5 days.
- Charging: It supports 18W charging, but surprisingly, Xiaomi includes a 33W adapter in the box. It takes about 2 hours to charge fully.
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
YES, Buy it if:
- You have a budget strictly under ₹9,000.
- You want a phone that looks premium and has a smooth 120Hz screen.
- You are a Jio user looking for the cheapest 5G entry point.
NO, Skip it if:
- You are a heavy gamer (Look for used/refurbished options or increase budget).
- You need ultra-fast charging (18W is slow in 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the current price of Redmi A4 5G in India?
As of January 2026, the 4GB RAM + 64GB storage variant is priced at ₹8,499, while the 128GB variant costs around ₹9,499.
Q2: Does Redmi A4 5G support fast charging?
It supports 18W charging. However, the box comes with a 33W charger, which you can use for other devices, though the phone will only charge at 18W speeds.
Q3: Is the Redmi A4 5G good for gaming?
It is an entry-level device. While it can run casual games like Candy Crush or Ludo perfectly, heavy games like Call of Duty Mobile will struggle on higher settings.
Q4: Does it have a fingerprint sensor?
Yes, it features a fast side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button.
Q5: Will it get Android updates?
Yes, Xiaomi has promised 2 years of Android OS updates and 4 years of security updates, meaning it will likely get Android 15 and 16.
