The sub-$100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi A2 and Infinix Smart 7 HD are two contenders vying for dominance. Both devices target first-time smartphone buyers and those needing a reliable secondary device. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which offers the best value for everyday tasks.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi A2 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G36 chipset, while not a powerhouse, offers a more modern architecture and potentially smoother performance than the Smart 7 HD’s unspecified CPU, making it better suited for multitasking and app responsiveness.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 24 | 2023, April 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 24 | Available. Released 2023, April 14 |
| 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) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 196.5 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) | 8 MP, f/2.0
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@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 |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green | Ink Black, Silk Blue, Jade White, Green Apple |
| Models | 23028RN4DG, 23026RN54G | X6516 |
| Price | € 59.00 / £ 54.95 | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.90 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi A2
- More modern chipset (Helio G36)
- Potentially better performance for multitasking
- Slightly more efficient processor
- Limited detailed specifications available
- 10W charging is slow
Infinix Smart 7 HD
- Extremely affordable
- Functional for basic communication
- Likely lightweight and compact
- Older, less efficient CPU
- Potentially sluggish performance
- Limited feature set
Display Comparison
Neither Xiaomi nor Infinix provide detailed display specifications beyond size. However, given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. The absence of information regarding brightness nits suggests neither will excel in direct sunlight. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but basic readability. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, meaning basic functionality for casual snapshots. Neither phone is expected to excel in low-light conditions. The absence of detailed sensor information suggests both utilize low-resolution sensors. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; image quality is heavily dependent on sensor size and image processing. Given the price bracket, expect limited dynamic range and detail in photos. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and offers minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The Redmi A2’s Mediatek Helio G36 (12nm) is the clear advantage here. Its octa-core configuration, split between 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, provides a more robust processing foundation than the Smart 7 HD’s octa-core CPU clocked at 1.6 GHz. While both utilize ARM Cortex-A53 cores, the higher clock speeds of the G36 suggest faster single-core performance, impacting app launch times and general responsiveness. The 12nm process node of the G36 is also more efficient than older nodes likely used in the Smart 7 HD, potentially leading to slightly better battery life under load. The Smart 7 HD’s CPU lacks architectural details, making a precise comparison difficult, but it’s reasonable to assume it’s an older generation chipset.
Battery Life
Both the Redmi A2 and Smart 7 HD feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but given the target market, both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Helio G36’s more efficient 12nm process could translate to slightly longer battery life on the Redmi A2, especially during moderate usage. However, the difference will likely be marginal.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A2 if you prioritize a slightly more responsive user experience and a chipset with a more modern architecture, even if the difference isn't massive. This is ideal for users who occasionally browse social media, use messaging apps, and listen to music. Buy the Infinix Smart 7 HD if your primary concern is absolute affordability and you only need a phone for basic calling and texting, with minimal app usage. It represents the bare minimum for smartphone functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi A2 handle popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
The Redmi A2’s Mediatek Helio G36 chipset should provide a reasonably smooth experience with Facebook and WhatsApp. While it won’t offer flagship-level performance, it’s sufficient for basic browsing, messaging, and occasional photo sharing. Expect some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously.
❓ Is the Infinix Smart 7 HD suitable for playing mobile games?
The Infinix Smart 7 HD is not well-suited for gaming. Its unspecified CPU is likely underpowered for most modern mobile games, and you’ll likely experience significant lag and frame rate drops even with less demanding titles. It’s best reserved for basic tasks and communication.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
Both devices likely run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited RAM and storage. This helps optimize performance and reduce data usage, making it ideal for entry-level smartphones.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either the Redmi A2 or the Smart 7 HD?
While not explicitly stated, both devices almost certainly include a microSD card slot for expandable storage. This is a common feature in this price segment, allowing users to add more storage for photos, videos, and other files.
