The Energizer Ultimate U505s and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is the superior choice. Its Helio G25 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a significantly more responsive experience than the Energizer U505s’ quad-core MT6739. While both phones are basic, the Redmi 9A Sport offers a noticeable performance boost for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| 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, March | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 138.5 x 73.5 x 10.6 mm (5.45 x 2.89 x 0.42 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 | - | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | 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 GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP
VGA | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 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 | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Energizer Ultimate U505s
- Potentially lower price point
- May have longer standby time due to less powerful processor
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower performance
- Likely lower quality display
- Inferior camera capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Larger 5000mAh battery
- Better camera quality with 13MP sensor
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still a basic smartphone experience
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness are unavailable for the Energizer U505s, suggesting a very basic LCD. The Redmi 9A Sport also utilizes an LCD, but its focus is on efficiency rather than visual fidelity. The lack of information on the U505s’ display suggests it will likely be lower quality than the Redmi 9A Sport’s, potentially with lower brightness and narrower viewing angles. Both will likely struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature basic camera setups. Details on the Energizer U505s’ camera are scarce, but it’s likely to be a single, low-resolution sensor. The Redmi 9A Sport typically features a 13MP main camera, which, while not exceptional, will deliver noticeably better image quality than the U505s’ likely lower-resolution sensor. The inclusion of a 2MP depth sensor on the Redmi 9A Sport allows for basic portrait mode effects, but its impact is limited. Focusing on the main sensor, the Redmi 9A Sport provides a more capable photography experience.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant difference. The Energizer U505s is powered by the Mediatek MT6739, a quad-core processor designed for ultra-budget devices. In contrast, the Redmi 9A Sport features the Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25, an octa-core chip built on a more efficient 12nm process. The Helio G25’s architecture – four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz – provides a substantial advantage in multi-tasking and app responsiveness compared to the U505s’ single core speed of 1.5 GHz. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother scrolling on the Redmi 9A Sport.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details for the Energizer U505s are unavailable, but given its market segment, it’s likely to be around 4000-5000mAh. The Redmi 9A Sport features a 5000mAh battery and supports 10W wired charging. While 10W charging isn’t fast, it’s sufficient for overnight charging. The Redmi 9A Sport’s more efficient chipset, combined with its 5000mAh battery, will likely result in longer battery life than the Energizer U505s, despite any potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer Ultimate U505s if you absolutely need the lowest possible upfront cost and are willing to accept a very basic user experience. It's suitable for users who primarily need a phone for calls and texts. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive experience for social media, browsing, and occasional gaming, even if it means spending a little more. The Redmi 9A Sport is the better option for anyone wanting a phone that feels less sluggish.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9A Sport struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
While not a powerhouse, the Helio G25 in the Redmi 9A Sport is capable of running Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly. You may experience some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously, but for typical social media usage, it should be adequate. The Energizer U505s will likely struggle more with these apps due to its weaker processor.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Redmi 9A Sport slow enough to be a major inconvenience?
10W charging is indeed slow by modern standards, taking several hours to fully charge the 5000mAh battery. However, for a phone in this price range, it's typical. Overnight charging is recommended. The Energizer U505s charging speed is unknown, but likely similar or slower.
❓ Can the Redmi 9A Sport handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Yes, the Redmi 9A Sport can handle casual games like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers without significant issues. However, more demanding games will likely require reduced graphics settings and may still experience occasional lag. The Energizer U505s will struggle even with these simpler games.
