Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Motorola Moto E20 and Xiaomi Redmi 9A are two popular contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 9A edges out the Moto E20 thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and generally better performance. While both offer solid value, the Redmi 9A provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming, making it the slightly better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 15 | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, July 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 04 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.49 x 2.97 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 | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 196 g (6.91 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 (~82.0% 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 (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 11 (Go edition) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 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 | 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray | Carbon Gray (Midnight Black), Sky Blue (Sea Blue), Ocean Green (Nature Green) |
| Models | XT2155, XT2155-1, XT2155-3, XT2155-6 | M2006C3LG, M2006C3LI, M2006C3LC, M2004C3L |
| Price | About 90 EUR | € 64.30 / $ 56.50 / £ 95.56 |
| SAR | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Motorola Moto E20
- Clean Android experience
- Triple camera system (though not exceptional)
- Reliable brand reputation
- Slower processor
- Basic camera performance
- Slow charging
Xiaomi Redmi 9A
- Slightly better performance
- Larger screen-to-body ratio
- User-friendly camera app
- Plastic build quality
- Limited storage options
- Slow charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution. The Redmi 9A has a slightly higher screen-to-body ratio, giving it a more modern look. Color accuracy and brightness are adequate for the price point, but don't expect flagship-level visuals.
Camera Comparison
The Moto E20 boasts a triple-camera system (13MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth) while the Redmi 9A has a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth). Image quality is comparable in good lighting conditions, but both struggle in low light. The Redmi 9A's camera app is generally more user-friendly.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A's MediaTek Helio G25 chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Moto E20's Unisoc T606. While neither phone is a powerhouse, the Redmi 9A handles multitasking and light gaming more smoothly. Expect some lag on both devices with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a substantial 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. Real-world usage will vary, but expect around 10-12 hours of moderate use on either device. Charging is slow at 10W for both.
Buying Guide
The Motorola Moto E20 is ideal for users prioritizing a clean Android experience and basic functionality. The Xiaomi Redmi 9A is a better fit for those needing a bit more processing power for multitasking and occasional gaming, and who appreciate a larger screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both offer excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. Neither has a significant advantage.
❓ Is the Moto E20 worth buying if I want a pure Android experience?
Yes, the Moto E20's clean Android interface is a major selling point for those who prefer a bloatware-free experience.
❓ Can I play games on the Redmi 9A?
Yes, you can play light games on the Redmi 9A, but don't expect high frame rates or demanding graphics. The Moto E20 is even less suitable for gaming.
