Looking for an affordable smartphone? Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers excellent value. We're pitting the Redmi A2+ against its predecessor, the Redmi A1+, to see which budget champion reigns supreme. This comparison will help you decide which phone best fits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi A2+ edges out the A1+ thanks to its more powerful chipset and slightly improved performance. While both offer excellent value, the A2+'s octa-core processor provides a noticeable boost for multitasking and smoother app usage, making it the better overall choice for most users.
| 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 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 | - |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), 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 | 23028RNCAG, 23028RN4DI, 23028RNCAI, 23028RN4DH | 220733SFG |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 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 | 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi A2+
- More powerful chipset (Helio G36)
- Octa-core CPU for better multitasking
- Slightly improved design
- Large 5000mAh battery
- 10W charging is slow
- HD+ display resolution is basic
- Camera performance is adequate, not exceptional
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
- Very affordable
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Decent for basic usage (calls, texts)
- Lightweight and compact
- Slower performance (Helio A22)
- Quad-core CPU struggles with multitasking
- Basic camera quality
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the A2+ may offer slightly improved color accuracy and brightness due to potential panel upgrades, though this is difficult to definitively confirm without testing. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi A2+ typically features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor, while the A1+ also has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is likely to be similar in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will be adequate on both, but not exceptional. The A2+ might offer slightly better image processing due to its newer chipset.
Performance
This is where the A2+ shines. The Mediatek Helio G36 octa-core processor is a significant upgrade over the A1+'s quad-core Helio A22. The G36's dual-cluster architecture (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) provides better performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps. The A1+ will feel noticeably slower, especially when switching between apps.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, so expect similar charging times. Battery optimization may vary slightly between the devices based on software and chipset efficiency.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi A2+ is ideal for users prioritizing a bit more performance and a slightly more modern design. The Redmi A1+ remains a fantastic option for those on the tightest budget who primarily need basic calling, texting, and light app usage. Consider your usage patterns and budget carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi A2+ worth the extra money compared to the A1+?
Yes, if you value performance and smoother multitasking. The A2+'s chipset provides a noticeable upgrade. If you're on a very tight budget and only need basic functionality, the A1+ remains a viable option.
❓ What is the battery life like on both phones?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage thanks to their 5000mAh batteries. Charging speeds are the same at 10W, so expect similar charging times.
