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 Redmi A2 against the Redmi A1+ to see which budget champion reigns supreme. Let's dive in!
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi A2 edges out the A1+ thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and octa-core CPU, offering a noticeable performance boost for everyday tasks. Both offer similar battery life and camera capabilities, making the A2 the better overall choice for a small premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 24 | 2022, September 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 24 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| 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 | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| 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 | - |
| 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 | - |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | 23028RN4DG, 23026RN54G | 220733SFG |
| Price | € 59.00 / £ 54.95 | € 78.30 / £ 72.30 / ₹ 6,670 |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.90 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi A2
- More powerful chipset
- Octa-core CPU
- Slightly improved image processing
- Modern design
- Slightly higher price
- 10W charging (shared with A1+)
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
- More affordable
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Long battery life
- 10W charging (shared with A2)
- Less powerful chipset
- Quad-core CPU
- Slightly older design
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the A2 might offer slightly improved color accuracy due to potential software optimizations, though this is difficult to definitively confirm without testing. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature a dual rear camera setup, typically consisting of a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality will be comparable in most lighting conditions, with both phones struggling in low light. The A2 might have slightly better image processing due to its newer chipset.
Performance
This is where the Redmi A2 takes a clear lead. Its Mediatek Helio G36 chipset with an octa-core CPU (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) provides a more responsive experience compared to the A1+'s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. Expect faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the A2.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging is limited to 10W wired charging on both devices, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi A2 is ideal for users prioritizing smoother performance and a slightly more modern feel. The Redmi A1+ remains a solid option for those on the absolute tightest budget, offering reliable functionality without sacrificing essential features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi A2 worth the extra money compared to the A1+?
If you value smoother performance and a slightly more modern experience, the Redmi A2 is worth the small price difference. However, if you're on a very tight budget, the A1+ remains a capable option.
❓ What kind of storage options are available for these phones?
Both the Redmi A2 and A1+ typically come in configurations with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
