The Xiaomi Redmi A3, part of the budget-friendly Android One lineup, represents an evolution from its predecessors like the Mi A1 and Mi A2. It comes equipped with notable features such as a Snapdragon 665 processor, a 48MP camera, and a stock Android experience. However, this model introduces both improvements and compromises. In this review, we’ll explore the design, performance, camera quality, battery life, and overall value of the Redmi A3 to determine if it’s a worthy successor.
Design and Build Quality
The Xiaomi Redmi A3 features a glass sandwich design, protected by Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, a notable upgrade from the Mi A2’s metal body. The design is aesthetically pleasing with color options like “More Than White,” “Kind Of Grey,” and “Not Just Blue,” inspired by Google’s Pixel series. The device is sleek, although the plastic frame might detract slightly from its premium feel.
- Key Features:
- Glass Sandwich Design: Enhanced durability with Gorilla Glass 5.
- Color Options: Inspired by the Pixel series, providing a stylish look.
- Port and Button Placement: Includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was absent in the Mi A2.
Display Performance
The Redmi A3 is equipped with a 6.71-inch HD+ AMOLED display. This is a step down from the Full HD+ displays of its predecessors, leading to pixelation issues due to the lower pixel density of 268 ppi. While the colors are vibrant, the display struggles under direct sunlight and some users might find the pixelation distracting, especially when reading text.
- Display Stats:
- Resolution: 720 x 1650 pixels
- Brightness: 420 nits, which can be inadequate under bright sunlight.
- Refresh Rate: 90Hz, providing a smoother experience compared to the previous 60Hz screens.
- Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Processing Power and Performance
The Redmi A3 is powered by the Snapdragon 665 processor, which offers a decent performance boost over the Snapdragon 660 found in the Mi A2. This processor handles day-to-day tasks with ease but struggles with more intensive applications like gaming or multitasking.
- Benchmark Scores:
- AnTuTu Benchmark: 153,983 points
- Geekbench 6: 230 (Single-Core), 840 (Multi-Core)
Performance-wise, it handles casual gaming like Subway Surfers smoothly but can lag during more demanding tasks.
Software Experience
Running on stock Android under the Android One program, the Redmi A3 offers a clean, bloatware-free experience. Users benefit from timely updates, with Xiaomi promising two years of OS updates and three years of security patches. However, unlike its predecessors that featured Android Go, the Redmi A3 comes with the full-fledged Android 14, which might feel slightly sluggish on this device due to its hardware limitations.
- Software Highlights:
- Stock Android 14: No MIUI, minimal bloatware.
- Updates: Regular updates as part of the Android One program.
- User Experience: Simple and straightforward, though some might miss the customization of MIUI.
Camera Features and Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi A3 is equipped with a triple-camera setup, featuring a 48MP Sony IMX 586 sensor. The camera performs well in daylight, capturing good detail and vibrant colors, but struggles with HDR and low-light photography. The wide-angle lens is useful but lacks the detail seen in the primary sensor.
- Camera Specs:
- Main Camera: 48MP, f/1.8
- Wide-Angle: 8MP
- Depth Sensor: 2MP
- Video: 1080p @ 30fps, with digital stabilization.
The camera excels in well-lit conditions but falters in low-light scenarios, where it struggles with focus and introduces noise.
Battery Life and Charging
The Redmi A3 packs a 5000mAh battery, significantly larger than the 3000mAh unit in the Mi A2. This provides impressive endurance, lasting up to 1.5 days under regular usage. However, the device supports only 10W charging, taking over two hours for a full charge, which might be a drawback for users on the go.
- Battery Stats:
- Capacity: 5000mAh
- Charging Speed: 10W, which is slow compared to competitors.
- Endurance: 16 hours 21 minutes in HD video loop test.
Audio and Connectivity
The audio experience on the Redmi A3 is decent, with a single loudspeaker that produces clear sound but lacks depth. The return of the 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome addition. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5, dual-band Wi-Fi, and dual 4G VoLTE, covering all the basics for a budget device.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The Xiaomi Redmi A3 is priced competitively, starting at Rs. 12,999 for the base variant. While it offers a good camera and solid battery life, its HD+ display and mid-tier performance might not justify the price for some users, especially when compared to alternatives like the Redmi Note 7 Pro or Realme 5 Pro.
Variants:
| Variants | Price (Rs.) | Price (USD) | Price (BDT) |
| 4GB/64GB | Rs. 12,999 | ৳.10,999 | |
| 6GB/128GB | Rs. 15,999 | $.130 | ৳.12,999 |
For those who prioritize a stock Android experience and a good camera, the Redmi A3 remains a viable option. However, those seeking better performance might look elsewhere.
FAQs
Is the Xiaomi Redmi A3 worth buying over the Redmi Note 7 Pro?
The Redmi A3 offers a stock Android experience and a better camera setup, but if performance and display resolution are more important to you, the Redmi Note 7 Pro might be a better choice.
Does the Xiaomi Redmi A3 have expandable storage?
Yes, the Redmi A3 supports expandable storage via a hybrid dual-SIM tray, addressing a key limitation of its predecessor, the Mi A2.
How does the Xiaomi Redmi A3 perform in gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi A3 handles casual gaming well but may struggle with high-end games at higher settings due to its Snapdragon 665 SoC and HD+ display.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Redmi A3 is a solid budget smartphone with a strong camera and long battery life. However, the compromise on display quality and performance might not appeal to everyone. It’s best suited for users who value stock Android and regular updates, or those looking for a secondary device. For budget-conscious consumers, it’s a strong contender, but if performance and display quality are critical, there are better options available.