The Motorola Moto E7 and Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport occupy the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone segment. Interestingly, both devices share the exact same Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, making a direct hardware comparison less about raw power and more about software optimization, brand reputation, and subtle design choices. This analysis dissects these nuances to determine which phone delivers the best experience for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport edges out the Moto E7. While performance is identical due to the shared Helio G25, Xiaomi’s MIUI software generally offers more features and customization options than Motorola’s near-stock Android experience, making it a more versatile device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe, Asia | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 - Europe | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Asia | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 24. Released 2020, December 09 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 75.7 x 8.9 mm (6.49 x 2.98 x 0.35 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 | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~82.3% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, 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@30fps |
| 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, 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 а/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mineral Gray, Aqua Blue, Satin Coral | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Motorola Moto E7
- Clean, near-stock Android experience
- Potentially faster software updates (Motorola's promise)
- Minimal bloatware
- Less feature-rich software compared to MIUI
- May lack customization options
- Potentially weaker camera software processing
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- Feature-rich MIUI software
- Extensive customization options
- Potentially better camera software processing
- MIUI can be resource-intensive
- Pre-installed bloatware
- Software update schedule can be inconsistent
Display Comparison
Both the Moto E7 and Redmi 9i Sport likely feature similar LCD panels, given their price point. Without specific display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut), it’s safe to assume both offer a basic viewing experience suitable for everyday tasks. The shared chipset won't impact display performance, meaning both will struggle with demanding graphics. Expect similar viewing angles and color reproduction, leaning towards the utilitarian rather than vibrant.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, relying heavily on software processing. Without sensor size or aperture information, it's difficult to make definitive claims. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors (often of limited utility). Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and a lack of detail in low light. The Helio G25’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) capabilities are modest, limiting the potential for advanced image processing.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This means identical CPU performance in benchmarks and real-world usage. The 12nm process node suggests moderate power efficiency, but don't expect sustained high performance. Gaming will be limited to less demanding titles at lower settings. RAM capacity (not specified) will be a key factor; more RAM will improve multitasking, but the Helio G25 will remain the bottleneck.
Battery Life
Both devices support 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect a full charge to take well over two hours. Battery capacity (not specified) will be the determining factor in endurance. The Helio G25’s power efficiency, combined with a likely modest battery size, suggests all-day battery life with light to moderate usage. Heavy gaming or video streaming will significantly reduce battery life on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto E7 if you prioritize a clean, uncluttered Android experience with minimal bloatware and value guaranteed software updates. This is ideal for users who prefer simplicity and a stock Android feel. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport if you prefer a feature-rich software experience with extensive customization options, even if it means navigating some pre-installed apps. This suits users who like to tweak their phone and explore advanced settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G25 in either phone struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G25 is an entry-level chipset. While PUBG Mobile may be playable, you'll need to use the lowest graphics settings and likely experience frame drops, especially in intense moments. It's not designed for demanding gaming.
❓ Does the software on the Redmi 9i Sport significantly impact performance compared to the Moto E7?
MIUI, while feature-rich, is known to be more resource-intensive than Motorola’s near-stock Android. This *could* lead to slightly slower app launch times or multitasking performance on the Redmi 9i Sport, but the difference will likely be minimal given the Helio G25’s limitations.
❓ Are software updates guaranteed on either device?
Motorola generally promises at least one major Android update and security patches for a limited period. Xiaomi’s update schedule is less predictable, and the Redmi 9i Sport may receive fewer updates overall. However, both are entry-level devices, so long-term support shouldn't be a primary expectation.
