Need a smartphone for less than 5k? Xiaomi has got you covered

Everybody needs a smartphone these days. Busy millennials who want to live a hassle-free lifestyle need their own device to do daily tasks, enjoy leisure activities, and stay connected with friends and family. But not everyone wants to shell out several months worth of hard-earned cash for the newest flagship phone that will become obsolete in a year or two.

Looking for something that offers a real bang for your buck? The Redmi 9A and 9C are best-selling entry-level smartphones being relaunched by Xiaomi that definitely won’t break the bank.

With all the challenges everyone is going through because of the pandemic, Xiaomi is making their smartphones more accessible by slashing their prices to support local communities, while upgrading their lives with the latest technologies through features-packed smartphones at affordable prices. Both devices now cost just less than P5,000 each. 

With the phone’s large display screens, long-lasting battery lives to power you all day, and a price tag that isn’t painful on the pocket, these devices offer a practical choice for budget-conscious students, young entrepreneurs, and on-the-go urban professionals amid the pandemic.

Here’s why you should consider these two smartphones. 

Long-lasting battery life

One of the most important features for any modern device these days is its battery life. Both the Redmi 9A and 9C boast of a massive 5,000mAh battery that allows for up to 10W charging via a micro-USB port. This means it can last the whole day or more if you’re not a heavy user without the phone running out of juice. There's no need to fight over the TV at home when you can catch up on the shows and movies you really want to watch on your own device. 

According to Xiaomi, their special process enhances the lifespan of the Redmi 9A battery to provide optimum charging and recharging for years of reliable use. So, it’s a great option for those who work outdoors who may not have have access to a place to charge their gadgets all the time—like those who work in the highly in-demand food and delivery industry. 

One of the main uses of smartphones these days is for online transactions. Home-based businesses have really boomed amid the pandemic and budding entrepreneurs who have to regularly go out to pick up or deliver goods will find the long-lasting battery and sturdy phone useful for navigating GPS, keeping track of orders through social media, apps, and transactions of online payments.

Right out of the box, the phone comes with the most-used apps already pre-installed such as Facebook, Google Maps, Lazada, Xiaomi’s own apps, and PayMaya, among others.

The long-lasting battery also means you can easily watch episodes on YouTube or browse on Facebook while you’re outdoors. The Redmi 9A has pretty good visibility outdoors as it’s capable of up to 400 nits. Audio-wise, the sound quality is what you would expect from a budget smartphone, but it gets the job done.

Design and display

Xiaomi is a global powerhouse when it comes to gadgets, from laptops, home appliances, consumer electronics and smartphones. The Redmi line is known for their budget-friendly, entry-level, and mid-range devices that come from the same brand behind the flagship Mi phones. And these twin handsets are pretty hard to beat in terms of specs and price. 

Both the Redmi 9A and 9C are equipped with a 6.53” large HD + Dot Drop display, so you can easily use essential apps for your online shopping needs, address food cravings with hassle-free food delivery, and pay for bills through digital banking. 

With dimensions measuring 164.9 x 77.07 x 9.0mm, and weighing just 194g, the two Redmi smartphones have the ideal screen size for people-on-the-go. Students and young professionals can easily catch up on their favorite shows on Netflix while waiting in line during chores or listen to music while jogging in the neighborhood. Bikers and riders who want a dedicated smartphone for navigation, GPS, and tracking apps for their leisure rides may also want to consider these devices.

In terms of looks, the phones look more premium than their price tag. The Redmi 9A comes in vibrant color options like Ocean Green, Sky Blue and Carbon Gray. Meanwhile, the Redmi 9C comes in classy shades of Midnight Gray, Sunrise Orange and Twilight Blue and has an added security feature with the rear fingerprint sensor.

Both have a splash-proof nano coating with textured lines at the back which add a touch of elegance. The smartphones don’t feel too bulky while the casing is not slippery and is easy enough to hold for extended periods of time.

In terms of the camera, the Redmi 9A comes equipped with a standard 13MP AI rear camera, while the Redmi 9C offers more options in terms of shooting with its 13MP AI triple camera and night mode. Both have a 5MP selfie camera for quick snaphots and connectivity to social media.