Xiaomi Redmi A1 vs Redmi 10C: A Detailed Comparison

Looking for an affordable smartphone? Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers great value. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Redmi A1 and the Redmi 10C. Both offer budget-friendly pricing, but which one provides the better overall experience?

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi 10C is the clear winner. Its superior chipset, faster charging, and improved camera significantly outperform the Redmi A1. While the A1 is a very basic option, the 10C offers a much more modern and capable smartphone experience for a small price increase.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Redmi A1	Xiaomi Redmi 10C

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International	1, 2, 3, 4, 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	2022, March 21
Status	Available. Released 2022, September 09	Available. Released 2022, March 23

Body
Dimensions	164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in)	169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	192 g (6.77 oz)	190 g (6.70 oz)

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)	720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density)
Size	6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio)	6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53	Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)	Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
GPU	PowerVR GE8320	Adreno 610
OS	Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12	Android 11, MIUI 13

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM	64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	UFS 2.2

Main Camera
Dual	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) 0.08 MP (depth)	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens
Features	Dual-LED flash, HDR	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) Auxiliary lens	5 MP, f/2.2
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	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE	5.0, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
Radio	FM radio	FM radio
USB	microUSB 2.0	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity

Battery
Charging	10W wired	18W wired
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Light Green, Light Blue, Black	Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green
Models	220733SI, 220733SG, 220733SL, 220743FI, 220733SH	220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL
Price	About 170 EUR	£ 99.00 / € 109.86
SAR	1.10 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body)	0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	0.85 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body)	0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body)

Xiaomi Redmi A1

Very affordable
Decent battery life
Lightweight

Slow performance
Basic camera
Slow charging
Outdated chipset

Xiaomi Redmi 10C

Faster performance
Better camera
Fast charging
Modern chipset
Larger display

Slightly more expensive than A1
Still a budget phone (limited features)

Display Comparison

The Redmi 10C boasts a 6.53-inch HD+ display, offering a slightly larger and more immersive viewing experience compared to the Redmi A1's likely smaller display (estimated 6.5 inches). Both likely use IPS LCD panels, but the 10C's display is generally brighter and more vibrant.

Camera Comparison

The Redmi 10C features a more capable camera system, likely including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially additional lenses. Expect better image quality, especially in low light, and more features like portrait mode. The A1's camera is adequate for basic snapshots but lacks the detail and versatility of the 10C.

Performance

This is where the Redmi 10C shines. The Snapdragon 680 is significantly more powerful than the Helio A22. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the 10C. The A1 will feel sluggish by comparison.

Battery Life

Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life. However, the Redmi 10C's 18W fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing you to recharge much faster than the A1's 10W charging.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi A1 is ideal for users who need a basic phone for calls, texts, and very light usage. It's a great option for first-time smartphone users or those on an extremely tight budget. The Xiaomi Redmi 10C is better suited for users who want a smoother experience, better camera quality, and faster charging. It's a good choice for students, casual users, and anyone who wants a reliable phone without breaking the bank.