Continuing with its back to back launch spree, Xiaomi launched Redmi 5A, in India. The successor of Redmi 4A is being marketed as “Desh ka Smartphone” by the Chinese smartphone maker and as part of the introductory offer, it retails for a very aggressive starting price of Rs. 4,999.
There aren’t many smartphones out there that can compete with Redmi 5A in terms of raw hardware, but the one that stands close is HMD Global’s Nokia 3. The phone was launched back in June and currently retails for Rs 8,199. So, which one is is a better option? Let’s compare the higher Redmi 5A variant to the Nokia 3.
Xiaomi Redmi 5A vs Nokia 3 Specification
Model | Redmi 5A | Nokia 3 |
Display | 5-Inch, IPS LCD HD (1280 x 720p) display | 5-inch, HD(1280 x 720p) Display |
Processor | 1.4 GHz Snapdragon 425 processor | 1.4GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6737 SoC |
RAM | 3GB | 2GB |
Internal Storage | 32GB (microSD card supported) | 16GB (microSD card supported) |
Software | Android 7.0 Nougat based MIUI 9 | Android 7.0 Nougat |
Primary Camera | 13MP sensor, dual-tone LED Flash, PDAF | 8MP, f/2.0 aperture, Dual LED flash, 1080p Videos |
Secondary Camera | 5MP Front-Facing Camera, f/2.0 aperture | 8MP, LED Flash |
Battery | 2630 mAh | 3000mAh battery |
Others | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano), dedicated SD card slot, 4G VoLTE | 4G VoLTE, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, micro USB, 3.5mm Audio Jack, Hybrid SIM slot, USB OTG, Fingerprint sensor |
Price | Rs. 6,999 | Rs 8,199 |
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Design and Display
Xiaomi has ornamented the Redmi 5A with the same sturdy body as its predecessor. Just like Redmi 4A, the 5A also comes clad in a plastic unibody with sleek metal finish, a distinct front and compact feel. In spite of the aggressive price, the phone doesn’t feel cheep.
On the other hand, Nokia 3 is a durable phone with a good quality polycarbonate back and a metal side frame complimenting it. Both phones have 2.5D glass and are missing the fingerprint sensor.
In terms of look and feel, the Nokia 3 certainly has an edge over the Redmi 5A.
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Display-wise, the two phones are a mirror reflection of each other with both sporting a 5-inch HD (720x1080p) display. Both phones use good quality displays, but once again the Nokia 3 has an edge.
Performance and Software
On the performance front, the Xiaomi Redmi 5A has the upper hand over Nokia 3.
The advantage with Redmi 5A is its Snapdragon 425 chipset, packed under its hood. Xiaomi further complements it with two variants: 2GB/3GB RAM and 16GB/32GB internal storage. It comes running on the latest MIUI 9 skin which is a heavily customized interface based on Android 7.1 Nougat.
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On the contrary, Nokia 3 is powered by 1.4Ghz quad-core MediaTek MT6737 chipset, which is an entry grade processor ment only for the most basic users. However, the 2GB RAM and 16GB storage that it offers is clearly not enough in 2017. One thing that works in Nokia 3’s favor is that it comes running on Stock-Android Nougat that will be upgraded to Android Oreo.
Camera and Battery
Here also, Redmi 5A takes a close lead over Nokia 3. The Xiaomi Redmi 4A apparently has better optics on paper. It comes with a 13-megapixel rear camera which is supported by PDAF, 5-lens system, f/2.2 aperture and LED flash. Up front, there is a 5-megapixel selfie sensor with f/2.2 aperture.
Whereas, its competitor, Nokia 3, features an 8MP rear camera with f/2.0 aperture, AutoFocus and LED Flash, and an 8MP selfie camera with LED flash.
Both smartphones can deliver workable images in good lighting condition. However, the presence of an LED flash and a better sensor on makes Nokia 3 a better selfie phone.
For the battery, Redmi 5A’s non-removable 3000mAh battery is slightly bigger than the Nokia 2’s 2,630mAh one. you can expect the Redmi 5A battery to last longer.
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Redmi 5A vs Nokia 3 Comparison
Well, both phones have their strengths and weaknesses. They both integrate features that make them a decent offering in the respective price tag. So, the final question is:
Who Should buy Redmi 5A?
The Xiaomi Redmi 5A offers better hardware. It has a more capable chipset, double storage, more RAM, bigger battery and is also Rs. 1000 cheaper. So, if you are anything more than a basic user, you should opt for the Redmi 5A.
Who Should buy Nokia 3?
The Nokia 3 offers better design and display, more brand value, and runs stock Android software with guaranteed Android Oreo update. If these advantages matter to you to the extent that you are willing to trade some raw performance power for them, you can consider going with the Nokia 3.
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