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 newer Redmi A2 against the Redmi A1 to see which one offers the best bang for your buck. Let's dive in!
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi A2 edges out the A1 thanks to its octa-core processor, offering a noticeable performance boost for smoother multitasking and slightly better gaming. Both offer similar battery life and camera quality, making the A2 the slightly better overall choice for a small 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 - 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 | 2023, March 24 | 2022, September 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 24 | Available. Released 2022, September 09 |
| 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 | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI | Android 12 (Go edition), 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 |
| | 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 | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | 23028RN4DG, 23026RN54G | 220733SI, 220733SG, 220733SL, 220743FI, 220733SH |
| Price | € 59.00 / £ 54.95 | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.90 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 0.85 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi A2
- Improved Performance (Octa-Core)
- Slightly Better Image Processing
- Modern Design
- 10W Charging is Slow
- Basic Camera Capabilities
- Limited Storage Options
Xiaomi Redmi A1
- Very Affordable
- Decent Battery Life
- Lightweight and Compact
- Lower Performance (Quad-Core)
- Basic Camera Capabilities
- Limited Storage Options
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution. Expect similar viewing experiences – adequate for everyday use but not exceptional. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for this price range. The A2 might have a slightly improved panel, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a dual rear camera setup, typically including a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is comparable – expect decent shots in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. The A2 might offer slightly improved image processing due to its newer chipset.
Performance
This is where the Redmi A2 shines. Its Mediatek Helio G36 octa-core processor provides a significant advantage over the A1's quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother app loading, less lag, and a more responsive user experience on the A2. The A1 is adequate for basic tasks, but struggles with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both devices are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, which is relatively slow by today's standards.
Buying Guide
The Redmi A2 is ideal for users who prioritize a bit more processing power for basic tasks and occasional gaming. The Redmi A1 remains a solid choice for those on the absolute tightest budget who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and essential apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi A2 worth the extra money compared to the A1?
If you can stretch your budget, the Redmi A2's improved performance makes it a worthwhile upgrade. However, the A1 remains a great option for those on a very tight budget.
❓ What kind of storage options are available for these phones?
Both the Redmi A2 and A1 typically come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
