Xiaomi Redmi 7A Comprehensive Review Specs & Pricing

Introduction to Xiaomi Redmi 7A

The Xiaomi Redmi 7A, released in July 2019, is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a range of features appealing to users looking for functionality and performance without breaking the bank. With its compact design, reliable battery life, and efficient operating system, the Redmi 7A serves as an excellent entry-level device.

Design and Build

The Xiaomi Redmi 7A is crafted with a simple yet sturdy construct, measuring 146.3 x 70.4 x 9.6 mm and weighing in at 165 grams. Unlike premium smartphones, it features a plastic back and frame, contributing to its lightweight design. Despite its budget nature, the Redmi 7A maintains a sleek appearance available in a variety of colors, including Matte Black, Morning Blue, Matte Blue, Matte Gold, Gem Red, and Gem Blue, allowing users to choose a style that best fits their taste.

Display

Featuring a 5.45-inch IPS LCD, the Redmi 7A offers a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels with an 18:9 aspect ratio. Although not Full HD, the screen provides clear and vibrant visuals suitable for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, using social media, and watching videos. The display makes up approximately 74.4% of the device's body, contributing to a balanced screen-to-body ratio that maximizes viewing space while keeping the device compact and easy to handle.

Performance

Under the hood, the Redmi 7A is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 chipset, built on a 12nm process. It features an octa-core CPU setup, with four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.95 GHz and another four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.45 GHz. Accompanied by the Adreno 505 GPU, the Redmi 7A ensures moderate performance for day-to-day applications and tasks, catering well to users not engaged in heavy gaming or multimedia editing.

Memory and Storage

The Redmi 7A is available in configurations of 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, coupled with either 2GB or 3GB of RAM. It also supports memory expansion via a dedicated microSDXC slot, offering users the flexibility to increase storage space as needed. This expandability is a significant advantage for users looking to store more apps, photos, and music without worrying about running out of space quickly.

Camera Capabilities

Despite being a budget device, the Redmi 7A is equipped with a capable camera system. The primary rear camera features a 13 MP lens, offering PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) for faster and more accurate focusing. Some variants offer a 12 MP lens depending on the market. The rear camera is complemented by features such as LED flash and HDR, allowing users to capture decent-quality photos across diverse lighting conditions. Video recording capabilities include 1080p@30fps, sufficient for capturing life's moments in good clarity.

Selfie Camera

For selfie enthusiasts, the Redmi 7A includes a 5 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture, capable of capturing reasonable self-portraits with HDR feature support. It also supports video recording at 1080p@30fps, making video calls and vlogs achievable without the need for additional equipment.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Redmi 7A is its long-lasting battery. Equipped with a 4000 mAh Li-Po battery, the phone is designed to support extensive usage throughout the day without frequent recharging. It comes with a 10W wired charging support, providing decent charging speeds for its class. The efficient battery performance makes it a practical option for users with demanding daily schedules or those who are often on the move.

Operating System and User Interface

Running on MIUI 12 based on Android 9.0 Pie, with an upgrade path to Android 10, the Redmi 7A provides a user-friendly operating environment. MIUI 12 offers various customization options, themes, and features that enrich the user experience without overwhelming users who prefer simplicity.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Redmi 7A supports a range of connectivity options including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG availability. However, it does not support NFC. An FM radio with a built-in antenna is included for traditional radio users. The device also features essential sensors like an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a compass to enhance usability.

Network and Communication

The Redmi 7A supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technology, with a range of frequency bands that ensures compatibility with most global network carriers. It facilitates Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) functionality, allowing users to separate personal and professional calls efficiently.

Price and Value

Available at an approximate price of 130 EUR, the Xiaomi Redmi 7A provides exceptional value for its cost. It targets users who need reliable smartphone features without the premium price tag, meeting the needs of individuals requiring practical and straightforward device functionality.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Redmi 7A stands out in the budget segment with its balanced feature set, extending essential smartphone capabilities to users seeking affordability without significant compromises on performance or functionality. It embodies a robust build, efficient performance for everyday tasks, and exceptional battery life, making it an ideal choice for first-time smartphone users or those transitioning from a feature phone to a smartphone.