The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Xiaomi Redmi A1, running Android Go, aims for ultimate affordability. The Motorola Moto G24 Power, however, targets users who prioritize performance and faster charging without breaking the bank. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto G24 Power is the superior choice. Its Helio G85 chipset delivers significantly better performance than the Redmi A1’s Helio A22, and the 30W charging drastically reduces downtime. While the A1 offers a lower entry price, the G24 Power provides a more usable and future-proof experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 06 | 2024, January 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 09 | Available. Released 2024, February 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) | 163.5 x 74.5 x 9 mm (6.44 x 2.93 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 537 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 | Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) | 50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm - International version
16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1.0µm - India version |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio (market/region dependent) |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 30W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Green, Light Blue, Black | Glacier Blue, Ink Blue |
| Models | 220733SI, 220733SG, 220733SL, 220743FI, 220733SH | - |
| Price | About 170 EUR | € 132.29 |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.85 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi A1
- Lowest possible price point
- Android Go edition for optimized performance on limited hardware
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Significantly slower performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Motorola Moto G24 Power
- Much faster performance with Helio G85
- 30W fast charging for reduced downtime
- More capable for gaming and multimedia
- Higher price than the Redmi A1
- May include bloatware (typical for Motorola)
- Android updates may be slower compared to Xiaomi
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar display controller capabilities. While specific panel details (like brightness in nits or color gamut coverage) are unavailable, the focus here is on processing power to drive the display. The Redmi A1’s Helio A22 will likely struggle with smoother animations compared to the G24 Power’s more capable Helio G85, impacting perceived visual fluidity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Helio G85’s image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced than the Helio A22’s, enabling better image processing capabilities. This translates to improved dynamic range, noise reduction, and potentially faster autofocus on the Moto G24 Power. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests they are largely marketing features and offer limited real-world benefit. The G85’s processing power will be more effective at utilizing a higher-resolution main sensor (if present, which is not specified).
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Motorola Moto G24 Power’s MediaTek Helio G85, with its octa-core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55), represents a substantial upgrade over the Redmi A1’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 Helio A22. The G85’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and responsiveness. The A1, running Android Go, mitigates some software overhead, but the hardware deficit is too large to overcome. The G85 is also better suited for gaming, even if it's not a dedicated gaming chip.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Motorola Moto G24 Power’s 30W wired charging is a game-changer. The Redmi A1’s 10W charging is comparatively slow, requiring significantly longer to reach a full charge. Even with a similar battery capacity, the G24 Power’s faster charging allows for quicker top-ups, reducing downtime. The Helio G85 is also more power-efficient than the Helio A22, potentially offsetting any battery capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A1 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price point and are comfortable with the limitations of Android Go, primarily for very basic tasks like calls and messaging. Buy the Motorola Moto G24 Power if you want a smartphone capable of handling social media, light gaming, and streaming video without frustrating lag, and if you value faster charging to minimize downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Moto G24 Power struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The Helio G85 in the Moto G24 Power is sufficiently powerful to run apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly. While it won't offer flagship-level performance, it will provide a usable experience without significant lag, unlike the Redmi A1 which may struggle with these apps.
❓ Is the Android Go edition on the Redmi A1 a significant compromise?
Android Go is designed for devices with limited resources. While it reduces storage usage and data consumption, it also means you get stripped-down versions of Google apps and a less feature-rich experience. It's suitable for basic tasks, but can feel restrictive for users accustomed to the full Android experience.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone?
With 30W charging, the Moto G24 Power should fully charge in approximately 60-90 minutes. The Redmi A1’s 10W charging will likely take 3-4 hours to reach a full charge, making it less convenient for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Can the Moto G24 Power handle light gaming?
Yes, the Helio G85 is capable of handling light gaming titles at medium settings. While it won't run demanding games at high frame rates, it provides a playable experience for casual gamers. The Redmi A1’s Helio A22 is not well-suited for gaming.
