Hello!
We are used to the fact that the release of the next model with a higher index in the name should mean progress and improvement in everything from software to hardware. Agree, it's strange, changing iPhone X to iPhone Xs to expect to see in the latter a deterioration in functionality and characteristics. And this rule is almost always true.
Almost, because sometimes there are examples of one or another regression in the following models of the same line compared to previous models.
One of such examples for me was the release by the company Xiaomi of the next generation of its ultra-budget smartphones of the line Redmi with the index 'A'.
We are talking about smartphones Redmi 5a and Redmi 6a, with the choice between which I faced when I was asked to choose the most inexpensive, but functional smartphone for a child of 6 years old.
First, let's compare the characteristics of these two smartphones on paper:
The table shows that the new product is better than its predecessor in almost all respects. Here and the fashionable geometry of the screen 18: 9 (2: 1), and the presence of a version with a large amount of RAM, and a processor made using 12 nm technology, versus 28 nm in its predecessor.
In addition, the out-of-the-box software version also speaks in favor of the novelty – Android 8 versus Android 7 in the previous generation.
For the most part, with such a choice, the decision will be in favor of paper characteristics, since they simply look better on paper.
At the first second, I also thought so and was about to order 6a, but then I decided to weigh the pros and cons and read reviews on the net and on specialized forums.
In theory, given the more perfect technical process, built on 12 nm technology, you expect higher performance and smoother operation from the new product, and not just beautiful numbers in the benchmarks.
But then you remember that the previous generation uses a budget processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 425, while in the new Xiaomi for some reason they decided to switch to MediaTek Helio A22, whose letter 'A' also means 'budgetary or entry-level'.
Previous experience suggests that when directly comparing processor lines of the same segment, Qualcomm is faster and more economical than its counterpart MediaTek.
It happened this time too – Redmi 5a turned out to be faster and more pleasant in everyday use than Redmi 6a. And even in spite of the higher results shown by 6a in benchmarks, the operation of the interface in 5a turned out to be stable, without jams or slowdowns, which cannot be said about 6a, which cannot boast of smooth scrolling of menus and programs.
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5A
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6A
This can be attributed to the dampness of the software and the lack of driver optimization due to the novelty of the processor, but you want to use your smartphone now, and not sometime in the future.
Camera
The next item is the camera. And here, even on paper, not everything is clear. The front camera Redmi 5a has the best aperture value – f / 2.0 versus f / 2.2 in Redmi 6a. This makes it possible to obtain high quality footage in the worst lighting conditions.
Pictures from the main camera in the stock application are the same plus or minus.
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5a
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6a
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5a
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6a
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5a
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6a
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5a
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6a
Keep in mind, however, that the 5a uses a Snapdragon processor, which means you can install a modified Google Camera app that allows you to shoot in HDR + mode and get better pictures.
Considering that a child plans to use the phone, which usually means a large number of selfies, the choice of Redmi 5a is again preferable, even if we do not take into account the possibility of installing the GCam mod, which requires some manipulation of the smartphone and not a fact that every owner of the device will be able to do it.
About the battery life.
Despite the modern 12 nm process technology and the same 3000 mAh battery capacity, there is no clear increase in battery life in Redmi 6a compared to Redmi 5a. The devices show almost the same autonomy – with the same economical use scenario, both of them pull out two days on a single charge without any problems.
One can only guess what the advantage of the 12nm technical process was spent on, if the autonomy did not increase, and the performance turned out to be worse.
Design and materials
Just a couple of words about design, which has both pros and cons.
Despite the fact that 5a uses metal as the material of the main frame, and 6a uses plastic, the geometry of the 18: 9 screen is what pushes you to make a choice in favor of the new generation.
Source: https://ru-mi.com
This aspect ratio turns out to be more convenient to use, as it means a smaller width, which means a more comfortable grip of the device, especially if you remember that we chose the device for a child.
But here we come to the question of the quality of this display itself, and everything becomes not so simple.
Display
Firstly, the display in the 5a feels sharper and more contrasty, and also has richer colors.
5a
6a
We are trying to figure out the reasons for this and come across a curious point in the characteristics – the display in 5a does not have an air gap between the protective glass and the matrix, but the display of the novelty (6a) has this air gap.
This explains the decrease in contrast, picture clarity and color richness in the new generation. It turns out that Redmi 5a has a more advanced display from a technical point of view. Unexpectedly – and adds more points to the piggy bank 5a.
And finally – the price
At the time of purchase (a month ago) Redmi 6a could be purchased for 7,000 – 7,500 rubles, while Redmi 5a was sold for 5,500 – 6,500 rubles. However, since the release of the sixth generation, the price tags for these devices have practically changed places.
This is most likely due to the demand, which was formed on the basis of such observations and analysis. This led to the fact that the previous generation, despite the unfashionable geometry of the 16: 9 screen, turned out to be more technically advanced than the new product. Hence, as a result, and a higher price tag.
Conclusion
The situation when the characteristics of the new generation of one line are worse than those of the old generation of the same line is not at all unique for Redmi 5a / 5a and is often found among different manufacturers. We can recall the example Huawei of the Nova line, the next generation of which turned out to be weaker in almost all respects than the original model.
In such a situation, it is important to remember that, as in the case of software, updating does not always mean improvement, which means that you need to correctly assess all the characteristics and make an informed decision based on a careful study of all the capabilities of the devices.
As a result, after all the pros and cons, the choice was made in favor of the previous generation. The recipient of the gift is happy and has no problems with his new device.
P.S. Even in 5a there is an infrared port, and for some reason it was removed in 6a.