Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Realme C20A and Xiaomi Redmi A1+ are two contenders vying for the budget crown. But which one truly delivers the best experience for the price? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C20A edges out the Redmi A1+ thanks to its more powerful Helio G35 chipset and octa-core CPU, offering noticeably better performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. While both are budget options, the C20A provides a slightly smoother experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 11 | 2022, September 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 11 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | Splash-resistant design | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Grey, Lake Blue | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | - | 220733SFG |
| Price | About 90 EUR | € 78.30 / £ 72.30 / ₹ 6,670 |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Realme C20A
- More powerful processor
- Octa-core CPU
- Dual-camera setup
- Reverse wired charging
- Basic camera quality
- Limited storage options
- Plastic build
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
- Very affordable
- Large battery
- Clean Android experience
- Lightweight design
- Less powerful processor
- Single camera
- Slower performance
- 10W charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for indoor use. Color accuracy is typical for this price range – don't expect vibrant, true-to-life colors. The Realme C20A might have a slightly better panel due to potentially better calibration, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C20A typically features a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth sensor), while the Redmi A1+ has a single 8MP main camera. Image quality on both is acceptable in good lighting conditions, but suffers in low light. The Realme C20A's depth sensor might offer slightly better portrait mode results. Video recording capabilities are limited on both.
Performance
This is where the Realme C20A shines. Its Helio G35 chipset and octa-core CPU provide a significant performance advantage over the Redmi A1+'s Helio A22 quad-core processor. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the C20A. The Redmi A1+ will handle basic tasks adequately, but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a large 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Redmi A1+ might have a slight edge in battery endurance due to its less power-hungry processor, but the difference is likely to be marginal. Both support 10W charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme C20A? Users prioritizing a bit more performance for multitasking and occasional gaming. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi A1+? Those seeking the absolute lowest price point and a reliable, basic smartphone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme C20A is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and octa-core CPU.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either phone?
Yes, both phones support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity.
❓ What Android version do these phones run?
Both phones typically ship with Android Go edition, optimized for lower-powered devices.
