I recently got my hands on the new Redmi Buds 5A, budget-friendly true wireless earbuds from the popular smartphone brand.
After using them extensively for music, calls, and gaming, here are my detailed thoughts.
Redmi Buds 5A Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Bluetooth Codec | SBC |
| Driver Unit | 12mm Dynamic Driver |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes, up to 25dB reduction |
| Transparency Mode | Yes |
| Low Latency Gaming Mode | Yes, 60ms latency |
| Touch Controls | Yes, for music, calls, and voice assistant |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 7 hours (ANC off), 5 hours (ANC on) |
| Battery Life (With Case) | Up to 35 hours total |
| Charging Port | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Earbud Weight | 4.5g each |
| Charging Case Weight | 37g |
| Supported Voice Assistants | Google Assistant, Siri |
Unboxing and First Impressions
Upon unboxing the Redmi Buds 5A, you get the earbuds in a compact oval charging case with a matte finish.
The case feels lightweight yet solidly built. Inside are the two earbuds, extra eartips, and a USB-C charging cable. The buds have a stem design and an in-ear fit.
The earbuds are very lightweight and comfortable to wear, even for extended periods. They provide a secure fit and don’t fall out easily during workouts.
The touch controls are easy to use for playing/pausing music, skipping tracks, and answering calls.
Connectivity and App Support
Pairing the earbuds with my phone was quick and seamless thanks to Bluetooth 5.2. The connection remained stable with no dropouts.
The Redmi Buds 5A support the SBC Bluetooth codec, which is a bit of a letdown – support for higher quality codecs like AAC or aptX would have been nice at this price.
The companion app provides some basic customization like checking battery levels, updating firmware, and choosing between ANC and transparency modes.
However, options like an equalizer or customizable touch controls are missing.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency
One of the key features of the Redmi Buds 5A is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The ANC performance is decent for the price but don’t expect them to block out all background noise.
In my testing, they reduced low-frequency sounds like bus or plane engines but higher-pitched noises still came through. It’s good enough for commutes and reducing distractions but can’t compare to higher-end ANC buds.
The transparency mode, on the other hand, works well to allow in outside sounds when you need to be aware of your surroundings. Voices and announcements come through clearly while still letting you enjoy your audio.
Sound Quality and Microphone
In terms of audio quality, the 12mm dynamic drivers deliver a pleasant, well-balanced sound profile. The bass has a satisfying punch without overwhelming the mids and highs. Instruments and vocals sound clear and detailed.
While the soundstage isn’t particularly wide, the overall presentation is enjoyable across different music genres.
For phone calls, the built-in microphones do a good job of picking up your voice clearly. Even in relatively noisy environments, the people I spoke to could hear me without any issues.
Background noise is reduced but still slightly audible on the other end.
Gaming Mode and Latency
Gamers will appreciate the low-latency mode on the Redmi Buds 5A. When activated, it reduces audio lag so that sound is in sync with the on-screen action.
I didn’t notice any major delay while playing fast-paced games like Call of Duty Mobile. Stereo separation also helps with positional audio cues, giving you a slight edge during gaming sessions.
Battery Life
Xiaomi claims up to 7 hours of playback from the earbuds alone, with an additional 28 hours from the charging case.
In my experience, I got around 6 hours on a single charge with ANC off, and 5 hours with ANC on.
The case tops up the buds about 4 times. While not class-leading, the battery life is still solid for this price range.
Redmi Buds 5A Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Lightweight and comfortable fit
- Decent sound quality with punchy bass
- Low-latency gaming mode
- Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes
- Easy-to-use touch controls
- Good battery life
- Quick and stable Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity
- IPX4 water resistance
Cons:
- No support for high-quality Bluetooth codecs like AAC or aptX
- Average ANC performance compared to premium buds
- Limited customization options in companion app
- No wireless charging case
- Call quality could be better in noisy environments
- Touch controls not customizable
- Glossy stem design prone to smudges
Verdict
Overall, the Redmi Buds 5A offers very good value for money. You get features like ANC, transparency mode, gaming mode, and reliable connectivity at an affordable price point.
The sound quality is enjoyable and the lightweight, comfortable design makes them easy to wear all day.
Of course, there are some compromises like the lack of high-quality Bluetooth codecs, limited app customization, and average ANC and call quality compared to premium buds.
But if you’re on a budget and want a pair of feature-packed true wireless earbuds for casual listening, the Redmi Buds 5A are definitely worth considering.
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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.
