Redmi A4 5G Does Not Support Airtel 5G in India
The Redmi A4 5G, a budget-friendly smartphone from Xiaomi, has caught the attention of Indian consumers for its affordability and essential features. However, recent reports have revealed a significant limitation: the device does not support Airtel 5G connectivity in India. This has raised concerns among users who were expecting seamless compatibility with the expanding 5G network infrastructure in the country.
The 5G Landscape in India
India’s telecom sector is rapidly transitioning to 5G, with major operators like Airtel and Reliance Jio rolling out their 5G services across urban and rural areas. With promises of faster internet speeds and lower latency, 5G is poised to revolutionize mobile connectivity. However, not all devices are compatible with every 5G network.
The compatibility issue stems from the fact that 5G operates across multiple frequency bands. In India, Airtel primarily uses n78 (3.3-3.6 GHz) and other mid-band frequencies for its 5G rollout. Devices that do not support these specific bands may fail to connect to Airtel’s 5G services, as is the case with the Redmi A4 5G.
Redmi A4 5G: An Overview
The Redmi A4 5G is positioned as an entry-level 5G smartphone, targeting budget-conscious consumers. Its specifications include:
- Display: 6.5-inch FHD+ LCD
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6020
- Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor
- Battery: 5000mAh with 18W fast charging
- Connectivity: Dual-SIM support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 5G
Despite being marketed as a 5G device, the Redmi A4 5G lacks support for some of the key bands used by Airtel, including the widely deployed n78 band.
Why Doesn’t the Redmi A4 5G Support Airtel 5G?
The issue arises from the limited 5G band support built into the device. Redmi A4 5G supports only a few bands, prioritizing affordability over comprehensive network compatibility. While it may work with Jio’s 5G network, which uses the 700 MHz (n28) and standalone (SA) 5G technology, it struggles with Airtel’s non-standalone (NSA) 5G setup, which relies heavily on n78.
This decision to include fewer bands likely stems from cost-cutting measures, as wider 5G compatibility requires additional hardware and licensing costs.
Consumer Impact
The lack of support for Airtel 5G has left many Redmi A4 5G users disappointed. Airtel is a major telecom operator in India, and its widespread 5G rollout means many users cannot take full advantage of their smartphone’s capabilities.
For consumers who purchased the device with the expectation of enjoying 5G speeds, this limitation could be a deal-breaker, especially given the increasing reliance on high-speed internet for work, streaming, and gaming.
Xiaomi’s Response
Xiaomi has not issued an official statement regarding this specific issue. However, the company has historically focused on providing cost-effective solutions for its users, which may explain the omission of full-band support in its budget models.
To address such concerns, Xiaomi might consider releasing software updates or newer models with broader 5G compatibility in the future.
Alternatives for Airtel 5G Users
If you’re an Airtel user looking for a 5G smartphone, several alternatives in the same price range offer better network compatibility. Consider devices like:
- Realme Narzo 60x 5G – Fully supports Airtel 5G with n78 compatibility.
- iQOO Z7 5G – Known for excellent performance and comprehensive 5G band support.
- Poco X5 5G – Budget-friendly with support for Airtel and Jio 5G networks.
These devices provide similar features while ensuring seamless connectivity with all major telecom operators in India.
