Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget phone market. The Redmi A2 and Redmi 10A are two contenders vying for the title of best affordable smartphone. But which one offers the better experience for your money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi A2 edges out the 10A thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and improved CPU. While both are budget phones, the A2 provides a marginally smoother experience for everyday tasks. Both offer similar battery life and charging speeds, making the A2 the slightly better overall choice.
| 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, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 24 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 24 | Available. Released 2022, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 194 g (6.84 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) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF |
| 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 | 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, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green | Charcoal Black, Sea Blue, Slate Grey |
| Models | 23028RN4DG, 23026RN54G | 220233L2C, 220233L2G, 220233L2I |
| Price | € 59.00 / £ 54.95 | € 60.00 / $ 66.55 |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.90 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi A2
- Slightly faster chipset (Helio G36)
- Improved CPU performance
- Decent battery life
- Affordable price
- Basic camera performance
- Slow charging (10W)
- HD+ display resolution
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- Reliable and affordable
- Long battery life
- Simple and easy to use
- Good for basic tasks
- Slower chipset (Helio G25)
- Basic camera performance
- Slow charging (10W)
- HD+ display resolution
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the A2 might offer slightly better color accuracy due to potential software optimizations. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable, suitable for indoor use but potentially struggling in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 10A typically features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor, while the Redmi A2 has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is generally similar, with both phones struggling in low-light conditions. Expect decent daytime shots but limited detail and dynamic range. Video recording capabilities are basic on both.
Performance
The Redmi A2's Mediatek Helio G36 boasts a higher clock speed on its performance cores (4x2.2 GHz vs 4x2.0 GHz on the 10A's Helio G25) and a slightly more modern architecture. This translates to a noticeable, albeit small, improvement in app loading times and overall responsiveness. The A2 handles multitasking a bit better.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life for moderate users. Expect around 10-12 hours of screen-on time with typical usage. Charging is limited to 10W wired, so a full charge will take around 2-3 hours.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi A2 is ideal for users prioritizing a bit more processing power for basic apps and occasional gaming. The Redmi 10A is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, no-frills phone primarily for calls, texts, and light social media use, especially if price is the absolute deciding factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi A2 worth the extra money compared to the 10A?
If you value slightly better performance and responsiveness, the Redmi A2 is worth the small price difference. However, if you're on a very tight budget and only need a phone for basic tasks, the 10A remains a viable option.
❓ What is the camera quality like on both phones?
Both phones offer basic camera performance suitable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. Don't expect exceptional image quality or low-light capabilities from either device.
