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, the Redmi A1+ remains a strong contender, especially if you prioritize a slightly more compact design and potentially a lower price point.
| 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 | 2023, April 07 | 2022, September 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 13 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| 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 | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| 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 | - |
| 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 | - |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Black, Royal Blue | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | MZB0E6DIN, MZB0DXKIN, 2302EPCC4I, 2305EPCC4G, 2302EPCC4H | 220733SFG |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 78.30 / £ 72.30 / ₹ 6,670 |
| SAR | 0.97 W/kg (head) 0.87 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 C51
- More powerful chipset (Helio G36)
- Octa-core CPU for smoother performance
- Likely slightly better image processing
- Decent battery life
- 10W charging is slow
- HD+ display isn't the sharpest
- Plastic build quality
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
- Potentially lower price
- Compact design
- Decent battery life
- Simple and easy to use
- Less powerful chipset (Helio A22)
- Quad-core CPU can feel sluggish
- Similar camera performance to Poco C51
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering adequate viewing for everyday use. Expect similar color accuracy and brightness levels. The Poco C51 might have a slightly better panel, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely comparable, with both phones featuring a primary 13MP camera and a depth sensor. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. Expect decent photos in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. The Poco C51 might have a slight edge in image processing.
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, better multitasking, and slightly improved gaming performance on the C51.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, so expect similar charging times.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Poco C51 is ideal for users who need a bit more processing power for basic multitasking and light gaming. The Redmi A1+ is a great choice for first-time smartphone users or those who primarily need a device for calls, texts, and essential apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Poco C51 is better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset and octa-core CPU.
❓ Are the cameras significantly different?
Not significantly. Both offer decent camera performance in good lighting, but struggle in low light. The Poco C51 might have slightly better image processing.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer similar all-day battery life with moderate usage.
❓ Which phone is easier to use for beginners?
The Redmi A1+ might be slightly easier to use for beginners due to its simpler interface and potentially more intuitive design.