Xiaomi dominates the ultra-budget smartphone space, but choosing between models like the Redmi A1+ and Poco C55 can be tricky. Both aim for affordability, but diverge significantly in their internal hardware. The A1+ prioritizes a streamlined Android Go experience, while the C55 attempts to deliver more robust performance with a more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco C55 is the superior choice. Its Helio G85 chipset, featuring a combination of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores, provides a noticeably smoother experience for multitasking and gaming compared to the Redmi A1+'s Helio A22. While both share 10W charging, the C55's performance advantage justifies the slight price premium.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 23 | 2023, February 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 23 | Available. Released 2023, February 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Panda Glass), eco leather back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | - | Dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda 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 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 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 12, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | 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, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Green, Light Blue, Black | Cool Blue, Power Black, Forest Green |
| Models | 220733SFG | 22127PC95I |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
- Clean Android Go experience for smooth operation on limited hardware.
- Potentially lower price point, making it extremely accessible.
- Simple and easy to use, ideal for first-time smartphone users.
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Poco C55.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
- May struggle with demanding apps and games.
Xiaomi Poco C55
- More powerful Helio G85 chipset for smoother performance.
- Better multitasking and gaming capabilities.
- More responsive user experience.
- May run a more feature-rich (and potentially bloated) version of Android.
- Slightly higher price point.
- 10W charging remains slow.
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket, but detailed specifications like resolution and peak brightness are not provided. The focus here is on internal performance, as display quality is likely similar. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a budget-friendly form factor. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either device, prioritizing cost over calibration.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, it's safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The market segment suggests both will likely include a primary sensor and potentially depth or macro lenses of limited utility. Image processing will likely be basic on both, relying heavily on software algorithms to enhance image quality. The Poco C55, with its more powerful processor, *may* have slightly faster image processing capabilities, but the primary sensor quality will be the limiting factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi A1+ utilizes the Mediatek Helio A22, a quad-core processor built on a 12nm process. This is geared towards basic tasks. The Poco C55, however, boasts the Helio G85, an octa-core processor (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) also on a 12nm process. The G85’s Cortex-A75 cores represent a significant architectural upgrade, offering substantially better single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and responsiveness. The A22’s Cortex-A53 cores are older and less efficient. This translates to a smoother user experience on the Poco C55, especially when multitasking or playing demanding games. While both use 12nm fabrication, the G85’s core configuration provides a clear performance advantage.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. While battery capacity isn't specified, the Poco C55’s more efficient Helio G85 chipset could translate to slightly better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity. The 10W charging will result in relatively slow charging times – expect several hours to reach a full charge on both devices. The difference in real-world usage will likely be marginal, but the G85’s efficiency gives the C55 a slight edge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A1+ if you prioritize a clean, lightweight Android experience and require a phone primarily for basic communication tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It's ideal for first-time smartphone users or those seeking extreme simplicity. Buy the Xiaomi Poco C55 if you value performance for gaming, video streaming, and running multiple apps simultaneously. It's a better fit for users who demand more from their smartphone and are willing to spend a little extra for a more responsive experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Poco C55 be able to run popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G85 in the Poco C55 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you'll likely need to use lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Expect playable performance at medium settings, but don't anticipate a high-end gaming experience. The Redmi A1+'s Helio A22 would struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the Android Go edition on the Redmi A1+ a significant limitation for everyday use?
Android Go is designed for devices with limited resources. While it offers a streamlined experience, it also means some apps are 'Go' versions, which are lighter but may lack features. For basic tasks like calls, texts, and social media, it's sufficient. However, if you rely on demanding apps or frequently multitask, the limitations of Android Go will become apparent.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge both phones with the 10W charger?
Expect a full charge to take approximately 3-4 hours on both the Redmi A1+ and Poco C55. 10W charging is a relatively slow standard, and neither phone offers faster charging capabilities. It's best to charge them overnight.
❓ Does the Poco C55 have any features that the Redmi A1+ lacks?
The Poco C55 benefits from a more powerful processor (Helio G85 vs Helio A22), resulting in a smoother and more responsive user experience. It also likely has a more advanced software feature set, though this may come with some bloatware. The A1+ prioritizes simplicity with Android Go.
