Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Xiaomi Poco C31 and Redmi A1+ are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Poco C31 edges out the Redmi A1+ thanks to its octa-core processor offering slightly better performance. However, the Redmi A1+ boasts a more refined software experience and potentially better availability. Both are solid choices for basic users on a tight budget.
| 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, 8, 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, September 30 | 2022, September 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 02 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 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 | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | 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, MIUI 12 | Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB 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 | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 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, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Royal Blue, Shadow Gray | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | MZB0A0MIN, MZB0A0KIN, 211033MI, 22031116AI | 220733SFG |
| Price | About 90 EUR | € 78.30 / £ 72.30 / ₹ 6,670 |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Poco C31
- Octa-core processor for better performance
- Slightly better color reproduction
- Larger storage options often available
- Potentially less refined software experience
- Slower software updates
- Design can feel a bit dated
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
- Clean and simple MIUI Go interface
- Potentially better software support
- More readily available in some regions
- Slightly improved camera software processing
- Quad-core processor limits performance
- Slower app loading times
- Limited gaming capabilities
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for everyday use. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for this price range, with neither phone excelling in this area. The Poco C31 might have slightly better color reproduction due to its slightly more advanced chipset, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Poco C31 typically features a 13MP main camera with depth and macro sensors, while the Redmi A1+ has a similar setup. Image quality is acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and a lack of detail in low light. The Redmi A1+’s software processing might produce slightly more pleasing results in some scenarios.
Performance
The Poco C31's octa-core Helio G35 chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Redmi A1+'s quad-core Helio A22. This translates to smoother multitasking, slightly faster app loading times, and a better experience with basic games. However, neither phone is a powerhouse.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life for moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, which is relatively slow by today's standards. Expect around 2-3 hours to fully charge either device.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Poco C31 is ideal for users prioritizing a bit more processing power for light gaming or multitasking. The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ is a great pick for those seeking a simple, reliable phone with a clean interface and potentially longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Poco C31 is slightly better for gaming due to its octa-core processor, although neither phone is designed for demanding games.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Redmi A1+ is likely to receive slightly better software support and updates, although both phones are at the lower end of Xiaomi's support priority.
❓ Are these phones 5G compatible?
No, neither the Poco C31 nor the Redmi A1+ support 5G connectivity. They both rely on 4G LTE.
