Hint: the numbers.
Sometimes a “better” phone is only slightly better than the next lower specked one, earning a value for money tip for the lower model (like A34 and A54). But higher number is always specked better, thus “better” phone.
What is better to you? Better specs or better value for money?
I wouldn’t look lower than A24 for a phone for my mom.
Update respectively the time phones are updated us an issue with Xiaomi/Redmi. Phones are solid. Had Xiaomi before, kids and family are in Redmi Note 8 and 8pro (Updates ceased a long time ago…).