The Nokia 3 V and Xiaomi Redmi 9i 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. The key differentiator lies in their chipsets, impacting performance and user experience. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport is the better choice. Its MediaTek Helio G25, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Nokia 3 V’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 429. While both offer similar battery and charging capabilities, the Redmi 9i Sport’s processing power makes it the more versatile device.
| 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 | 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 13 | 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 20. Released 2019, August 23 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 76.2 x 9.1 mm (6.35 x 3.00 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 |
| Weight | 188.6 g (6.67 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.26 inches, 97.8 cm2 (~79.6% 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 | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 504 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, Android One | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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 | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Nokia 3 V
- Clean Android experience (likely Android One)
- Reliable brand reputation
- Potentially better software update support
- Significantly weaker processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Slower app loading times
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- More powerful octa-core processor
- Smoother multitasking and app performance
- Better value for performance
- MIUI software with potential bloatware
- Potentially less frequent software updates
- Less emphasis on a clean Android experience
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are adequate for basic viewing. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on functional usability. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a budget.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The absence of information suggests neither device will excel in low-light conditions or offer advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS). Image processing will likely be the differentiating factor, with Xiaomi’s MIUI often employing more aggressive sharpening and color boosting. The Redmi 9i Sport’s potential for slightly better image processing due to its more powerful chipset could give it a marginal edge.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi 9i Sport’s MediaTek Helio G25 is an octa-core processor (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53), offering significantly more processing power than the Nokia 3 V’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 429, which is a quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Redmi 9i Sport. While both are built on a 12nm process, the higher core count and clock speeds of the Helio G25 provide a clear advantage. The Snapdragon 429 will suffice for basic tasks, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both the Nokia 3 V and the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport feature 10W wired charging. This is a relatively slow charging speed, meaning a full charge will take several hours. Battery capacity isn't specified, but given the target market, both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the Redmi 9i Sport’s more efficient chipset could potentially offer slightly longer runtimes, offsetting any minor capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia 3 V if you prioritize a clean Android experience and brand reliability, and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding applications, occasional gaming, and smoother multitasking, even if it means accepting Xiaomi’s MIUI software.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9i Sport struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G25 isn't a gaming powerhouse, the Redmi 9i Sport can run PUBG Mobile at lower settings. Expect frame rate drops during intense action, but it's playable for casual gaming. The Nokia 3 V would likely struggle significantly more with the same game.
❓ How does Xiaomi's MIUI software affect the user experience on the Redmi 9i Sport?
MIUI is a heavily customized Android skin. It offers a lot of features and customization options, but it also comes with pre-installed apps (bloatware) and a different user interface compared to stock Android. Some users find MIUI intrusive, while others appreciate its added functionality.
❓ Is the Nokia 3 V a good choice for someone who prioritizes software updates?
Nokia historically has provided relatively timely software updates, particularly through its Android One program. However, given the age of the 3 V, update support is likely nearing its end. The Redmi 9i Sport's update schedule is less predictable.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on these phones?
While not specified, both phones likely come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. This is standard for phones in this price range. Consider a microSD card if you plan to store a lot of photos, videos, or apps.
