The Honor 8A 2020 and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point. However, a closer look at their core components reveals a subtle but significant difference in performance capabilities, making one a better choice for users prioritizing responsiveness.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is the better buy. While both phones share a similar price bracket, the Redmi 9A Sport’s Helio G25 chipset, with its slightly higher clock speeds and optimized architecture, provides a noticeably smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming compared to the Honor 8A 2020’s Helio P35.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | 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, April 10. Released 2020, April 15 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 156.3 x 73.5 x 8.2 mm (6.15 x 2.89 x 0.32 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 | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~79.2% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 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 | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 3020 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Honor 8A 2020
- Potentially lower initial cost.
- Reliable for basic communication.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Slower processor compared to the Redmi 9A Sport.
- Less responsive user experience.
- Limited gaming capabilities.
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Faster processor for smoother performance.
- Optimized chipset for light gaming.
- 10W wired charging for convenient top-ups.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Honor 8A 2020.
- Still limited by budget components.
- Slow charging speed.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price range. Detailed specs like resolution and brightness are missing, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ resolution. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, maximizing screen real estate within a budget.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both rely on basic sensors for capturing images. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and lack of detail in low light. The image processing algorithms will likely prioritize speed over quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport’s Mediatek Helio G25 (MT6762G) features a slight clock speed advantage over the Honor 8A 2020’s Helio P35 (MT6765). The G25’s CPU configuration is Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) versus the P35’s Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). While the P35 has higher peak clock speeds, the G25 is a newer generation chip with optimizations for gaming, despite both using Cortex-A53 cores. This translates to a more fluid user experience on the Redmi 9A Sport, particularly when multitasking or launching apps. The G25’s integrated GPU also offers a modest performance boost for basic gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely house around a 5000mAh battery, standard for this segment. The Redmi 9A Sport includes 10W wired charging, which is slow by modern standards, but adequate for overnight charging. The Honor 8A 2020’s charging speed is unknown, but likely similar. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both should comfortably last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor 8A 2020 if you need a basic, reliable smartphone for calls, texts, and very light app usage, and are prioritizing a potentially lower initial cost. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience for social media, streaming, and casual gaming, and value the benefit of faster processing for a minimal price increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9A Sport handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G25 isn't a gaming powerhouse, the Redmi 9A Sport can run PUBG Mobile at low settings with a playable framerate. Expect some stuttering and lag during intense moments. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not for demanding titles.
❓ Is the Honor 8A 2020 a good choice for elderly users who primarily make calls and send texts?
Yes, the Honor 8A 2020 is a perfectly adequate choice for basic communication. Its simplicity and reliability make it easy to use for those unfamiliar with smartphones. The slower processor won't be a hindrance for these core functions.
❓ Does the Redmi 9A Sport support fast charging?
No, the Redmi 9A Sport only supports 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow. A full charge will take several hours. This is typical for phones in this price range.
