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.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi A2+ edges out the A1 thanks to its octa-core processor and slightly improved performance. While both are budget phones, the A2+'s chipset provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks. Both offer similar battery life and camera capabilities, 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, 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), 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 | 23028RNCAG, 23028RN4DI, 23028RNCAI, 23028RN4DH | 220733SI, 220733SG, 220733SL, 220743FI, 220733SH |
| Price | About 100 EUR | 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 | 0.71 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 Display Brightness (Potential)
- More Responsive UI
- 10W Charging is Slow
- Basic Camera Features
- Limited Storage Options
Xiaomi Redmi A1
- Extremely Affordable
- Reliable for Basic Tasks
- Long Battery Life
- Slower Performance (Quad-Core)
- Average Camera Quality
- Limited Features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display. Expect similar viewing angles and color accuracy, though the A2+ might offer slightly better brightness due to potential software optimizations. Screen protection is likely basic on both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones typically feature a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be average on both. Video recording capabilities are likely limited to 1080p at 30fps.
Performance
This is where the A2+ shines. Its Mediatek Helio G36 octa-core processor offers a significant performance boost over the A1's quad-core Helio A22. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the A2+. Gaming performance will also be noticeably better.
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, so expect around 3-4 hours to fully charge.
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 A1 remains a solid option for those on an extremely tight budget who need a reliable phone for calls, texts, and essential apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi A2+ worth the extra cost over the Redmi A1?
If you value a smoother and more responsive user experience, the A2+'s improved processor makes it worth the slight price difference. However, if you're on a very tight budget, the A1 remains a capable basic phone.
❓ What kind of storage options are available for these phones?
Both the Redmi A2+ and Redmi A1 typically come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. RAM options are usually 2GB or 3GB.
