The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Cubot Note 20 and Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Redmi 9i Sport boasting a more powerful chipset, while the Cubot Note 20 focuses on providing a basic, functional experience. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport is the better choice. Its Helio G25 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a significantly smoother experience for multitasking and light gaming compared to the Cubot Note 20’s quad-core Helio A20. While both phones are entry-level, the Redmi 9i Sport offers a tangible performance advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020. Released 2020 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.8 x 75.4 x 9.1 mm (6.41 x 2.97 x 0.36 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 | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.1% 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 | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Quad | 12 MP, (wide), 1/2.9", AF
20 MP, (depth), 1/2.78"
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 4200 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
Cubot Note 20
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- May offer a longer warranty (brand dependent)
- Significantly weaker performance
- Less responsive user experience
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- More powerful Helio G25 chipset
- Smoother multitasking and gaming
- Larger 5000mAh battery
- Slower 10W charging
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still an entry-level device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize standard LCD panels, and detailed specifications like resolution and brightness are not provided. However, the focus should be on usability, and the Redmi 9i Sport’s slightly larger screen real estate (assumed, based on typical Redmi 9 series sizing) may offer a more comfortable viewing experience. The absence of features like high refresh rates or even full HD resolution is standard for this price point, meaning both will deliver adequate, but not exceptional, visual quality.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, given their price range. Both will likely feature basic camera setups with a primary sensor and potentially a depth or macro lens. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions but struggle in low light. The Redmi 9i Sport may have a slight edge due to the more capable chipset potentially enabling better image processing, but don't expect flagship-level results from either.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport’s Mediatek Helio G25 is a clear upgrade over the Cubot Note 20’s Helio A20. The G25’s octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) provides significantly more processing power than the A20’s quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience, even with less demanding titles. While neither chipset is a powerhouse, the G25 offers a noticeable performance boost for everyday tasks. The Redmi 9i Sport also benefits from the G25's integrated GPU, offering better graphics performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for the Cubot Note 20, but the Redmi 9i Sport’s 5000mAh battery is a strong point. Coupled with the relatively efficient Helio G25 chipset, it should provide all-day battery life for moderate usage. The Redmi 9i Sport supports 10W wired charging, which is slow by modern standards, but adequate for overnight charging. Without knowing the Cubot Note 20’s battery capacity, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but the Redmi 9i Sport’s larger battery and known charging speed give it an advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Note 20 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and occasional web browsing. It's a functional device for those with minimal demands. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport if you want a more responsive experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or anticipate using multiple apps simultaneously. The extra processing power makes it a more versatile and future-proof option within this budget segment.
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 you’ll likely need to use the lowest graphics settings and may experience occasional frame drops. It’s not designed for demanding gaming, but it offers a playable experience for casual gamers.
❓ Is the Cubot Note 20 a good option for elderly users who primarily make calls and send texts?
Yes, the Cubot Note 20 is a suitable option for elderly users with basic needs. Its simplicity and lower price point make it a functional device for calls, texts, and occasional photos. However, the slower performance may be noticeable even for these tasks.
❓ Does the Redmi 9i Sport support fast charging?
No, the Redmi 9i Sport only supports 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow. Expect a full charge to take several hours.
❓ What type of storage does the Redmi 9i Sport use?
While not explicitly stated, Redmi 9i Sport typically uses eMMC storage, which is common in this price range. It's slower than UFS storage found in more expensive phones, but adequate for basic usage.
