Both the Honor 8S 2020 and the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport occupy the ultra-budget smartphone segment, aiming to deliver essential functionality at the lowest possible price. However, a key difference lies under the hood: the Redmi 9A Sport boasts a more modern and powerful chipset, potentially offering a smoother user experience. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device provides the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is the better choice. Its MediaTek Helio G25 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Honor 8S 2020’s Helio A22. While both phones are entry-level, the Redmi 9A Sport offers a more responsive experience 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 27. Released 2020, May 27 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 147.1 x 70.8 x 8.5 mm (5.79 x 2.79 x 0.33 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 146 g (5.15 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.71 inches, 81.4 cm2 (~78.1% 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9, Google Play Services | 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 |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 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 | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 3020 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue, Midnight Black, Green | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Honor 8S 2020
- Simple and easy to use interface
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable for basic communication
- Significantly slower performance
- Less capable for multitasking
- Limited gaming potential
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Faster octa-core processor
- Improved multitasking capabilities
- Better gaming performance
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- Camera quality is still limited
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to deliver a stunning visual experience. Both likely utilize LCD panels, and detailed specifications like brightness (nits) and color gamut coverage are unavailable. However, the focus should be on usability, and the screen size is likely similar. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy will likely be standard for this price point, prioritizing power efficiency over fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but both likely feature a primary camera paired with a depth sensor. Given the price point, image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions but will struggle in low light. The Redmi 9A Sport may have a slight edge due to potential software optimizations, but don't expect flagship-level results from either. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic and offers minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport’s MediaTek Helio G25 (MT6762G) is a significant upgrade over the Honor 8S 2020’s Helio A22 (MT6761). The G25 features an octa-core configuration – four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz – compared to the A22’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 setup. This means the Redmi 9A Sport can handle more simultaneous tasks and complex applications with less lag. While both are built on a 12nm process, the architectural advantage of the octa-core design translates to a smoother user experience, particularly for multitasking and app loading. The Redmi 9A Sport will benefit users who occasionally play mobile games, offering a more playable experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this segment. The Redmi 9A Sport includes 10W wired charging, which is standard for budget phones. While charging speeds are modest, the more efficient Helio G25 chipset may contribute to slightly better battery life during typical usage. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours with the included charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor 8S 2020 if your primary need is a basic, reliable phone for calls, texts, and very light app usage, and you prioritize simplicity. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport if you prefer a phone capable of handling multitasking, streaming video, and casual gaming with greater ease, and appreciate the benefit of faster processing speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9A Sport handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the MediaTek Helio G25 chipset in the Redmi 9A Sport is more than capable of running popular social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly. The octa-core processor provides sufficient processing power for these everyday tasks, offering a more responsive experience compared to the quad-core Helio A22 in the Honor 8S 2020.
❓ Can I play games like PUBG Mobile on the Redmi 9A Sport?
While the Redmi 9A Sport isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can run PUBG Mobile at lower settings. Expect to play at reduced graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. The Helio G25 provides a modest gaming performance boost over the Honor 8S 2020, but don't expect a high-end gaming experience.
❓ Is the Honor 8S 2020 a good choice for a first smartphone for an elderly user?
The Honor 8S 2020's simplicity could make it a suitable first smartphone for an elderly user. Its basic functionality and straightforward interface are easy to learn. However, the slower processor might be frustrating if they attempt to use multiple apps simultaneously.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically offer, and can it be expanded?
Both phones typically come with 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. This is crucial, as the operating system and pre-installed apps will consume a significant portion of the internal storage. A microSD card is highly recommended for storing photos, videos, and other files.
