The Energizer E242s and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing basic smartphone needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a slightly more responsive experience, the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is the better choice. Its Helio G25 chipset, with its octa-core configuration and newer 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Energizer E242s' older Mediatek MT6739, despite both being entry-level options.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 10 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 10 | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 130.8 x 53.6 x 13 mm (5.15 x 2.11 x 0.51 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 116 g (4.09 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~25.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | KaiOS 2.5.3 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 0.3 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 0.3 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 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 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | No | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | Downloadable applications Facebook, Gmail, Whatsapp, etc. | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Pink, Gold, Silver | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Energizer E242s
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May have longer standby time due to less demanding hardware
- Significantly slower performance
- Likely lower quality display
- Inferior camera capabilities
- Limited software support
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Larger display
- More capable camera
- Better software support and updates
- Slightly higher price
- Slow 10W charging
- Still limited by entry-level hardware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are unavailable for the E242s' display, suggesting a basic LCD panel. The Redmi 9A Sport also utilizes an LCD, but its focus is on size (6.53 inches) rather than resolution or advanced features. Both will likely exhibit limited viewing angles and color accuracy, suitable only for basic content consumption. The lack of information on the E242s suggests a lower-quality panel compared to the Redmi 9A Sport, which at least benefits from a larger viewing area.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be limited. Details on the E242s' camera are unavailable, implying a very basic sensor. The Redmi 9A Sport features a 13MP main camera, which, while not exceptional, is a step above what the E242s likely offers. The Redmi 9A Sport also includes a 2MP depth sensor, but its utility is minimal. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but both phones will struggle in low light. Expect soft details and limited dynamic range. Focusing on the main sensor, the Redmi 9A Sport provides a more capable imaging experience.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Energizer E242s relies on the Mediatek MT6739, a quad-core processor known for its basic functionality. In contrast, the Redmi 9A Sport features the Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25, an octa-core chip built on a more efficient 12nm process. This translates to a substantial advantage for the Redmi 9A Sport in multitasking and app loading times. The Helio G25’s Cortex-A53 cores, while not high-end, are more numerous and benefit from the newer fabrication process, resulting in improved efficiency and sustained performance. The E242s will struggle with even moderately demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the Energizer E242s, but given its market segment, it's likely around 4000-5000mAh. The Redmi 9A Sport packs a 5000mAh battery, coupled with 10W wired charging. While 10W is slow by modern standards, it's adequate for topping up the battery overnight. The Redmi 9A Sport’s more efficient chipset (Helio G25) will likely translate to longer battery life in real-world usage, offsetting any potential capacity difference if the E242s has a slightly larger battery. The Redmi 9A Sport’s charging capability, however modest, is a benefit the E242s likely lacks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer E242s if you need a simple, extremely affordable device for basic communication – calls, texts, and light app usage – and prioritize absolute minimum cost. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport if you prefer a phone capable of handling slightly more demanding tasks like social media browsing, occasional gaming, and benefit from a more modern chipset architecture, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9A Sport be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Redmi 9A Sport’s Helio G25 chipset and octa-core CPU are sufficient to run Facebook, Instagram, and other common 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 these applications.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Redmi 9A Sport a major drawback?
10W charging is slow compared to modern standards, taking several hours to fully charge the 5000mAh battery. However, for a phone in this price range, it’s acceptable. The Redmi 9A Sport is best charged overnight, and the efficient Helio G25 chipset helps to minimize the need for frequent charging.
❓ Can the Energizer E242s handle basic web browsing?
The Energizer E242s can handle basic web browsing, but expect slow loading times and potential lag, especially on content-heavy websites. The MT6739 chipset is limited in its processing power, making it less efficient at rendering web pages compared to the Redmi 9A Sport.
❓ What kind of gaming performance can I expect from the Redmi 9A Sport?
The Redmi 9A Sport can handle light gaming, such as simple puzzle games or older titles. However, it will struggle with more demanding games like PUBG Mobile, even on the lowest settings. Expect low frame rates and potential stuttering. It's not designed for serious gaming.
