The Alcatel 1 and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best experience for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is the superior choice. Its newer Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU built on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Alcatel 1’s older, quad-core Mediatek MT6739. While neither phone excels, the Redmi 9A Sport offers a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, July. Released 2018, July | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 137.6 x 65.7 x 9.8 mm (5.42 x 2.59 x 0.39 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 134 g (4.73 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.28 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.8 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Gold, Pink | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | 5033X, 5033J, 5033T, 5033D, 5033G, 5033M, 5033X_EEA, 5033F, 5033E, 5033D_EEA, 5033Q, 5033O, 5033G_EEA, 5033EP, 5033XR, 5033F_EEA, 5033S, 5033D_RU | - |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 100 EUR |
alcatel 1
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic communication
- Simple and easy to use
- Outdated chipset and slow performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor gaming performance
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- More powerful and efficient chipset
- Smoother user experience
- Better suited for light gaming
- 10W charging support
- Still a budget device with limitations
- Camera performance is basic
- May cost slightly more than the Alcatel 1
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specifications necessitates a focus on the chipset’s ability to drive the display efficiently. The Redmi 9A Sport’s more powerful GPU, integrated within the Helio G25, will likely handle display rendering with less strain, potentially resulting in slightly smoother animations. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their cost-conscious design.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both utilize low-resolution sensors. The Redmi 9A Sport’s chipset likely offers slightly better image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially resulting in marginally better image quality in good lighting conditions. However, both phones will struggle in low-light scenarios. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Redmi 9A Sport is largely a marketing gimmick; its utility is limited by the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Alcatel 1’s Mediatek MT6739, built on a 28nm process, is a significantly older design. Its quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU is adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with multitasking or demanding applications. The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport’s Mediatek Helio G25 (MT6762G) is a substantial upgrade. The 12nm process is more efficient, and the octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) provides a considerable performance boost. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface. The Redmi 9A Sport is better suited for light gaming, while the Alcatel 1 will likely exhibit noticeable lag.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range, typical for this segment. The Redmi 9A Sport benefits from the more efficient 12nm Helio G25 chipset, which should translate to better battery life despite potentially similar capacity. The Redmi 9A Sport also includes 10W wired charging, a standard feature that the Alcatel 1 may or may not have. This faster charging, even at 10W, will reduce the time spent tethered to a power outlet.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 1 if you absolutely need the cheapest possible smartphone for basic communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage. It’s a functional device for those with minimal needs. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport if you want a more capable device for social media, occasional gaming, and a generally smoother user experience. The slightly higher investment yields a significantly improved daily experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9A Sport handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Redmi 9A Sport’s Helio G25 chipset and octa-core CPU are sufficiently powerful to run Facebook, Instagram, and other popular social media apps without significant lag. While it won’t offer a flagship-level experience, it will provide a usable and reasonably smooth experience for everyday social media browsing.
❓ Is the Alcatel 1 suitable for a first-time smartphone user or an elderly person?
The Alcatel 1’s simplicity makes it a viable option for a first-time smartphone user or someone who primarily needs a device for calls and texts. However, its slow performance may be frustrating for users accustomed to more responsive devices. The larger screen of the Redmi 9A Sport might be preferable for some elderly users.
❓ Can the Redmi 9A Sport play PUBG Mobile, and if so, at what settings?
The Redmi 9A Sport can technically run PUBG Mobile, but only at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates. Expect significant frame drops and lag, even on the lowest settings. It’s not designed for serious gaming, but it can provide a basic PUBG experience for casual players.
❓ Does the Redmi 9A Sport support fast charging beyond the 10W standard?
No, the Redmi 9A Sport only supports 10W wired charging. While not particularly fast by modern standards, it’s still an improvement over potentially slower charging options on the Alcatel 1. Do not expect rapid charging speeds with this device.
