The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the itel Vision 3 and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with distinct chipset choices impacting performance and efficiency. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic tasks and media consumption, the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport emerges as the slightly better choice. Its 12nm Helio G25 chipset offers a noticeable performance edge over the itel Vision 3’s 28nm Unisoc SC9863A, translating to smoother multitasking and app loading, despite the slower charging.
| 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 | 2022 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 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 | - | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| 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 | microUSB | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
itel Vision 3
- Faster 18W charging for quicker top-ups.
- Potentially lower price point (depending on region).
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks.
- Less efficient 28nm Unisoc SC9863A chipset.
- Likely lower performance compared to the Redmi 9A Sport.
- May struggle with multitasking or demanding apps.
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- More efficient 12nm MediaTek Helio G25 chipset.
- Higher CPU clock speeds for improved performance.
- Better thermal management, reducing throttling.
- Slower 10W charging.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Camera performance likely similar to itel Vision 3.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this segment. However, the lack of detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) necessitates focusing on the chipset's impact on UI smoothness. A more powerful chipset, like the Redmi 9A Sport’s Helio G25, can mitigate the visual impact of a lower-resolution display by ensuring faster rendering of UI elements.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Redmi 9A Sport’s processor likely offers slightly better image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in more detailed and vibrant photos. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests limited utility; these sensors typically lack the resolution and optics to deliver truly compelling macro shots.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi 9A Sport’s MediaTek Helio G25, built on a 12nm process, is significantly more efficient than the itel Vision 3’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). While both are octa-core, the Helio G25’s Cortex-A53 cores run at a higher clock speed (2.0 GHz vs 1.6 GHz), providing a tangible performance boost. The 12nm process also contributes to better thermal management, potentially reducing throttling during sustained use. This translates to a snappier experience for everyday tasks and a slight advantage in mobile gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified, but both phones likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, common for this price point. The itel Vision 3’s 18W charging is a clear advantage over the Redmi 9A Sport’s 10W charging. This means significantly faster top-ups, reducing downtime. However, the Helio G25’s greater efficiency might offset some of this advantage, potentially leading to comparable real-world battery life despite the slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel Vision 3 if you prioritize faster charging and are primarily focused on very light usage – calls, texts, and occasional social media. Its 18W charging is a significant advantage in this price bracket. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport if you need a phone capable of handling slightly more demanding tasks, like light gaming or running multiple apps simultaneously, and are willing to trade off charging speed for improved processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9A Sport handle games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Helio G25 can run these games, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame drops. It's not a gaming-focused chipset, but it offers a playable experience for casual gamers.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the itel Vision 3 with the 18W charger?
While a precise time isn't available, the 18W charger should fully charge the phone in approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on battery capacity and usage during charging. This is significantly faster than the Redmi 9A Sport.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset known for overheating?
The 28nm process of the Unisoc SC9863A is less efficient, meaning it generates more heat under load compared to the Redmi 9A Sport’s 12nm Helio G25. Prolonged gaming or heavy multitasking could lead to noticeable throttling to manage temperatures.
❓ Does either phone support VoLTE or VoWiFi calling?
Support for VoLTE and VoWiFi depends on the specific carrier and region. It's crucial to check compatibility with your mobile network provider before purchasing either device.
