Both the Alcatel 1S (2020) and the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport occupy the ultra-budget smartphone segment, aiming to deliver essential functionality at the lowest possible price. However, subtle differences in their chipsets and features can significantly impact the user experience. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device offers the best value for money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and light gaming, the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport is the better choice. Its Helio G25 chipset, with its higher clocked Cortex-A53 cores, provides a noticeable performance boost over the Alcatel 1S's Helio P22. While both offer similar battery life, the Redmi 9i Sport's 10W charging is a slight advantage.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 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 | 2020, January. Released 2020, May | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 158.7 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm (6.25 x 2.94 x 0.33 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 |
| Weight | 165 g (5.82 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide/depth sensor), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, 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 а/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Agate Green, Power Grey | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | 5028Y, 5028D, 5028D_EEA, 5028Y_EEA, 5028A | - |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 100 EUR |
alcatel 1S (2020)
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Slower processor compared to Redmi 9i Sport
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Less responsive for multitasking
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- 10W charging for quicker top-ups
- Better suited for light gaming
- May be slightly more expensive
- Similar camera performance to Alcatel 1S
- Still an entry-level device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ resolution. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Bezels are expected to be relatively thick on both models, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, relying on software processing to enhance image quality. Without specific sensor details, it's safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means low-light photography will be challenging. Image processing will likely prioritize contrast and saturation to create visually appealing images, but detail preservation will be limited.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport’s Mediatek Helio G25 features an octa-core configuration with a split design: four cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz, all Cortex-A53. This contrasts with the Alcatel 1S’s Helio P22, which utilizes eight Cortex-A53 cores clocked uniformly at 1.8 GHz. The higher clock speed on four cores of the G25 translates to faster processing for demanding tasks and smoother multitasking. While both are 12nm chips, the G25’s architecture provides a tangible performance advantage, particularly in app launch times and responsiveness. The Redmi 9i Sport will likely handle light gaming better.
Battery Life
Both devices likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this segment. However, the Redmi 9i Sport includes 10W wired charging, while the Alcatel 1S’s charging speed is unspecified, likely being 5W or slower. This means the Redmi 9i Sport will recharge significantly faster, reducing downtime. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both should comfortably last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 1S (2020) if you need a basic, reliable smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and are on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience for app switching, casual gaming, and appreciate the convenience of included 10W charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9i Sport handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Redmi 9i Sport's Helio G25 chipset can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (low or medium) and frame rates to maintain a stable experience. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's capable of casual gaming.
❓ Is the Alcatel 1S (2020) a good choice for elderly users who primarily make calls and send texts?
Yes, the Alcatel 1S (2020) is well-suited for elderly users with basic needs. Its simplicity and focus on essential functions make it easy to use, and its battery life should be sufficient for several days of standby time.
❓ Does the Redmi 9i Sport support fast charging beyond 10W?
No, the Redmi 9i Sport is limited to 10W wired charging. While not 'fast charging' in the modern sense, it's still faster than the likely 5W charging on the Alcatel 1S.
