The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the itel TS Pro and Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best balance of performance, features, and value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and a slightly more modern chipset, the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G25, while not a powerhouse, offers a marginal performance advantage over the Unisoc T603 in the itel TS Pro, and benefits from a more mature software ecosystem.
| 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 | 2025, October | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.7 x 9 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.1% 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 | Octa-core | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T603 | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| 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 | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | V651L | - |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 100 EUR |
itel TS Pro
- Potentially lower price point.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Unisoc chipset offers a different option for users seeking alternatives to Mediatek.
- Less powerful chipset compared to the Redmi 9i Sport.
- Potentially less optimized software experience.
- Unisoc chipsets generally have less community support.
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- More efficient Mediatek Helio G25 chipset.
- Wider software support and optimization.
- Slightly better performance for multitasking and light gaming.
- May be slightly more expensive than the itel TS Pro.
- Still limited by its entry-level chipset.
- 10W charging is relatively slow.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, 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, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio. Color accuracy will likely be standard for this price range, prioritizing power efficiency over color calibration.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, with both likely featuring a primary sensor and potentially a secondary depth or macro lens. Given the price point, image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions but will suffer in low light. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device means image stabilization will rely solely on software processing. The Redmi 9i Sport may have a slight edge due to Mediatek’s image signal processor (ISP) being more mature, potentially resulting in slightly better image processing algorithms. However, the impact will be minimal.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport’s Mediatek Helio G25 (12nm) benefits from a more refined architecture and a smaller manufacturing process compared to the itel TS Pro’s Unisoc T603. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Helio G25’s configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) suggests a slightly higher peak clock speed. This translates to marginally faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The 12nm process node of the Helio G25 also implies better power efficiency, potentially leading to slightly longer battery life under load. However, both chipsets are entry-level and will struggle with graphically intensive games.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2.5-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity isn't specified, but both likely house batteries in the 5000mAh range, a common capacity for budget smartphones. The slightly more efficient Mediatek Helio G25 in the Redmi 9i Sport could translate to marginally longer battery life during typical usage, but the difference will likely be minimal. Real-world battery performance will heavily depend on usage patterns and network conditions.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel TS Pro if you need a functional smartphone for extremely basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and are comfortable with a potentially less refined software experience. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport if you prefer a device capable of handling slightly more demanding apps, occasional gaming, and benefit from the wider support and optimization associated with the Mediatek Helio G25 platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9i Sport be able to run PUBG Mobile smoothly?
While the Helio G25 can technically run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame drops, especially during intense action. It's not designed for demanding gaming experiences.
❓ Is the Unisoc T603 chipset known to overheat during prolonged use?
The Unisoc T603 is an entry-level chipset and is not known for significant overheating issues. However, prolonged use of demanding apps may cause some thermal throttling, reducing performance slightly.
❓ How much storage does each phone offer, and is it expandable?
Storage capacity isn't specified in the provided data. However, both phones likely offer 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, with microSD card support for expansion. This is typical for devices in this price range.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
The provided data doesn't specify the Android version. However, both phones likely run a relatively older version of Android (potentially Android 11 or 12) with a custom UI overlay from itel and Xiaomi respectively. Expect limited software update support.
