Looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport are two contenders vying for the budget crown. Both offer essential features, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport edges out the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core thanks to its more powerful chipset, slightly better battery life, and faster charging. While both are budget options, the Redmi 9A Sport provides a more responsive and future-proof experience.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, August 06 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 141.7 x 67.5 x 8.6 mm (5.58 x 2.66 x 0.34 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4 | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | SM-A013F, SM-A013F/DS, SM-A013G, SM-A013G/DS, SM-A013M | - |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.64 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- Simple and easy to use
- Reliable brand (Samsung)
- Decent battery life
- Slow performance
- Outdated chipset
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- More powerful processor
- Better multitasking
- Slightly better camera
- Faster charging (10W)
- Modern design
- Xiaomi's software can be polarizing
- Build quality may not be as premium as Samsung
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for their price range. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for budget devices, so don't expect vibrant visuals. The Redmi 9A Sport's display might appear slightly more modern due to its smaller bezels.
Camera Comparison
The A01 Core typically features a single 8MP rear camera, while the Redmi 9A Sport often includes a 13MP main camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the Redmi 9A Sport generally captures slightly better images in good lighting conditions. Both phones offer basic camera functionality.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 9A Sport shines. Its Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 chipset with an octa-core processor significantly outperforms the A01 Core's MT6739. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the Redmi 9A Sport. The A01 Core can feel sluggish at times.
Battery Life
Both phones offer large batteries (typically around 5000mAh), providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. The Redmi 9A Sport's more efficient chipset contributes to slightly better battery performance. The 10W wired charging on the Redmi 9A Sport is a welcome addition compared to the A01 Core's likely slower charging.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core is ideal for users prioritizing a simple, reliable phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light browsing. The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is a better choice for those who want a bit more performance for social media, casual gaming, and a slightly longer battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better performance?
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport has a significantly more powerful chipset and processor, resulting in better overall performance and smoother multitasking.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core a good phone for seniors?
Yes, the A01 Core's simplicity and ease of use make it a suitable option for seniors who primarily need a phone for calls and texts.
