When the first Mi Authorized Store in Trinoma was opened, I declared that Xiaomi has officially returned to the Philippines. However, Xiaomi representatives present in the launch declined to speak anything about their company’s return. Today was a different story as they invited us for Mi’s special event which also revealed two new smartphones that will be released this weekend, the Redmi 5A and the Redmi 5 Plus.
The Redmi 5A is a smartphone targeted for the entry-level user with better specs. It comes with a 5-inch HD display, 16GB of Internal Storage with 2GB of RAM, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor. The Redmi 5A’s camera is equipped with 13 Megapaixels with Phase Detection Auto-Focus (PDAF) which can quickly focus on a subject faster than any other camera phones. A big plus is its battery capacity – 3,000 mAh that will ensure the user his phone will last at least a day.
REDMI 5A SPECS:
| OS: | Android 7.1.2 Nougat with MIUI 9.0 |
|---|---|
| Processor: | 1.4 GHz Qualcomm MSM89517 Snapdragon 425 Quad-Core processor | Adreno 308 |
| Display: | 720 x 1280 5" HD IPS Display |
| Wireless Connections: | LTE-A, Bluetooth, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Memory: | 16 GB Internal Storage expandable with a Micro SD Card up to 128GB, 2GB RAM |
| Connectors: | Micro USB 2.0 |
| Cameras: | 13 Megapixels f/2.2 1.12um (Main Cameras), 5 Megapixels f/2.0 1.12um (Front) |
| SIM Card Slots: | 2x Nano SIM Cards required |
| Battery: | 3,000 mAh |
| SRP: | P4,590.00 |
Now that I’ve mentioned the specs the price should be around more than P5,000, right? Wrong! The Redmi 5A’s price is only P4,590 and will be available starting on March 15.
The other phone Mi announced today is the Redmi 5 Plus. If the Redmi 5A is a threat to phone brands in the entry-level market, the 5 Plus is for the mid-level market. Some noteable specs include a 5.99-inch Full HD+ display with 2.5D glass, a very fast and reliable Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, 64GB of Internal Storage with 4GB of RAM, 12 Megapixel camera with 1.25um pixel size and a whopping 4,000 mAh battery!
REDMI 5 PLUS SPECS:
| OS: | Android 7.1.2 Nougat with MIUI 9.0 |
|---|---|
| Processor: | 2.0 GHz Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 Quad-Core processor | Adreno 506 |
| Display: | 1080 x 2160 5.9" Full HD+ IPS Display, 2,5D glass |
| Wireless Connections: | LTE-A, Bluetooth, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Memory: | 64 GB Internal Storage expandable with a Micro SD Card up to 128GB, 4GB RAM |
| Connectors: | Micro USB 2.0 |
| Cameras: | 12 Megapixels f/2.2 1.25um (Main Cameras), 5 Megapixels (Front) |
| SIM Card Slots: | 2x Nano SIM Cards required |
| Battery: | 4,000 mAh |
| SRP: | P9,990.00 |
The Redmi 5 Plus is priced at P9,990, an excellent deal for those looking for a high-spec’d smartphone for less than P10,000. It will be available this Saturday, March 17.
OTHER MI NEWS
Xiaomi announced their partnership with Grimalkin Corporation as the sole distributor of Mi products in the Philippines. Aside from successfully opening their first Mi Authorized Store, Grimalkin will open their second one in SM Megamall. So if you’re planning to buy the Redmi 5A or 5 Plus, head on over to Megamall or Trinoma this Saturday.
The Redmi 5A will be available on March 15 at Lazada and while the price was already announced, they will have a special introductory price of P4,390 for that day only! Take advantage of that offer, folks!
Oh, and welcome back to the Philippines, Xiaomi!
