Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Xiaomi Poco C51 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 C51 edges out the Redmi A1 thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and octa-core CPU, offering a smoother overall experience. However, both are solid choices for basic users prioritizing affordability. The Redmi A1 remains a compelling option if price is the absolute top concern.
| 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, April 07 | 2022, September 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 13 | Available. Released 2022, September 09 |
| 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) |
| 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 (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13 (Go edition), MIUI | Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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) | 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/2.2 | 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Black, Royal Blue | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | MZB0E6DIN, MZB0DXKIN, 2302EPCC4I, 2305EPCC4G, 2302EPCC4H | 220733SI, 220733SG, 220733SL, 220743FI, 220733SH |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | 0.97 W/kg (head) 0.87 W/kg (body) | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.85 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Poco C51
- More powerful chipset (Helio G36)
- Octa-core CPU for smoother performance
- Slightly better image processing
- Larger RAM options (potentially)
- 10W charging is slow
- HD+ display isn't the sharpest
- Plastic build quality
Xiaomi Redmi A1
- Extremely affordable
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Decent display for basic use
- Lightweight and compact
- Less powerful chipset (Helio A22)
- Quad-core CPU can feel sluggish
- Limited RAM options
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a similar 6.53-inch HD+ display, offering adequate viewing for everyday use. Expect decent color reproduction but don't anticipate vibrant, high-resolution visuals. The Poco C51 might have slightly better brightness, but it's marginal.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are comparable, with both phones likely featuring a 13MP main camera and a depth sensor. Image quality will be similar in good lighting conditions, but the Poco C51's slightly more powerful processor might allow for marginally better image processing. Low-light performance will be average on both.
Performance
The Poco C51's Mediatek Helio G36 with its octa-core CPU provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Redmi A1's quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother app loading, slightly faster multitasking, and better responsiveness in the Poco C51. Gaming performance will also be better on the C51.
Battery Life
Both devices offer a large 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Poco C51 is ideal for users who need a bit more processing power for light multitasking and occasional gaming. The Redmi A1 is perfect for those primarily using their phone for calls, texts, and basic apps, and who are on the tightest budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Poco C51 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset and octa-core CPU.
❓ How long will the battery last on each phone?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage.
❓ Are these phones 5G capable?
No, neither the Poco C51 nor the Redmi A1 support 5G connectivity. They both rely on 4G LTE.
❓ What is the storage capacity of these phones?
Both phones typically come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
