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, and the A1 and A2 are no exception. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi A2 is the clear winner. While both are budget phones, the A2's octa-core processor and slightly improved camera offer a noticeable performance boost over the A1's quad-core chip, making it a better choice for everyday tasks and light gaming. Both offer similar battery life and charging speeds.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Redmi A1	Xiaomi Redmi A2

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	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 - International	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	1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India

Launch
Announced	2022, September 06	2023, March 24
Status	Available. Released 2022, September 09	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	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	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	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	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	Accelerometer	Accelerometer

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

Misc
Colors	Light Green, Light Blue, Black	Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green
Models	220733SI, 220733SG, 220733SL, 220743FI, 220733SH	23028RN4DG, 23026RN54G
Price	About 170 EUR	€ 59.00 / £ 54.95
SAR	1.10 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body)	1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	0.85 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body)	0.90 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body)

Xiaomi Redmi A1

Very affordable
Large display
Decent battery life

Slow performance
Basic camera
Slow charging

Xiaomi Redmi A2

Improved performance (octa-core)
Slightly better camera
Large display
Decent battery life

Still a budget phone
Slow charging
Basic features

Display Comparison

Both the Redmi A1 and A2 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 and brightness due to potential software optimizations, though this is subtle. Viewing angles are acceptable for the price point.

Camera Comparison

The Redmi A2 features a 13MP main camera, while the Redmi A1 also has a 13MP main camera. While the megapixel count is the same, the G36 chipset in the A2 likely provides better image processing capabilities, resulting in slightly better photos, especially in low-light conditions. Both phones have a 2MP front camera for selfies.

Performance

This is where the Redmi A2 shines. The Helio G36 octa-core processor provides a significant performance advantage over the A1's Helio A22 quad-core chip. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the A2. The A1 can feel sluggish at times, especially with multiple apps open.

Battery Life

Both devices are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, offering excellent battery life. Expect a full day of moderate use from either phone. Charging is handled via 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow by modern standards, but typical for this price range.

Buying Guide

The Redmi A1 is ideal for users who prioritize the absolute lowest price and need a basic phone for calls, texts, and occasional light use. The Redmi A2 is a better choice for those who want a slightly smoother experience, a bit more processing power for multitasking, and a marginally better camera, without significantly increasing the budget.