Xiaomi Redmi A2 vs Redmi 9A: A Budget Showdown

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Xiaomi Redmi A2 and Redmi 9A are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi A2 edges out the 9A thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and improved overall performance. While both are budget options, the A2 provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks. However, the 9A remains a solid choice if you prioritize a larger screen and slightly better battery life.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Redmi A2	Xiaomi Redmi 9A

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International	1, 2, 3, 4, 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	2023, March 24	2020, June 30. Released 2020, July 07
Status	Available. Released 2023, March 24	Discontinued

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)	196 g (6.91 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 10, upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12

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	32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Dual	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) 0.08 MP (depth)	-
Features	Dual-LED flash, HDR	LED flash, HDR
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) Auxiliary lens	13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30/60fps

Selfie camera
Features	-	HDR
Single	5 MP, f/2.2	5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm
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	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, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer	Accelerometer, proximity

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

Misc
Colors	Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green	Carbon Gray (Midnight Black), Sky Blue (Sea Blue), Ocean Green (Nature Green)
Models	23028RN4DG, 23026RN54G	M2006C3LG, M2006C3LI, M2006C3LC, M2004C3L
Price	€ 59.00 / £ 54.95	€ 64.30 / $ 56.50 / £ 95.56
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) 1.19 W/kg (body)

Xiaomi Redmi A2

Slightly faster performance (Helio G36)
Improved responsiveness
Modern design

Camera performance is still basic
Charging speed is slow (10W)
May lack some features found in higher-end phones

Xiaomi Redmi 9A

Larger screen (slightly less bezel)
Good battery life
Affordable price

Slower performance (Helio G25)
Can feel sluggish at times
Basic camera capabilities

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1650 x 720 (HD+). While the size is identical, the Redmi 9A's slightly larger bezels might make the screen feel a tad less immersive. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for budget phones – adequate for indoor use but not exceptional.

Camera Comparison

The Redmi A2 features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor, while the Redmi 9A also has a 13MP main camera but includes a 2MP depth sensor and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality is generally similar on both, with decent performance in good lighting conditions. Low-light photography is where both phones struggle, producing noisy and less detailed images. Video recording capabilities are basic on both.

Performance

The Redmi A2 boasts the Mediatek Helio G36, a step up from the Redmi 9A's Helio G25. This translates to noticeably smoother performance in everyday tasks, app loading, and even light gaming. The A2's CPU clock speeds are slightly higher, contributing to the improved responsiveness. The 9A can feel a bit 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 Redmi 9A's slightly less power-hungry chipset and potentially more efficient software optimization might give it a slight edge in real-world usage. Expect around 10-12 hours of moderate use on both devices.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi A2 is ideal for users who need a reliable phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing, and appreciate a bit more processing power. The Redmi 9A is a good fit for those prioritizing a larger display for media consumption and longer battery life, even if it means sacrificing a little performance.