The Realme C2 2020 and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport represent the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price point. This comparison dissects their key differences, focusing on performance, battery life, and overall value to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users prioritizing basic functionality and a slightly smoother experience, the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G25 chipset, while still entry-level, offers a more balanced CPU configuration and benefits from minor GPU improvements, translating to a more responsive user experience. However, the Realme C2 remains a viable option for those on the absolute tightest budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, November. Released 2019, November | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 154.3 x 73.7 x 8.5 mm (6.07 x 2.90 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 | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~80.3% 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6 Lite | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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/2.0, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 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 | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 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 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Black, Diamond Blue | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Realme C2 2020
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Likely similar battery life to Redmi 9A Sport
- Less efficient CPU architecture
- No fast charging support
- Potentially slower overall performance
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- More efficient CPU architecture (Helio G25)
- 10W fast charging support
- Slightly improved GPU performance
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited performance for demanding tasks
- Camera quality remains basic
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price segment. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ resolution. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather on basic readability. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, as maximizing screen real estate isn't a priority at this price point.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details on sensor size and aperture are unavailable, but it's safe to assume both feature basic sensors. The Redmi 9A Sport's camera is likely to be marginally better due to the slightly more capable ISP within the Helio G25 chipset. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but significant noise and lack of detail in low light. The prevalence of 2MP auxiliary sensors on both devices is largely for marketing purposes and offer minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C2 2020 uses the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22, featuring an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, all Cortex-A53 cores. The Redmi 9A Sport utilizes the Helio G25, also octa-core, but with a heterogeneous configuration: four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz. This 'big.LITTLE' approach allows the G25 to balance performance and efficiency. While peak clock speed is the same, the G25's architecture offers a slight advantage in sustained performance and power management. The G25 also includes a slightly improved GPU, offering a marginal boost in gaming performance, though both phones will struggle with demanding titles.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but typical for this segment is around 5000mAh. The Redmi 9A Sport benefits from 10W wired charging, a feature absent on the Realme C2 2020 (charging speed is unspecified for the C2). This means the Redmi 9A Sport will offer faster charging times, reducing downtime and providing more convenience for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C2 2020 if you need a functional smartphone for the bare essentials – calls, texts, and light app usage – and are constrained by the lowest possible price. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience for social media, basic gaming, and appreciate the convenience of 10W charging for topping up the battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9A Sport handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G25 offers a slight GPU improvement, both phones will struggle with PUBG Mobile. You'll likely need to play at the lowest settings and frame rates to achieve a playable experience, and even then, expect occasional stuttering. These phones are better suited for less demanding games.
❓ Is the difference in CPU architecture between the Helio P22 and G25 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the Redmi 9A Sport's Helio G25, with its big.LITTLE architecture, will provide a smoother experience for multitasking and app switching. The P22's all-Cortex-A53 configuration can feel sluggish when handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
❓ How long will the battery last on the Realme C2 2020 with moderate usage?
Assuming a typical 5000mAh battery, the Realme C2 2020 should last a full day with moderate usage – including calls, texts, social media, and some light browsing. However, heavy gaming or video streaming will significantly reduce battery life.
❓ Does the Redmi 9A Sport support dual SIM functionality?
Based on Xiaomi's typical offerings in this segment, the Redmi 9A Sport almost certainly supports dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use two SIM cards simultaneously. This is a common feature for budget smartphones.
