Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The Xiaomi Redmi 3 and Redmi 5A were popular choices in their time. But which one holds up better today? This comparison dives deep into their features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 5A offers a more modern chipset and improved software support, making it the better choice overall. While the Redmi 3 boasts incredible battery life, its older hardware and limited updates make it less appealing for most users in 2024.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, January. Released 2016, January | 2017, November. Released 2017, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 139.3 x 69.6 x 8.5 mm (5.48 x 2.74 x 0.33 in) | 140.4 x 70.1 x 8.4 mm (5.53 x 2.76 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 144 g (5.08 oz) | 137 g (4.83 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~296 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~71.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.0 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8939v2 Snapdragon 616 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 405 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | Android 5.1 (Lollipop), MIUI 7 | Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.1, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, PDAF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 4100 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold, Dark Gray, Silver, Classic Gold | Gold, Dark Gray, Rose Gold, Blue |
| Models | 2015816 | MCG3B, MCI3B |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.56 W/kg (body) | 0.53 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.33 W/kg (head) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 107h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 3
- Exceptional battery life
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Compact size
- Older chipset
- Limited software updates
- Lower screen brightness compared to 5A
Xiaomi Redmi 5A
- More modern chipset
- Smoother performance
- Better software support
- Slightly brighter display
- Shorter battery life than Redmi 3
- Limited gaming capabilities
- Camera performance is average
Display Comparison
The Redmi 3 features a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. The Redmi 5A has a slightly larger 5.0-inch HD display. Both offer decent viewing angles and color reproduction for their price range, but the Redmi 5A's display is generally considered slightly brighter and more vibrant.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 3 has a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. The Redmi 5A features a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. Image quality is comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Redmi 5A often produces slightly more natural-looking colors. Low-light performance is weak on both devices.
Performance
The Redmi 3's Octa-core Snapdragon 616 provides a reasonable level of performance for basic tasks. However, the Redmi 5A's Quad-core Snapdragon 425, while having fewer cores, benefits from newer architecture and software optimization, resulting in smoother performance for everyday use and slightly better efficiency. Gaming performance on both is limited.
Battery Life
The Redmi 3's standout feature is its exceptional battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 107 hours. The Redmi 5A, with its smaller battery (3000mAh vs Redmi 3's 4100mAh), still offers respectable battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 3 is suitable for users prioritizing extreme battery life and are comfortable with an older device. The Redmi 5A is ideal for those seeking a more modern experience, better performance for everyday tasks, and longer software support, even on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 3 still worth buying?
Only if battery life is your absolute top priority and you don't need the latest features or software updates. Otherwise, the Redmi 5A is a better choice.
❓ Which phone has better performance?
The Redmi 5A generally offers better performance due to its newer chipset and software optimization, even with fewer cores.
❓ How does the Redmi 5A compare to newer budget phones?
While the Redmi 5A is outdated, it still holds up reasonably well for basic tasks. Newer budget phones offer significantly better performance, cameras, and features, but at a higher price point.
