For budget-conscious smartphone users, the Redmi A3 is a compelling option. With a focus on core functionalities like calling, messaging, and basic web browsing, the phone prioritizes affordability without sacrificing essential features.
Xiaomi recently launched another model the Redmi A3x as a new addition to the Redmi A-series. But how does it compare to the original Redmi A3? Let’s explore the specifications and key differences to help you decide which phone is the best fit for you.
Design and Build
At first glance, you’d be hard-pressed to tell the Redmi A3 and A3x apart. Both phones sport a similar design aesthetic with a plastic back featuring a circular deco pattern. This design choice adds a touch of visual interest without deviating from the phone’s budget-friendly nature.
Both models are equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for added screen protection. The design and build quality are basic but fairly basic but functional.
They come in three color options but with slight differences. The Redmi A3 offers Forest Green with a leather-like back, along with Star Blue and Midnight Black. The A3x, on the other hand, features a glass back in all three colors: Aurora Green, Moonlight White, and Midnight Black.
Display
The display specifications remain identical across both phones. They come equipped with a 6.71-inch HD+ (1650 x 720 pixels) IPS LCD panel. While this doesn’t offer the highest resolution or the vibrant colors of an AMOLED display, it gets the job done for everyday tasks like browsing the web or watching videos.
You shouldn’t expect a stellar visual experience, but the display is perfectly adequate for basic multimedia consumption. Additionally, both models support a high 90Hz refresh rate for a more responsive user interface interaction.
Performance
This is where the key difference of the phones is. The Redmi A3 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G36 processor, a budget-oriented chipset with an octa-core architecture. The Redmi A3x, on the other hand, uses an octa-core chip from Unisoc called T603.
Although we don’t have a side-by-side comparison of their performance in benchmarks or real-world use, the A3x should perform slightly better than the Helio G36 in the A3 because of its superior core architecture.
Both phones come with 3GB of RAM, but the Redmi A3 also offers a higher-end option with 4GB of RAM, which could be beneficial for users who prefer multitasking.
Storage options also differ slightly: the Redmi A3 comes in 64GB and 128GB configurations, while the Redmi A3x offers a single 64GB variant.
In terms of software, both boots on Android 14-based MIUI and will receive two years of major platform and 3 years of security patch updates.
Camera
Moving on, the camera setup is also identical on both phones. They feature a dual rear camera system with an 8MP primary sensor and a 0.08MP auxiliary lens. The front-facing camera for selfies and video calls is also the same 5MP sensor on both models. Don’t expect flagship-level camera performance here.
These cameras are suitable for capturing basic snapshots in good lighting conditions, but low-light photography or intricate details might not be captured well.
Battery
Both the Redmi A3 and A3x are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, a generous capacity for budget smartphones. That should translate to a full day’s worth of usage on a single charge for most users, depending on individual usage patterns. Charging is done via a 10W adapter
Conclusion
Both the Redmi A3 and Redmi A3x cater to the budget-conscious user seeking a reliable phone for everyday tasks. They share the same design, display, software, camera, battery life, and connectivity features. The main difference is in terms of processor, with the Redmi A3x possibly having a slight performance edge.
However, the difference is unlikely to be a deal-breaker for most users. So the choice between these two phones comes down to personal preference and possibly a minor price difference.
| Feature | Redmi A3 | Redmi A3x |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm | 168.3 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm |
| Weight | 193 g or 199 g | 199 g |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back or silicone polymer back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back, plastic frame |
| Display | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (HBM), 6.71 inches, 720 x 1650 pixels | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 6.71 inches, 720 x 1650 pixels |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Unisoc T603 |
| RAM | 3GB, 4GB, 6GB | 3GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB | 64GB |
| Main Camera | 8MP (wide), 0.08MP (auxiliary) | 8MP (wide), 0.08MP (auxiliary) |
| Front Camera | 5MP | 5MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Colors | Midnight Black, Forest Green, Star Blue | Midnight Black, Moonlight White, Aurora Green |
