Differential Incremental Backups
In a differential level 1 backup, RMAN backs up all blocks that have changed since the most recent incremental backup at level 1 (cumulative or differential) or level 0. For example, in a differential level 1 backup, RMAN determines which level 1 backup occurred most recently and backs up all blocks modified after that backup. If no level 1 is available, RMAN copies all blocks changed since the base level 0 backup.
If no level 0 backup is available, then the behavior varies with the compatibility mode setting. If compatibility is >=10.0.0, RMAN copies all blocks that have been changed since the file was created. Otherwise, RMAN behaves as it did in previous releases, by generating a level 0 backup.
Figure 2-4 Differential Incremental Backups

Description of "Figure 2-4 Differential Incremental Backups"
In the example shown in Figure 2-4 , the following occurs each week:
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Sunday
An incremental level 0 backup backs up all blocks that have ever been in use in this database.
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Monday - Saturday
On each day from Monday through Saturday, a differential incremental level 1 backup backs up all blocks that have changed since the most recent incremental backup at level 1 or 0. The Monday backup copies blocks changed since Sunday level 0 backup, the Tuesday backup copies blocks changed since the Monday level 1 backup, and so forth.
Cumulative Incremental Backups
In a cumulative level 1 backup, RMAN backs up all the blocks used since the most recent level 0 incremental backup. Cumulative incremental backups reduce the work needed for a restore by ensuring that you only need one incremental backup from any particular level. Cumulative backups require more space and time than differential backups, however, because they duplicate the work done by previous backups at the same level.
Figure 2-5 Cumulative Incremental Backups

Description of "Figure 2-5 Cumulative Incremental Backups"
In the example shown in Figure 2-5 , the following occurs each week:
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Sunday
An incremental level 0 backup backs up all blocks that have ever been in use in this database.
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Monday - Saturday
A cumulative incremental level 1 backup copies all blocks changed since the most recent level 0 backup. Because the most recent level 0 backup was created on Sunday, the level 1 backup on each day Monday through Saturday backs up all blocks changed since the Sunday backup.