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 budget champion reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi A2+ offers a noticeable upgrade over the A1, primarily due to its more powerful Helio G36 chipset and improved performance. While both offer basic functionality, the A2+ provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming, making it the better overall choice for most users.
| 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), 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 | 23028RNCAG, 23028RN4DI, 23028RNCAI, 23028RN4DH |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| 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) | 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi A1
- Extremely affordable
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Outdated chipset
Xiaomi Redmi A2+
- Improved performance
- Higher resolution camera
- Slightly better battery efficiency
- More modern chipset
- Still a budget phone
- Basic camera features
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the A2+ might offer slightly improved color accuracy and brightness due to potential panel refinements, though this is difficult to definitively confirm without testing. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi A1 has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. The Redmi A2+ boasts a 50MP main camera and a depth sensor. While megapixels aren't everything, the A2+'s higher resolution should result in more detailed photos in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is likely to be similar on both, as both lack advanced features like optical image stabilization.
Performance
This is where the A2+ shines. The Helio G36 chipset with its octa-core processor is significantly faster than the A1's quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the A2+. The A1 can feel sluggish at times, especially with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the A2+'s more efficient chipset might translate to slightly better real-world battery performance, especially under load. Charging is identical at 10W wired.
Buying Guide
The Redmi A1 is ideal for users who need a basic phone for calls, texts, and occasional light use, and are extremely budget-conscious. The Redmi A2+ is a better fit for those who want a slightly faster phone for social media, browsing, and light gaming, without spending a lot of money.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi A2+ worth the extra money compared to the Redmi A1?
Yes, the A2+ offers a noticeable performance boost and a better camera, making it a worthwhile upgrade if your budget allows.
❓ What kind of games can I play on these phones?
Both phones are best suited for casual games. The A2+ will handle slightly more demanding titles better than the A1, but don't expect high frame rates or graphics settings.
