Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi A1+ and the Redmi A2. These phones are aimed at the budget-conscious market, but subtle differences can make one a better fit depending on your needs. I'll break down the specs, give you the real-world implications, and help you figure out which one makes the most sense for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi A1+ | Xiaomi Redmi A2 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm | Both phones are identically sized and should feel the same in hand. |
| Weight | 192g | 192g | Both are lightweight phones that won’t weigh you down. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Typical budget smartphone design and build quality. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.52" | 6.52" | A large screen for comfortable media consumption and general use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | HD+ resolution, good enough for everyday viewing, but not the sharpest. |
| PPI | 269 | 269 | Similar pixel density means similar image sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Good color reproduction and viewing angles, but not as vibrant as AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard refresh rate, expect no super-smooth animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Likely adequate for indoor use, may struggle in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12nm) | The G36 in the A2 is a slight upgrade from the A22 in A1+ for better performance in demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 95,000 | 127,000 | The A2 should feel noticeably snappier, with faster app loading and smoother operation compared to the A1+. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 | Both have similar graphics performance, but the G36 has slight boost. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.00 µm pixel | 8MP, f/2.0 | Basic 8MP camera, expect decent shots in good lighting, struggles in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel | 5MP, f/2.2 | Basic 5MP selfie camera, okay for video calls, but might be grainy in low light. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both are equally capable for daily casual video recording |
| Features | Similar Camera Features | Similar Camera Features | Digital zoom, dual camera, autofocus, touch focus, manual focus, continuous shooting, geotagging, panorama, HDR, face detection etc., |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Large batteries that should easily last a full day for most users with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 10W | 10W | Slow charging, expect to wait a few hours to fully charge the phone. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 12 | Basic Android experience. Updates are not very frequent for these phones, but they provide basic functionalities. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n | Standard Wi-Fi, suitable for most home and public networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.0 provides adequate connectivity for headphones, speakers, and other devices. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Standard GPS functionality, suitable for navigation and location-based services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Ability to use two SIM cards simultaneously |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB | 32GB/64GB | The A2 offers a larger storage option for more apps and files. |
| RAM | 2GB | 2GB/3GB/4GB | The A2 offers more RAM which means better multi-tasking and app loading speed. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | This is limiting for users who need lots of storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Basic Audio | Standard audio quality, expect a simple headphone jack for wired listening. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear Fingerprint Sensor | Basic security | The A1+ has a rear fingerprint sensor which adds extra layer of biometric security. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Motion, Proximity, Ultrasonic | Motion, Proximity, Ultrasonic | A1+ has an additional Fingerprint sensor compared to A2 and A2 has a gravity sensor compared to A1+. |
2. Key Insights
- Redmi A2: A Slight Performance Edge: The A2 sports a slightly more powerful Helio G36 chipset. This translates to snappier app loading and smoother multitasking, making the A2 a better pick if performance is a priority. The AnTuTu benchmark score of 127,000 on the A2 vs 95,000 on the A1+ is a big jump on this price point.
- Storage and RAM Flexibility: The A2 comes in more storage and RAM configurations, offering options for those needing more capacity. The additional RAM option is crucial for heavy users who want to run more apps in the background.
- Identical Display and Battery: Both devices share the same 6.52-inch HD+ IPS LCD screen and a 5000mAh battery. This means you get the same visual and battery life experience on both.
- Camera Similarity: Both phones are equipped with basic 8MP main cameras and 5MP selfie cameras. Expect similar photo and video quality from each, with the usual limitations of entry-level camera setups.
- Security and Sensors: The A1+ has the advantage of a fingerprint sensor, a convenient biometric security feature, while the A2 only has basic security features. The A1+ also does not have gravity sensor unlike the A2.
- Build & Design: Both phones are virtually identical in terms of dimensions and weight. So, there isn't a difference in how they'll feel in the hand.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi A1+:
- Best For: Users who prioritize basic functionalities, a fingerprint sensor for security, and are on a tight budget. It's ideal as a first smartphone or a secondary device for light usage, especially for those that need a fingerprint sensor.
- Use Cases: Calling, texting, casual browsing, social media, and basic photo capture, fingerprint security for peace of mind.
- Xiaomi Redmi A2:
- Best For: Users who need a bit more performance and storage, still on a tight budget. If you like to do more multi-tasking and want to load more apps, the extra RAM offered in the A2 is the way to go.
- Use Cases: Moderate social media, streaming, some light gaming, more app usage with the extra RAM, the extra storage for the media files.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
How important is performance to you?
- If you need a smoother, snappier phone for everyday tasks and you tend to do a bit more multitasking, the A2’s G36 chip is a good call. If you're ok with slight delays, and just want the basics, the A1+ might be sufficient.
Do you need more storage?
- If you tend to install a lot of apps or store a lot of media, the 64GB option (available on some variants) of the Redmi A2 is better as there is no external storage option. If you just have basic needs, 32GB will be enough.
Is having a fingerprint scanner important to you?
- If you value biometric security and want an extra layer of protection, go for the A1+, which has a rear fingerprint sensor. If you aren't picky about that, you won't be missing much on the A2.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Basic User on a Budget: The A1+ is a solid, no-frills option for those on a really tight budget who just want a smartphone for basic communication and light tasks.
- Budget User with Some Storage Needs: Go for the Redmi A2, especially if you can find the 64GB and 4GB RAM model. The extra storage and RAM are worth the small increase in price.
- User Prioritizing Security: The A1+ with its fingerprint sensor would be a great option to have the extra layer of biometric security.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the Xiaomi Redmi A2, specifically the 64GB/4GB RAM model. The slightly better chipset and extra RAM on the A2 will make it a better all-around phone for a longer period of time. I like to have my phone feel snappy and responsive, which the AnTuTu benchmarks show, the A2 would provide a better experience. Even though the A1+ has a fingerprint sensor, I am ok with not having that convenience for the performance upgrade the A2 offers. Plus, I tend to have lots of apps and media, so the extra storage would be very useful for me. In the end, it provides a better experience with only a slight increase in price.
