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.
🏆 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.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 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 | 2022, September 23 | 2023, March 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 23 | Available. Released 2023, March 24 |
| 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 | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | 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 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 | Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB 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, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/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, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Green, Light Blue, Black | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green |
| Models | 220733SFG | 23028RN4DG, 23026RN54G |
| Price | € 78.30 / £ 72.30 / ₹ 6,670 | € 59.00 / £ 54.95 |
| SAR | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.91 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.