The Nokia C10 and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison will dissect their core components to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability and basic smartphone features.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a reliable phone for calls, messaging, and light social media, the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is the better choice. Its Helio G25 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a significantly smoother experience than the Nokia C10’s quad-core Unisoc processor, justifying the slight price difference.
| 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, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 08 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 29 | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 169.9 x 77.9 x 8.8 mm (6.69 x 3.07 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 | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC7331E (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 MP2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 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 | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Light Purple | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | TA-1342 | - |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.44 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia C10
- Potentially lower price point
- Nokia’s reputation for software updates (though limited)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly weaker processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor performance with demanding apps
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Faster and more responsive processor
- Better multitasking performance
- Slightly larger display
- May be slightly more expensive
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- Software experience may include bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are expected to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, details like resolution and brightness are not provided. The Redmi 9A Sport’s larger screen size (typically 6.53 inches) offers a more immersive viewing experience than the C10’s 6.5-inch display, assuming similar bezel sizes. Color accuracy and viewing angles are likely to be limited on both, but the larger canvas of the Redmi 9A Sport provides more real estate for content consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but both likely feature a primary camera paired with a depth sensor. The Redmi 9A Sport may have a slight edge due to MediaTek’s image signal processor (ISP) offering better image processing capabilities than Unisoc’s. However, image quality will be heavily dependent on lighting conditions, and both phones will likely produce subpar results in low light. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the Redmi 9A Sport is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport’s MediaTek Helio G25, built on a 12nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the Nokia C10’s Unisoc SC7331E (28nm). The Helio G25’s octa-core CPU (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) provides significantly more processing power than the C10’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Redmi 9A Sport. The 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting the larger battery capacity needed to power the more capable chipset. The Unisoc SC7331E in the C10 will struggle with even moderately demanding tasks.
Battery Life
While specific battery capacities aren't provided, both phones are likely to feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Redmi 9A Sport’s 10W wired charging is a standard offering in this segment. The Unisoc SC7331E’s lower power consumption in the Nokia C10 might result in comparable battery life despite potentially having a smaller capacity. However, the more efficient Helio G25 in the Redmi 9A Sport, combined with optimized software, could still provide a longer-lasting experience, especially during moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C10 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and prioritize brand reliability over raw performance. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartphone users or as a simple backup device. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport if you prefer a more responsive user experience, even for basic tasks, and appreciate the benefit of faster processing for app loading and multitasking. The 9A Sport is better suited for users who occasionally play light mobile games or use more demanding apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9A Sport struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Helio G25 isn't a powerhouse, it's more than capable of handling everyday apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. You'll experience smoother scrolling and faster loading times compared to the Nokia C10, which may exhibit noticeable lag with these apps.
❓ Is the Nokia C10 a good option for elderly users who primarily make calls and send texts?
Yes, the Nokia C10 is a viable option for elderly users with basic needs. Its simplicity and lower price point make it an attractive choice, but be aware that the slower processor may result in occasional delays when opening apps or navigating the interface.
❓ Can the Redmi 9A Sport handle light gaming, like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
The Redmi 9A Sport can handle light gaming like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers, but don't expect high frame rates or detailed graphics. The Helio G25 is an entry-level gaming chip, so more demanding games will likely be unplayable or suffer from significant lag.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Redmi 9A Sport with the 10W charger?
With the included 10W charger, expect the Redmi 9A Sport to take approximately 3-4 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%. This is typical for phones in this price range with similar charging speeds.
