Redmi A4 5G Launches in India, But There’s a Catch with Airtel 5G
The Redmi A4 5G has just launched in India, making it one of the most affordable smartphones to offer next-gen 5G connectivity. Powered by the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chipset, this phone is built to deliver good performance without breaking the bank. However, there’s a key issue to be aware of: the Redmi A4 5G does not support Airtel’s 5G network in India. It only works with Jio’s 5G network. Let’s take a closer look at why this happens and what it means for you.
Why the Redmi A4 5G Isn’t Compatible with Airtel’s 5G Network
According to Redmi’s official page, the A4 5G supports only Standalone (SA) 5G networks, which means it is not compatible with Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G networks. Airtel’s 5G network currently uses the NSA system, so the Redmi A4 5G cannot connect to it.
To explain it simply, SA 5G is built using entirely new 5G technology, providing faster and more advanced performance. On the other hand, NSA 5G works by combining 5G with the existing 4G LTE network, making it cheaper and easier to set up.
Both types of 5G networks offer similar speeds, often reaching up to 1Gbps. While SA 5G is technically more advanced, NSA 5G is still capable of delivering a strong 5G experience.
What’s Next for Airtel’s 5G?
Airtel has announced plans to roll out SA 5G in India. They’re already testing the technology in cities like Bhubaneswar, Rewari, and Chennai, but it will take time before it’s available nationwide. For now, if you’re planning to use the Redmi A4 5G, you’ll need to be on Jio’s 5G network to get the full 5G experience. If you’re not willing to switch to Jio, the phone may not be the best option for you.
What Does the Redmi A4 5G Offer?
Here’s a quick rundown of what else you get with the Redmi A4 5G:
- Display: 6.88-inch HD+ LCD screen along with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Battery: 5,160mAh battery with 18W fast charging.
- Storage: Two variants—4GB RAM/64GB storage for ₹8,499 or 4GB RAM/128GB storage for ₹9,499.
The Redmi A4 5G will be available for purchase starting November 27 on platforms like Amazon, Mi.com, and offline stores. For those who want to experience 5G on Jio’s network, this could be an attractive option at an affordable price.
