Xiaomi Redmi A3 launches in Kenya, Redefining Budget Smartphone Expectations

 

After much anticipation, Xiaomi has finally introduced the Redmi A3 to the Kenyan market. Priced at KES 11,599, the phone is an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Xiaomi Kenya has been gradually revealing information about the Redmi A3 in the lead-up to its launch on April 4th. Let's delve into whether the Redmi A3 is worth considering at its current price point.

The Spec Showdown

In my previous article, I covered the expected features of the budget-friendly Redmi A3 set to launch in Kenya on April 4th. Notably, the phone boasts impressive specifications.

Firstly, it sports a spacious 6.71-inch 720p HD display with a 90Hz refresh rate, 500 nits peak brightness, and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. The inclusion of a 90Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass protection at this price point sets the Redmi A3 apart from its competitors.

The phone features a sturdy design with a trendy boxy profile on the sides. The rear panel houses a circular camera module with two cameras and a flashlight, while the front has an outdated teardrop notch and thick bezels.

Some may not appreciate the thick bezels, but they are typical for this price range. The device also includes a headphone jack, a loudspeaker, and a USB-Type C charging port.

Additionally, Xiaomi has integrated a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. Buyers can choose between a glass back or an eco-leather finish for the rear panel.

The A3 has a dual-camera setup at the back, consisting of an 8MP primary camera and a 0.08MP auxiliary lens. While the camera system is fairly basic, it can capture decent shots in good lighting conditions.

On the front, there's a 5MP selfie camera. Both the rear and front cameras can record videos at up to 1080p resolution and 30 frames per second, but there's no form of stabilization.

Underneath the hood, the Redmi A3 comes packed with a 12nm Mediatek G36 same as its predecessor. However, I did note that some YouTubers had their units come the MediaTek p35 whereas some verified sources like GSM Arena have indicated the phone has the mediatek G36, but I can confirm in Kenya we have the G36 model.

This SOC can lives up to the task, it can play some lightweight games, and handle basic tasks such as social media scrolling, sending and receiving emails, and making and receiving calls. 

In terms of software, the Xiaomi Redmi A3 runs Android 14 with MIUI 14 on top. Xiaomi has committed to providing the device with two major Android version updates (Android 15 and 16) and three years of security patches.

This is a generous offering considering most budget phones in this price range don't receive any software support or only receive it for a short period. However, it's important to note that the updates may not be timely, as phones in this price range typically receive updates every quarter or less frequently, depending on the brand.

Compared to other brands that offer little or no software support, the Redmi A3 provides long-term software longevity.

On board the storage the Redmi A3 comes with 3/4 GB RAM and 64/128 GB. The storage is expandable via an SD card up to! TB.

The Redmi A3 is equipped with a large 5000mAh battery, which is expected to provide a full day of use, especially given its HD+ display. The box includes a Type-C charger with speeds of up to 10W, which is not considered a fast charger.

The A3 will be available in three colors, Lake Blue, Olive Green, and Midnight Black.

The Cool Factor

The Redmi A3 distinguished itself from the competition by being one of the few devices in its price range with Gorilla glass protection, as most others use alternative display materials that are typically not disclosed.

Additionally, the phone offers a respectable 2 years of OS and 3 years of security updates, comparable to some mid-range Xiaomi devices. Xiaomi also includes a charger in the box, unlike many manufacturers who have recently begun to omit chargers from even their mid-range devices.

Worth the Hype?

The stylish design of the Xiaomi Redmi A3 is one of its main highlights. The phone meets and exceeds expectations for its price range, offering solid specifications at a budget-friendly cost. It is an excellent choice for anyone seeking an entry-level phone with reliable performance without breaking the bank.

The “BUT…” Factor

Even the most cutting-edge phones have their flaws, and the A3 is no exception. Let's be honest, no phone is perfect. Starting with the display, I'm not a fan of the outdated teardrop notch. In 2024, a punch-hole display should be the standard, even for budget phones.

Another disadvantage of the A3 is its thick bezels around the display. While this might not bother many people, comparing the A3 to other brands at a similar price point reveals that its bezels are significantly thicker.

The rear camera has 8MP and the selfie camera has 5MP, both providing basic photography capabilities. Photos taken with these cameras may not impress, as they are similar to the A2 model.

The video quality is average, with acceptable results in well-lit conditions. Overall, the cameras are suitable for casual use but may fall short of expectations for users seeking higher-quality imaging.

Who Should Hit “Buy”?

If you're in search of a reliable backup phone that excels in basic functions like making and receiving calls and sending and receiving messages, the Redmi A3 might be the perfect choice for you.

Moreover, if you're upgrading from an older device, such as a phone that's four years old, and are seeking an affordable option, the Redmi A3 is a great choice that won't cost you a lot of money.

Final Verdict

The Redmi A3 exceeded my expectations. The combination of the phone's solid build quality, ample storage options, 90Hz refresh rate, and included charger and software support makes it a standout in its class.

I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to review this phone in depth and share my findings with you. Stay tuned for my upcoming review.