Xiaomi’s Redmi line has shaken up the market for budget-friendly wireless earbuds. Two of its well-known models, the Redmi Buds 6 Play and Redmi Buds 5A, come with unique features.
Both appeal to users who want affordable yet capable Bluetooth earbuds, but they differ in noise cancellation, battery life, and sound quality.
This article will explore a detailed comparison of their features to help you pick the one that suits you best.
Also see: Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Active vs Redmi Buds 5: Which One Wins?
Table of Contents
Redmi Buds 6 Play vs Redmi Buds 5A: Specs Comparison
| Category | Redmi Buds 6 Play | Redmi Buds 5A |
|---|---|---|
| Design | In-ear canalphone, closed back | In-ear canalphone, closed back |
| Weight | 5.3g (earbud), 42g (total with case) | 4.5g (earbud), 45g (total with case) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth Range | 10 meters | 10 meters |
| Battery Capacity | 57mAh (earbud), 600mAh (charging case) | 46mAh (earbud), 440mAh (charging case) |
| Playback Time | 7.5 hours (earbuds), 36 hours (with case) | 10 hours (ANC off), 38 hours (with case) |
| Charging Time | Less than 2 hours | 1.5 hours |
| Noise Cancellation | No ANC | Yes, up to 46dB |
| Charging Port | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| Additional Features | Low-latency gaming mode, IP54 rating | ANC, Transparency mode, IPX4 rating |
| Price Range | Approx. $28 (USD) | Approx. $20 (USD) |
Design and Comfort
Both the Redmi Buds 6 Play and 5A share a similar compact and lightweight design, making them comfortable for extended use. The Redmi Buds 6 Play stands out with a slightly more gamer-centric aesthetic, while the 5A leans towards a minimalist look with a sleek finish.
The fit of the 5A is enhanced by silicone ear tips that provide passive noise isolation, ensuring a snug fit that minimizes sound leakage. Meanwhile, the Redmi Buds 6 Play also comes with silicone ear tips but is designed for a more casual fit, making it suitable for gaming and everyday listening.
Audio Quality and Sound Performance
In terms of audio quality, both models perform admirably within their price range. The Redmi Buds 6 Play offers a more balanced sound profile, focusing on clear mids and highs, making it great for calls, music, and gaming. It also includes a Gamer Mode that reduces latency, improving audio sync with on-screen actions. This makes it an ideal option for mobile gamers who want immersive sound.
On the other hand, the Redmi Buds 5A emphasizes a bass-rich sound experience, which can be adjusted through its built-in equalizer settings. If you enjoy bass-heavy music or podcasts, the 5A might be more appealing. It also benefits from Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) of up to 25dB, which helps reduce ambient noise in crowded environments, giving it an edge in noisy surroundings.
Control and App Features
Both earbuds are supported by a companion app that allows users to customize touch controls, adjust equalizer settings, and enable special modes like low-latency Gamer Mode. The Redmi Buds 6 Play allows users to personalize gestures like single, double, or triple taps, as well as press-and-hold actions. It also supports voice assistants, enabling seamless hands-free control.
The Redmi Buds 5A comes with additional control options related to its ANC and transparency modes, which can be toggled directly through the app. It also has similar gesture controls, with options for skipping tracks, adjusting volume, and answering calls. However, it does not support as many game-centric features as the 6 Play.
Microphone and Call Quality
Microphone performance is crucial for calls and online meetings. The Redmi Buds 5A tends to perform slightly better in this department, with clearer voice capture during calls and reduced background noise, thanks to its ANC system. It works well for phone calls, video calls, and even gaming communication, providing a consistent audio experience.
The Redmi Buds 6 Play offers decent microphone quality but lacks the noise-canceling benefits of the 5A, making it more suitable for quieter environments. During tests, the 6 Play still delivered acceptable audio for gaming chats, video calls, and casual conversations.
Battery Life and Charging
The Redmi Buds 6 Play promises up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge, thanks to its optimized Gamer Mode that manages battery consumption efficiently. In real-world tests, it managed around 6 hours and 45 minutes of playback, even during gaming sessions. Quick charging is also impressive, offering 3 hours of playback with just 10 minutes of charging, making it a convenient option for on-the-go users.
In comparison, the Redmi Buds 5A offers slightly less battery life, lasting about 4 hours and 15 minutes with ANC turned off. With ANC enabled, it delivers around 3 hours and 12 minutes of playback, which aligns with its design for noise isolation. Similar to the 6 Play, it also offers quick charging, reaching about 40% battery capacity with a 10-minute charge, giving roughly 3 hours of usage.
Price and Availability
The Redmi Buds 6 Play is currently priced at around $39.99 USD on platforms like Amazon and more cheaper in AliExpress.
In contrast, the Redmi Buds 5A is priced slightly lower, generally found around $25-$29 USD on e-commerce platforms.
Best Deals:
Redmi Buds 6 Play: View on AliExpress
Redmi Buds 5A: View on Ebay
Final Verdict
If you are looking for affordable earbuds that offer decent sound quality, good battery life, and essential features, both the Redmi Buds 6 Play and Redmi Buds 5A are strong contenders.
Choose the Redmi Buds 6 Play if you prioritize gaming features, low-latency performance, and a balanced audio profile. It’s also a better option for longer battery life and casual use.
Opt for the Redmi Buds 5A if Active Noise Cancellation is more critical for your use case, as it offers better noise isolation and richer bass performance. It is better suited for commuting or crowded places where reducing external noise is essential.
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
