The Lava Bold N1 Pro and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components, particularly their chipsets, to determine which device offers the best user experience for everyday tasks and light gaming.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance in daily tasks, the Lava Bold N1 Pro edges out the Redmi 9A Sport. Its Unisoc T606 chipset, with its Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable advantage in responsiveness and multitasking compared to the Redmi 9A Sport’s Helio G25, despite both being 12nm chips.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, June 04 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June 04 | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 77.2 x 8.4 mm (6.53 x 3.04 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 |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Gold, Stealth Black | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Price | ₹ 6,799 | About 100 EUR |
Lava Bold N1 Pro
- More powerful CPU architecture (Cortex-A75 cores)
- Potentially smoother multitasking
- Better responsiveness in apps
- Unisoc chipset may have less software optimization
- Likely similar camera performance to Redmi 9A Sport
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software offers a refined user experience
- Potentially better camera software processing
- Wider brand recognition and support
- Less powerful CPU architecture (Cortex-A53 cores)
- May struggle with demanding multitasking
- Slower app loading times compared to Lava Bold N1 Pro
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize standard IPS LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Detailed specs like resolution and peak 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, and color accuracy will likely be standard for budget phones.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar and unremarkable on both devices. Details regarding sensor size and aperture are unavailable, but given the price point, we can expect basic 13MP or 8MP main sensors. Image processing will be the key differentiator, and Xiaomi generally offers more refined software algorithms. However, the lack of OIS on either device means low-light performance will be limited. The inclusion of 2MP macro lenses on both is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lava Bold N1 Pro’s Unisoc T606 features a heterogeneous core configuration: 2x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55. The Redmi 9A Sport’s MediaTek Helio G25 uses a homogenous configuration of 4x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A75 cores in the T606 are significantly more powerful than the A53 cores in the G25, resulting in better single-core and multi-core performance. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural advantage of the T606 translates to a smoother experience. The G25's higher clock speed on the A53 cores doesn't fully compensate for the architectural gap.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2.5-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but typical capacities for phones in this segment range from 4000mAh to 5000mAh. The Unisoc T606 in the Lava Bold N1 Pro *may* offer slightly better power efficiency due to its more modern architecture, potentially translating to marginally longer battery life, but the difference will likely be minimal in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Bold N1 Pro if you need a phone that feels more responsive during everyday use, such as browsing, social media, and switching between apps. The inclusion of Cortex-A75 cores offers a tangible benefit for multitasking. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport if you prioritize a slightly simpler software experience and are primarily focused on basic communication – calls, texts, and light WhatsApp usage – and aren't demanding in terms of performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T606 in the Lava Bold N1 Pro handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Unisoc T606 can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at low to medium settings with reduced frame rates. It's not a gaming-focused chipset, and sustained performance may be limited due to thermal constraints. The Redmi 9A Sport’s Helio G25 will likely offer a similar, or slightly worse, gaming experience.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport receive regular software updates and security patches?
Xiaomi generally provides regular software updates for its devices, including security patches. However, the Redmi 9A Sport, being an entry-level device, may receive updates less frequently than Xiaomi’s flagship models. Lava’s update schedule for the Bold N1 Pro is less predictable, and users should manage expectations accordingly.
❓ Is the difference in CPU performance between the Unisoc T606 and Helio G25 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Lava Bold N1 Pro with the Unisoc T606 will feel more responsive when opening apps, switching between tasks, and browsing the web. The Helio G25 in the Redmi 9A Sport may exhibit slight lag or stuttering during these activities, especially with multiple apps open.
