Xiaomi arrived in France in the spring with a large number of references to delight users in search of good value for money. The Xiaomi Mi A2 is one of them and a lighter version is marketed, it’s the Xiaomi MI A2 Lite . Has Xiaomi made a lot of sacrifices on this model? Autonomy, design, photos, performances: we compare today the two phones to help you make an opinion.
The Xiaomi Mi A2 is available since spring for 400 euros for the 64/4 GB version and the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite 190 euros for 32 GB and 230 euros for the 64 GB. The RAM does not vary following models and remains at 3 GB for the latter. What are the differences in the technical characteristics of the two models?
Data sheets
| Model | Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite | Xiaomi Mi A2 |
|---|---|---|
| Version of the OS | Android 8.1 | Android 8.1 |
| Interface | Android Stock | Android Stock |
| Screen size | 5.84 inches | 5.99 inches |
| Definition | 2280 x 1080 pixels | 2160 x 1080 pixels |
| Pixel density | 432 dpi | 403 dpi |
| SoC | Snapdragon 625 at 2GHz | Snapdragon 660 to 2.2GHz |
| Processor (CPU) | ARMv8 | ARMv8 |
| Graphics Chip (GPU) | Adreno 506 | Adreno 512 |
| RAM memory | 3 GB | 4GB |
| Internal memory (flash) | 32 GB, 64 GB | 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB |
| MicroSD | Yes | No |
| Camera (backpack) | 1:12 megapixel sensor, 2 megapixel sensor | 1:12 megapixel sensor, 2 sensor: 20 megapixels |
| Camera (front) | 5 megapixels | 20 megapixels |
| Video recording | 1080p | 4K |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 + A2DP + LE | 5.0 + A2DP + LE |
| networks | LTE, HSPA, GSM | LTE, HSPA, GSM |
| Supported bands | 2100 MHz (B1), 800 MHz (B20), 1800 MHz (B3), 2600 MHz (B7) | 2100 MHz (B1), 800 MHz (B20), 1800 MHz (B3), 2600 MHz (B7) |
| SIM | 2x nano SIM | 2x nano SIM |
| NFC | No | No |
| Ports (Inputs / Outputs) | microUSB | USB Type-C |
| Geolocation | Yes | Yes |
| Drums | 4000 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Dimensions | 149.3 x 71.7 x 8.8 mm | 158.7 x 75.4 x 7.3 mm |
| Weight | 178 grams | 166 grams |
| Colors | Pink, Red, Blue, Black, Gold | Pink, Red, Blue, Black, Gold |
| Price | 135 € | 198 € |
| Product Sheet | Test | Product Sheet | Test |
Design and display: the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite for its screen
The most premium version, the Xiaomi Mi A2 offers a 5.99-inch display with an IPS LCD display for Full HD + definition (2160 x 1080 pixels). On paper, everything is announced for the better. The Xiaomi Mi A2 certainly offers a very good contrast, but the brightness is just sufficient, the colors are cold and not changeable ( 👋Android One) and the brightness sensor is somewhat sensitive. It is even lazy when it comes to quickly adjust the brightness of the screen to ambient light.
Despite these defects, the rendering is far from catastrophic, the Xiaomi Mi A2 was rated 7/10 in our test in this category. A sober and robust design gives him points on the design, even if we regret that the camera is protruding on the back. Jack point to the program, but a USB-C connector.
The slight declination, the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite, also has an LCD IPS screen, slightly more “lite”, since it is still 5.84 inches with a definition of 2280 x 1080 pixels. Brighter and less blue shooting, the screen of this version is more balanced than that of his elder. However, the brightness sensor suffers from the same defects. Design side, we must deal with the notch in front and a thicker smartphone. The back is very similar with the same protruding sensor. This time the port jack is on the program, but not the USB-C, too bad!
The design including the notch is a bargain, the fact remains that the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite screen is finally better than the Xiaomi Mi A2!
Performance and software: the power of the Xiaomi Mi A2
The Xiaomi Mi A2 offers a rare component at this price, a Snapdragon 660 clocked at 2.2 GHz coupled to 4 GB of RAM (in the version we tested, a version with 3 GB of RAM exists for this model). In terms of raw power it is a winning couple and during our test in real conditions we could verify it. Few times you will fail, everyday multitasking to a more extensive use in games, everything is prowled and works very well. During our test, we pointed out that this is the strong point and the key argument of this smartphone.
The Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite is more modestly equipped with Snapdragon 625 and 3GB RAM. Logically in gross power, the latter is weaker than his elder. In fact, he will be able to carry out all the tasks that can be asked of him on a daily basis. And, very logically, during greedy gaming sessions, it is less efficient. The speed and fluidity of the user experience are felt without it being totally disabling. Concretely, we can play with this Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite, but expect a few slowdowns following the games!
On the software side, Xiaomi traditionally offers its smartphones with the overlay MIUI running under the latest version of Android, Oreo 8.1 . Both smartphones run well under Android 8.1, however, you will not take advantage of MIUI (or you will dodge luckily, depending on your point of view on this interface), because in this versus, the two smartphones Xiaomi run Android One. This is the guarantee for the user to have the Android updates and its news quickly available.
For those allergic to MIUI, an interface very inspired by the apple brand, it is especially the opportunity to benefit from a purer interface. Attention, this is done at the expense of a higher level of personalization with MIUI (the navigation by gestures, the adjustment of the level of brightness or the personalized themes are only some