Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget phone market. The Redmi A1+ and Redmi 9A are two contenders vying for the title of best affordable smartphone. But which one offers the better experience for your money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 9A edges out the A1+ thanks to its superior octa-core processor and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget options, the 9A provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. Both offer decent battery life and reliable basics.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 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 | 2022, September 23 | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, July 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 23 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 196 g (6.91 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) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| 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, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Green, Light Blue, Black | Carbon Gray (Midnight Black), Sky Blue (Sea Blue), Ocean Green (Nature Green) |
| Models | 220733SFG | M2006C3LG, M2006C3LI, M2006C3LC, M2004C3L |
| Price | € 78.30 / £ 72.30 / ₹ 6,670 | € 64.30 / $ 56.50 / £ 95.56 |
| SAR | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
- Clean and simple Android experience
- Affordable price point
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight design
- Lower performance compared to Redmi 9A
- Basic camera capabilities
- Limited storage options
Xiaomi Redmi 9A
- Better performance thanks to octa-core processor
- Slightly improved camera
- Reliable battery life
- More responsive user experience
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Basic design
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Redmi 9A might offer slightly better color accuracy due to its slightly more advanced panel. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable on both.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 9A generally has a slightly better camera setup. It typically features a 13MP main camera with depth sensor, compared to the A1+'s 8MP main camera. Image quality in good lighting is similar, but the 9A often produces slightly more detailed photos. Both phones offer basic camera features.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 9A takes a clear lead. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset with an octa-core processor provides noticeably better performance than the A1+'s Helio A22 with a quad-core processor. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the 9A.
Battery Life
Both devices 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.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ is ideal for users prioritizing a clean, simple interface and basic functionality like calls, texts, and light social media. The Redmi 9A is a better choice for those needing a bit more processing power for multitasking, occasional gaming, and a slightly improved camera experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has more RAM?
Both typically come with 2GB or 3GB of RAM, depending on the specific configuration.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either phone?
Yes, both phones support microSD card expansion for additional storage.
