The Micromax Canvas XL2 and Xiaomi Redmi 4A represent a bygone era of ultra-budget Android smartphones. While newer options abound, these devices remain relevant in specific markets and for users prioritizing extreme affordability. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the better experience, focusing on the trade-offs between processing power and efficiency.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, if basic, smartphone experience, the Xiaomi Redmi 4A emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 chipset, built on the same 28nm process as the Micromax’s Mediatek MT6589M, offers a modest performance uplift with potentially better power efficiency, making it more suitable for daily tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 20, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, August. Released 2014, August | 2016, November. Released 2016, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 139.9 x 70.4 x 8.5 mm (5.51 x 2.77 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM |
| Weight | - | 131.5 g (4.66 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 540 x 960, 16:9 ratio (~200 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~296 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 | 5.0 inches, 68.0 cm2 (~69.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6589M (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX544 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) | Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), MIUI 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 720p@15fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 255 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h 30 min (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3120 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White | Gold, Rose Gold, Dark Gray |
| Models | - | 2016117 |
| Price | - | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.53 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Performance | - |
GeekBench: 1781 (v4.4) |
Micromax A109 Canvas XL2
- Potentially larger screen size for media consumption.
- May be available at an even lower price point.
- Larger physical size may be easier to handle for some users.
- Older, less efficient Mediatek MT6589M chipset.
- Likely slower performance and more lag.
- Potentially lower quality camera performance.
Xiaomi Redmi 4A
- More modern and efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 chipset.
- Slightly better performance and smoother user experience.
- Potentially better battery life due to chipset efficiency.
- May have a smaller screen size.
- Potentially higher price (though still very affordable).
- Limited software support and updates.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data lacks display specifics, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The XL2’s larger size (implied by 'XL') suggests a focus on media consumption, but without knowing resolution or brightness, it’s difficult to assess visual quality. The Redmi 4A likely prioritizes compactness, potentially leading to a sharper image if it has a higher pixel density. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Given their price point, image quality will be basic. Sensor size and lens aperture are unknown, but likely small on both. The Redmi 4A’s Qualcomm ISP (Image Signal Processor) may offer slightly better image processing than the Mediatek equivalent in the XL2, potentially resulting in more detailed and less noisy photos in good lighting conditions. Any 2MP or lower resolution cameras on either device are likely present for marketing purposes and offer minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 4A’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 425, with its quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs clocked at 1.4 GHz, represents a more modern architecture than the Micromax Canvas XL2’s Mediatek MT6589M and its 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 cores. While both are 28nm, the A53 architecture is more efficient and delivers better performance per clock cycle. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the Redmi 4A. The MT6589M, while capable, will likely exhibit more lag and struggle with demanding applications. Both devices likely feature limited RAM, further exacerbating performance differences.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Snapdragon 425’s improved efficiency in the Redmi 4A suggests it will likely deliver longer battery life than the Canvas XL2, despite potentially having a similar capacity. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are expected to charge slowly via Micro-USB, taking several hours to reach a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax A109 Canvas XL2 if you absolutely need the largest possible screen real estate on a minimal budget and are willing to accept compromises in performance. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 4A if you prioritize a slightly smoother user experience, potentially better battery life, and a more recognizable brand with a larger support community, even if the differences are subtle.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Micromax Canvas XL2 struggle with modern apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6589M chipset in the Canvas XL2 is relatively weak by today's standards. While it can run basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, you may experience noticeable lag, slow loading times, and occasional crashes, especially with multiple apps open.
❓ Is the Xiaomi Redmi 4A a good choice for mobile gaming?
The Redmi 4A is not ideal for demanding mobile games. The Snapdragon 425 can handle simple 2D games, but will struggle with graphically intensive 3D titles. Expect low frame rates and significant lag in popular games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile.
❓ Which phone is more likely to receive software updates?
The Xiaomi Redmi 4A is more likely to have received at least some software updates, even if limited. Xiaomi generally provides better software support than Micromax, although both devices are quite old and likely no longer receive official updates.
