Looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? The Xiaomi Poco C50 and Redmi A2 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 to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi A2 edges out the Poco C50 thanks to its more powerful Helio G36 chipset and octa-core CPU, resulting in smoother performance for everyday tasks and slightly better gaming. Both offer decent battery life and basic features, making them solid budget options.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 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 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 03 | 2023, March 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 10 | Available. Released 2023, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | Dust & splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | 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, recording | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Country Green, Royal Blue | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green |
| Models | MZB0D3DIN, 220733SPI, 220733SPH | 23028RN4DG, 23026RN54G |
| Price | About 80 EUR | € 59.00 / £ 54.95 |
| SAR | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Poco C50
- Extremely affordable
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Simple and easy to use
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Limited features
Xiaomi Redmi A2
- Better performance than Poco C50
- Slightly improved camera
- More responsive user experience
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- 10W charging is slow
- Camera still struggles in low light
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Redmi A2 might offer slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles due to potential panel variations. However, overall, the display experience will be quite similar on both devices.
Camera Comparison
The Poco C50 typically features a 13MP main camera with depth sensor, while the Redmi A2 boasts a 8MP main camera and depth sensor. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions on both, but the Redmi A2's image processing might be slightly better. Low-light performance will be subpar on both devices.
Performance
This is where the Redmi A2 takes a clear lead. The Helio G36 chipset with its octa-core CPU significantly outperforms the Poco C50's Helio A22. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Redmi A2. The Poco C50 will feel noticeably slower, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, so expect similar charging times. Battery optimization will play a larger role in real-world battery performance.
Buying Guide
The Poco C50 is ideal for users prioritizing simplicity and a very low price point, primarily for basic calling, texting, and light media consumption. The Redmi A2 is a better choice for those needing a bit more performance for multitasking, social media, and occasional gaming, without spending much more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi A2 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Redmi A2 will handle basic games more smoothly.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either phone?
Yes, both the Poco C50 and Redmi A2 support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage for photos, videos, and apps.
