Xiaomi Redmi A1+ vs Redmi A2: A Detailed Comparison

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers excellent value. Today, we're pitting the Redmi A1+ against its successor, the Redmi A2, to see which one offers the best bang for your buck.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi A2 edges out the A1+ thanks to its more powerful Helio G36 chipset and octa-core CPU, resulting in smoother performance. Both offer similar battery life and charging speeds, making the A2 the slightly better overall choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi A1+ Xiaomi Redmi A2
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India
Launch
Announced2022, September 232023, March 24
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, September 23Available. Released 2023, March 24
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)
SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
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
CPUQuad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB 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
Single-8 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 jack-Yes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometerAccelerometer
Battery
Charging10W wired10W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsLight Green, Light Blue, BlackAqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green
Models220733SFG23028RN4DG, 23026RN54G
Price€ 78.30 / £ 72.30 / ₹ 6,670€ 59.00 / £ 54.95
SAR1.00 W/kg (head)     1.10 W/kg (body)     1.10 W/kg (head)     1.01 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.91 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)     0.90 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)

Xiaomi Redmi A1+

  • Very affordable
  • Large battery
  • Decent display for the price

  • Lower performance
  • Basic camera
  • Slow charging

Xiaomi Redmi A2

  • Improved performance
  • Slightly better camera
  • Large battery

  • Still a budget phone
  • Slow charging
  • Limited features

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution. While the panels are similar in size and resolution, the A2 might offer slightly improved color accuracy due to potential software optimizations, though this is difficult to definitively confirm without testing. Expect a standard, functional display experience on both.

Camera Comparison

The Redmi A1+ typically features an 8MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. The Redmi A2 also has an 8MP main camera, but often includes a slightly improved depth sensor or additional features. Image quality on both is expected to be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but don't expect exceptional results. Low-light performance will be limited on both devices.

Performance

This is where the Redmi A2 shines. The Helio G36 chipset with its octa-core CPU provides a noticeable performance boost over the A1+'s Helio A22. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the A2. The A1+ will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.

Battery Life

Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life for moderate users. Expect around 10-12 hours of typical usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, meaning a full charge will take around 2-3 hours.

Buying Guide

The Redmi A1+ is a good option for users prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic functionality. The Redmi A2 is ideal for those needing a bit more performance for everyday tasks like social media and light gaming, without spending much more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Redmi A2 worth the extra money compared to the A1+?
Yes, the Redmi A2's improved performance makes it a worthwhile upgrade if you plan to do more than just basic tasks like calling and texting.
❓ What kind of storage options are available for these phones?
Both the Redmi A1+ and A2 typically come in 32GB and 64GB storage variants, expandable via microSD card.