Xiaomi Poco C51 vs Redmi A1+: The Ultimate Budget Battle

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.
Phones Images

🏆 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.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Poco C51 Xiaomi Redmi A1+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2023, April 072022, September 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, April 13Available. Released 2022, September 23
Body
Dimensions164.9 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)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight192 g (6.77 oz)192 g (6.77 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
ChipsetMediatek Helio G36 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 13 (Go edition), MIUIAndroid 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) 0.08 MP (depth)8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) 0.08 MP (depth)
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDRDual-LED flash, HDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP, f/2.25 MP, f/2.2
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYes-
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radio, recordingFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGmicroUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometerFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer
Battery
Charging10W wired10W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsPower Black, Royal BlueLight Green, Light Blue, Black
ModelsMZB0E6DIN, MZB0DXKIN, 2302EPCC4I, 2305EPCC4G, 2302EPCC4H220733SFG
PriceAbout 100 EUR€ 78.30 / £ 72.30 / ₹ 6,670
SAR0.97 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.