Looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? The Lenovo K14 Plus and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport edges out the Lenovo K14 Plus thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and more efficient manufacturing process (12nm vs 14nm). While both offer basic functionality, the Redmi 9A Sport provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and potentially better gaming performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 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, February 15 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm (6.5 x 2.98 x 0.36 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 | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T700 | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali G52 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Lenovo K14 Plus
- Large Display
- Affordable Price
- Basic Functionality
- Less Powerful Chipset
- Slower Performance
- Limited Camera Capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- More Powerful Chipset
- Better Performance
- Efficient Manufacturing
- Good Battery Life
- Basic Camera
- Limited Features
- May lack NFC
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.5 inches, with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited color accuracy. The Lenovo K14 Plus might have a slightly larger display, but the difference is likely negligible for most users. Screen brightness will be a key factor in outdoor visibility, and neither is expected to excel in this area.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar – both will feature a basic rear camera setup (likely a 13MP main sensor) and a front-facing camera for selfies. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Redmi 9A Sport's slightly more advanced chipset *might* offer marginally better image processing.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport's Mediatek Helio G25 chipset (12nm) holds a clear advantage over the Lenovo K14 Plus's Unisoc T700 (14nm). The G25's slightly higher clock speeds and more efficient manufacturing process translate to better overall performance, smoother multitasking, and potentially better gaming capabilities. Expect the Lenovo to feel a bit sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have large batteries (likely 5000mAh), providing all-day battery life under moderate usage. The Redmi 9A Sport's more efficient chipset could give it a slight edge in battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo K14 Plus is a good option for users prioritizing a large display and basic calling/texting needs. The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is ideal for those seeking a slightly more responsive experience, better battery life, and a more modern chipset, even within a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful chipset and more efficient manufacturing process.
❓ Do either of these phones have NFC?
It's unlikely either phone has NFC. Check the specific model's specifications before purchasing if NFC is a requirement.
❓ What is the storage capacity of these phones?
Both phones typically come with 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.