Motorola G Pure vs Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport: A Deep Dive into Two Ultra-Budget Phones

The Motorola G Pure and Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport represent the absolute entry point into the smartphone market. Both devices target users prioritizing affordability above all else, relying on the Mediatek Helio G25 chipset to deliver basic functionality. This comparison dissects their similarities and differences to determine which offers the best value for the price-conscious consumer.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport is the slightly better choice. While both phones share identical core hardware, Xiaomi’s wider availability and potentially more refined software experience give it a slight edge. However, the G Pure may appeal to those specifically seeking a Motorola device.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola G Pure Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 38, 40, 41, 66, 711, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2021, October 072021, September 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, October 14Available. Released 2021, September 28
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back-
Dimensions167.4 x 75.6 x 8.8 mm (6.59 x 2.98 x 0.35 in)164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)194 g (6.84 oz)
 Water-repellent designWater-repellent coating
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11Android 10, MIUI 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm, AF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR
Single-13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single5 MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0microUSB 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted)Accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired10W wired
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsDeep IndigoCarbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue
ModelsXT-2163-4, XT2163-4, XT2163-6, XT2163-1, XT2163-2-
Price$ 63.99 / C$ 123.00About 100 EUR

Motorola G Pure

  • Clean Motorola Android experience
  • Potentially better software updates (depending on region)
  • Familiar Motorola brand

  • Limited availability in some markets
  • Slow 10W charging

Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport

  • Wider availability globally
  • Potentially more robust software support
  • Competitive pricing

  • Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be resource-intensive
  • Slow 10W charging

Display Comparison

Both the Motorola G Pure and Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. Given their price point, it’s safe to assume both utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. Expect similar color accuracy and viewing angles. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is standard for this segment. The user experience will likely be comparable, focusing on basic readability rather than immersive visuals.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are sparse. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. Expect adequate performance in well-lit conditions, but struggles in low light. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera (common in this segment) is unlikely to provide significant value due to its low resolution and limited detail. Image processing will likely be basic, prioritizing speed over advanced features.

Performance

The core of both devices is the Mediatek Helio G25 (MT6762G) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This means performance will be virtually identical in day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media, and light messaging. The 12nm process node suggests moderate thermal efficiency, but sustained heavy workloads will likely result in throttling. RAM configurations are not specified, but both will likely offer sufficient RAM for their intended use case. Gaming will be limited to less demanding titles at lower settings.

Battery Life

Both devices are equipped with 10W wired charging. This is a slow charging standard, meaning a full charge from 0-100% will take a considerable amount of time – likely exceeding 3 hours. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the focus on affordability, expect a capacity in the 4000-5000 mAh range. Real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns, but both should comfortably last a full day with moderate use. The slow charging speed is a significant drawback for users accustomed to faster charging technologies.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola G Pure if you specifically prefer the Motorola software experience and value a clean Android interface, or if it's significantly cheaper in your region. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport if you prioritize wider availability, potentially better software support, and a slightly more established brand presence in certain markets. Both are ideal for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable backup device.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio G25 chipset struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio G25 is an entry-level chipset. While it can run PUBG Mobile, you’ll need to use the lowest graphics settings and expect frame rate drops, especially during intense action. Call of Duty Mobile will likely be even more challenging to run smoothly.
❓ Is the software on the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport heavily customized with bloatware?
Xiaomi’s MIUI software is known for its customization options, but it also comes pre-installed with a number of Xiaomi apps and services. While some of these can be uninstalled, it’s a common complaint among users. The Motorola G Pure offers a cleaner, closer-to-stock Android experience.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge either phone from 0%?
With only 10W charging, expect a full charge to take over 3 hours, potentially closer to 4. This is a significant limitation compared to phones with faster charging capabilities. It's best to charge overnight.