The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Cubot Note 8 and the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price point. However, significant differences in their underlying hardware mean one offers a considerably smoother experience than the other, particularly for users who demand more than basic tasks.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a more future-proof experience, the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is the clear winner. Its Helio G25 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process and featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Cubot Note 8’s aging MT6739WW.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 138 x 65 x 10.8 mm (5.43 x 2.56 x 0.43 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 | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 442 x 960 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~192 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 74.1 cm2 (~82.7% 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 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739WW (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
0.3 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 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 | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | Yes | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 3100 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
Cubot Note 8
- Extremely affordable price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Likely lightweight design
- Outdated and slow processor
- Poor multitasking performance
- Limited gaming capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Significantly faster processor
- Improved multitasking and responsiveness
- More efficient power consumption
- Still a budget device with limitations
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- Basic camera performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Details regarding panel type and resolution are missing for the Cubot Note 8, suggesting a basic LCD. The Redmi 9A Sport also utilizes an LCD, but the focus here is on processing power, not display fidelity. Both will likely offer adequate viewing angles and color reproduction for their price range, but don't expect vibrant colors or high brightness levels. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, typical of this market segment.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Details are sparse, but it's safe to assume both rely on relatively low-resolution sensors. The Redmi 9A Sport’s camera system is likely to be slightly more capable due to the processing power of the Helio G25, allowing for better image processing. However, don't expect flagship-level image quality from either device. Focusing on the primary sensor is key; any secondary 'macro' or 'depth' sensors are unlikely to deliver meaningful improvements.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 9A Sport truly shines. The MediaTek Helio G25 (MT6762G) is built on a 12nm process, offering significantly improved power efficiency compared to the Cubot Note 8’s 28nm MT6739WW. More importantly, the G25 features an octa-core CPU (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) versus the Note 8’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to a much smoother experience when switching between apps, browsing the web, and even light gaming. The Redmi 9A Sport’s GPU will also provide a noticeable boost in graphics performance. The Note 8 will struggle with even moderately demanding applications.
Battery Life
While specific battery capacities are not provided, both phones will likely offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Redmi 9A Sport includes 10W wired charging, which is standard for this price point. The Cubot Note 8’s charging speed is unknown, but likely similar. The more efficient Helio G25 in the Redmi 9A Sport may contribute to slightly longer battery life, even with a similar capacity, due to reduced power consumption.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Note 8 if you absolutely need a phone for the most basic tasks – calls, texts, and light social media – and are on the tightest of budgets. Its primary appeal is its extremely low price. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport if you want a phone that can handle multitasking, occasional gaming, and generally feels more responsive in everyday use. The extra investment delivers a significantly improved user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9A Sport be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the MediaTek Helio G25 in the Redmi 9A Sport is capable of running popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without significant lag. The octa-core CPU and improved GPU provide a noticeable performance boost over the Cubot Note 8, making for a smoother scrolling and video playback experience.
❓ Is the Cubot Note 8 suitable for playing mobile games?
The Cubot Note 8 is not well-suited for gaming. Its older MT6739WW processor and limited GPU power will struggle with even less demanding mobile games. Expect low frame rates and frequent stuttering. The Redmi 9A Sport offers a better, though still basic, gaming experience.
❓ How much storage does each phone offer, and can it be expanded?
While specific storage configurations aren't provided, both phones likely come with 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. This is typical for devices in this price range. Checking the specific model you are purchasing is crucial to confirm the exact storage capacity.
❓ What Android version do these phones run?
Both devices likely run Android 10 or 11 (Go Edition), a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited processing power and RAM. This ensures a smoother experience on these entry-level smartphones.
