Both the Alcatel 3L (2020) and the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport occupy the ultra-budget smartphone segment, aiming to deliver essential functionality at the lowest possible price. However, a key differentiator lies under the hood: the Alcatel utilizes the Mediatek Helio P22, while the Redmi 9i Sport features the Helio G25. This comparison dissects these chipsets and their implications for everyday use, helping you determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly better gaming and sustained performance, the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport is the superior choice. The Helio G25, with its tweaked CPU configuration, provides a modest but noticeable advantage over the Alcatel 3L’s Helio P22, despite both phones sharing the same 10W charging and similar overall feature sets.
| 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.4, (ultrawide/depth sensor), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 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 | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Chameleon Blue, Dark Chrome, Agate Green | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | 5029Y, 5029, 5029D, 5029D_EEA, 5029Y_EEA | - |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 100 EUR |
alcatel 3L (2020)
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Less efficient chipset compared to the G25
- May struggle with demanding applications
- Likely slower charging times
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- More efficient Helio G25 chipset
- Slightly better performance for gaming and multitasking
- Potentially longer battery life
- May be slightly more expensive than the Alcatel 3L
- Still limited by 10W charging
- Camera performance likely similar to Alcatel 3L
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Detailed specifications like resolution and brightness are unavailable, but we can assume both offer a basic viewing experience. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on functional usability. Bezels are likely substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, relying heavily on software processing. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but expect limitations in low-light scenarios. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Alcatel 3L’s Mediatek Helio P22 utilizes an octa-core configuration of Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. The Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport’s Helio G25 also has an octa-core setup, but with a split configuration: four cores at 2.0 GHz (Cortex-A53) and four cores at 1.5 GHz (Cortex-A53). This split design, while still using the same core architecture, allows the G25 to better manage power consumption by dedicating less-intensive tasks to the slower cores. This translates to potentially longer battery life during sustained use and slightly improved thermal management. While both are 12nm chips, the G25’s architecture offers a marginal performance edge.
Battery Life
Both the Alcatel 3L (2020) and the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport are equipped with 10W wired charging. This slow charging speed means a full charge will take a considerable amount of time – likely over 2.5 hours. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the target market, both likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Helio G25’s more efficient CPU configuration in the Redmi 9i Sport *may* translate to slightly longer battery life, offsetting any potential differences in battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 3L (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 device capable of handling slightly more demanding applications and occasional gaming, benefiting from the Helio G25’s optimized CPU core arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9i Sport handle games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G25 is a modest gaming chip. PUBG Mobile will likely be playable at low to medium settings with reduced frame rates. Don't expect a flagship gaming experience, but it's a step up from the Helio P22 in the Alcatel 3L for casual gaming.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge either phone?
With both phones limited to 10W charging, a full charge from 0% to 100% will take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. This is a significant drawback for users accustomed to fast charging technologies.
❓ Is the difference between the Helio P22 and G25 noticeable in everyday use?
The difference isn't dramatic, but it's present. The Redmi 9i Sport with the G25 will feel slightly snappier when switching between apps and handling multiple tasks simultaneously. The Alcatel 3L may exhibit more lag in these scenarios.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and makes calls?
Both phones are perfectly adequate for WhatsApp and calls. The Alcatel 3L might be a better choice if price is the absolute primary concern, as it's likely the cheaper option. The G25 offers a bit of future-proofing, but isn't essential for these basic tasks.
