Xiaomi Redmi A3 breaks the mold with stunning 90 Hz display: Is it worth it?

With competitors offering more bang for your buck, Xiaomi may have missed the mark with this one
The image shows the Xiaomi Redmi A3. — Mi Store
The image shows the Xiaomi Redmi A3. — Mi Store

Today, Xiaomi unveiled the Redmi A3, a smartphone that's sending shockwaves through the market with its jaw-dropping affordability. But let's be real here — affordability doesn't always equate to value. So, is the Redmi A3 worth your hard-earned cash? Let's dive in.

First off, Xiaomi didn't skimp on the design. The Redmi A3 boasts a sleek leather-like finish on the back, giving it a premium feel without the premium price tag. Plus, that massive 6.71-inch LCD display with a buttery-smooth 90 Hz refresh rate? Pure eye candy.

Under the hood, the Redmi A3 packs a punch with its Helio G36 chipset. Sure, it's not breaking any speed records, but it gets the job done. And with options for 3 GB, 4 GB, or 6 GB of RAM, Xiaomi is giving users more flexibility than ever before. And let's not forget the upgrade to Android 14 — a welcome change from its predecessors' Android 13 Go edition.

But it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The Redmi A3's camera setup leaves a bit to be desired. With just an 8 MP main shooter and a mysterious auxiliary snapper, Xiaomi seems to have dropped the ball here. And while the 5,000 mAh battery is impressive, the lack of fast charging is a glaring omission.

In terms of connectivity, Xiaomi has got you covered with USB-C and a 3.5 mm audio jack — a rare find in today's smartphone landscape. And with colour options like Olive Green, Midnight Black, and Lake Blue, you can add a splash of personality to your device.

So, is the Redmi A3 worth it? At a starting price of just INR7,299 ($87/€82), it's certainly tempting. But with competitors offering more bang for your buck, Xiaomi may have missed the mark with this one. Ultimately, it comes down to what you value most in a smartphone — affordability or features.