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 value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 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+'s Helio G36 provides a noticeable boost in responsiveness for everyday tasks. Both offer similar battery life and charging speeds.
| 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), 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 | 23028RNCAG, 23028RN4DI, 23028RNCAI, 23028RN4DH | M2006C3LG, M2006C3LI, M2006C3LC, M2004C3L |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 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 | 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi A2+
- Slightly faster chipset (Helio G36)
- Improved performance for everyday tasks
- Modern design
- Decent battery life
- Slow 10W charging
- Basic camera performance
- Limited storage options
Xiaomi Redmi 9A
- Very affordable
- Long battery life
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Durable build quality
- Slower chipset (Helio G25)
- Less responsive user interface
- Basic camera
- Slow 10W charging
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 improved color accuracy due to potential software optimizations. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable on both devices, suitable for indoor use but potentially struggling in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 9A 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 decent performance in good lighting conditions. Low-light photography will be challenging on both. Video recording capabilities are limited to 1080p at 30fps on both devices.
Performance
The Redmi A2+ boasts the Mediatek Helio G36, a step up from the Redmi 9A's Helio G25. This translates to slightly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. While neither phone is a powerhouse, the A2+ handles everyday tasks more efficiently. Gaming performance will be basic on both, but the A2+ will offer a marginally better experience.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Expect around 10-12 hours of screen-on time. Charging is handled via 10W wired charging on both, which is relatively slow by today's standards.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi A2+ is ideal for users prioritizing a smoother experience for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. The Redmi 9A is a great choice for those on an extremely tight budget who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and essential apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Redmi A2+ has a slightly better gaming performance due to its more powerful Helio G36 chipset, although both phones are primarily designed for basic tasks.
❓ Are the cameras on these phones any good?
Both phones offer decent camera performance in good lighting conditions, but low-light photography is challenging. Don't expect flagship-level image quality.
