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Xiaomi Redmi Y1 Note 5A Review Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Release Date
2017, November
Camera
13MP
Battery
3080mAh
Processor
Snapdragon 435
Screen
5.5"
Storage
32GB/64GB , microSDXC
Ram
3/4GB RAM
Operating System
Android 7.1.2, MIUI 11

Network

The Xiaomi Redmi Y1, also known as the Redmi Note 5A, offers broad network compatibility with support for GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies. This device can handle 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100), as well as several 4G LTE bands (1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40), ensuring good connectivity for users worldwide. The phone supports HSPA and LTE speeds for efficient internet browsing and downloads.

Launch

Announced in November 2017, the Xiaomi Redmi Y1 was released in the same month. With its availability spanning various markets, the device aimed to provide an affordable yet feature-rich smartphone option for users, particularly in regions with rising demand for budget devices.

Body

The Xiaomi Redmi Y1 features a sleek design with dimensions of 153 x 76.2 x 7.7 mm and weighs just 153 grams. The device is crafted with a glass front protected by Gorilla Glass 3, a plastic back, and an aluminum frame, offering both style and durability. It supports dual SIM functionality with Nano-SIM compatibility and dual standby mode, making it convenient for users requiring multiple lines for business and personal use.

Display

The device sports a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, offering a 16:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of approximately 267 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio is about 71.5%, providing a decent viewing experience for browsing, gaming, and multimedia consumption. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, the display is resistant to scratches and minor impacts.

Platform

Running on Android 7.1.2 (Nougat) with Xiaomi's MIUI 11 skin, the Redmi Y1 provides a user-friendly interface with ample customization options. The device is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8940 Snapdragon 435 chipset built on a 28 nm process, housing an octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and an Adreno 505 GPU. This combination ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming.

Memory

In terms of memory, the Redmi Y1 offers options of either 32GB of internal storage with 3GB of RAM or 64GB with 4GB of RAM. A dedicated microSDXC card slot is available for storage expansion, supporting users who require additional space for apps, photos, and videos.

Main Camera

The rear camera setup consists of a single 13 MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, offering features like PDAF for quick autofocus, LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes. The camera can record videos at 1080p at 30fps, providing good quality for a budget device.

Selfie Camera

The front camera is a standout feature with a 16 MP sensor, an f/2.5 aperture, and a wide angle for group selfies. It also supports 1080p video recording at 30fps, making it suitable for video calls and vlogs.

Sound

The Xiaomi Redmi Y1 includes a loudspeaker for hands-free calls and media playback, and it retains the popular 3.5mm headphone jack for audio output, catering to users who prefer wired earphones.

Comms

The device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n standards along with Wi-Fi Direct for improved wireless connections. Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP and LE is present for pairing with accessories. For navigation, the phone includes GPS, GLONASS, and BDS. An infrared port adds functionality, allowing users to use the phone as a remote control for various devices. While NFC is absent, the device still features FM radio and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Features

A fingerprint sensor is mounted on the rear for secure access, alongside other sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing the device's functionality and user experience.

Battery

The Redmi Y1 is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 3080 mAh battery, offering a standby time of up to 240 hours on 3G networks. It provides up to 32 hours of talk time and can support music playback for up to 75 hours, ensuring all-day usability without frequent recharging.

Miscellaneous

Available in colors like Gold, Dark Grey, Silver, and Rose Gold, the Redmi Y1 exudes a modern aesthetic. The device is available in models such as MDI6S, Redmi Y1, and Redmi Note 5A, and is priced around 140 EUR, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious consumers.

Tests and Performance

Performance-wise, the device scores 2610 on GeekBench 4.4 and achieves 5.6fps in GFXBench ES 3.1 onscreen tests. The display has a nominal contrast ratio of 1673:1 and a sunlight contrast ratio of approximately 2.556. Audio tests reveal sound levels at Voice 68dB, Noise 72dB, and Ring 86dB, with audio quality measuring Noise -92.1dB and Crosstalk -89.7dB. The battery endurance rating stands at a respectable 74 hours.

Main Features of Xiaomi Redmi Y1 (Note 5A)

  • Network technology supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE.
  • Lightweight with a weight of 153 g and slim profile at 7.7 mm thickness.
  • Durable build with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.
  • Dual SIM capability with Nano-SIM and dual stand-by.
  • 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels.
  • Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 chipset with an octa-core CPU.
  • Available in versions with 32GB storage and 3GB RAM, or 64GB storage and 4GB RAM.
  • Expandable storage via microSDXC dedicated slot.
  • 13 MP rear camera with PDAF, and 16 MP front-facing camera.
  • Both cameras support 1080p video recording at 30fps.
  • Infrared port and FM radio support.
  • Comes with a 3080 mAh non-removable battery with long standby and talk time.
  • Available in multiple colors: Gold, Dark Grey, Silver, Rose Gold.
  • Equipped with rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and other sensors like accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass.
  • Priced at approximately 140 EUR.

Disadvantages of Xiaomi Redmi Y1 (Note 5A)

  • The device runs on Android 7.1.2 (Nougat) which is quite outdated compared to newer Android versions.
  • The display resolution is limited to 720 x 1280 pixels, which may result in less sharp images and text compared to Full HD displays.
  • Lacks NFC support, which is important for contactless payment features that are becoming increasingly popular.
  • Uses microUSB 2.0 instead of the more modern USB Type-C port, which offers better data transfer speeds and faster charging capabilities.
  • The battery capacity is 3080 mAh which may not be sufficient for heavy users or full-day usage, especially considering advances in battery technology.
  • The chipset, Qualcomm MSM8940 Snapdragon 435, might struggle with high-performance tasks or gaming compared to more recent and powerful chipsets.
  • Plastic back design might not appeal to users who prefer more premium materials such as glass or metal.
  • Does not support 5G, which may affect future-proofing as more regions roll out 5G networks.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40
Speed HSPA, LTE
Launch
Announced 2017, November
Status Available. Released 2017, November
Body
Dimensions 153 x 76.2 x 7.7 mm (6.02 x 3.00 x 0.30 in)
Weight 153 g (5.40 oz)
Build Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame
SIM Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~71.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Platform
OS Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), MIUI 11
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8940 Snapdragon 435 (28 nm)
CPU Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53
GPU Adreno 505
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Features LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm
Video 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth 4.2, A2DP, LE
Positioning GPS, GLONASS, BDS
NFC No
Infrared port Yes
Radio FM radio
USB microUSB 2.0
Features
Sensors Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Ion 3080 mAh, non-removable
Stand-by Up to 240 h (3G)
Talk time Up to 32 h (3G)
Music play Up to 75 h
Misc
Colors Gold, Dark Grey, Silver, Rose Gold
Models MDI6S, Redmi Y1, Redmi Note 5A
SAR 1.09 W/kg (head)     1.44 W/kg (body)
Price About 140 EUR
Tests
Performance GeekBench: 2610 (v4.4) GFXBench: 5.6fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)
Display Contrast ratio: 1673:1 (nominal), 2.556 (sunlight)
Camera Photo / Video
Loudspeaker Voice 68dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 86dB
Audio quality Noise -92.1dB / Crosstalk -89.7dB
Battery (old) Endurance rating 74h

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