Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The TCL 305 and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport edges out the TCL 305 thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and octa-core design. While both are budget options, the Redmi 9A Sport provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. Both offer decent value for their price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - 6102D | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6102D | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - 6102А | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 31 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | 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 | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), TCL UI | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 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, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | 6102D, 5164D | - |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 100 EUR |
TCL 305
- Simple and straightforward user interface
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight design
- Less powerful processor
- Basic camera performance
- Slow charging
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- More powerful processor (Helio G25)
- Octa-core CPU for smoother performance
- Slightly more modern design
- Basic camera performance
- Slow charging
- HD+ display quality is limited
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ display, offering adequate viewing for basic tasks. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for this price range; don't expect vibrant colors or exceptional outdoor visibility. The TCL 305 might have slightly better color reproduction, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a basic dual-camera setup. The Redmi 9A Sport typically includes a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor, while the TCL 305 has a similar configuration. Image quality is acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. Neither phone excels in camera performance.
Performance
Here's where the Redmi 9A Sport pulls ahead. The Helio G25 chipset with its octa-core CPU provides a noticeable performance boost over the TCL 305's Helio A22 quad-core processor. Expect smoother app loading, quicker multitasking, and slightly better gaming performance on the Redmi 9A Sport. The TCL 305 will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both devices offer a large 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, which is relatively slow by today's standards. Expect around 2-3 hours to fully charge either phone.
Buying Guide
The TCL 305 is a good choice for users prioritizing a simple, straightforward experience and potentially a slightly better display (though both are basic). The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is ideal for those needing a bit more processing power for multitasking and occasional gaming, and who value a slightly more modern design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G25 processor and octa-core CPU.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage thanks to their 5000mAh batteries.
❓ Are these phones 5G compatible?
No, neither the TCL 305 nor the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport support 5G connectivity. They both rely on 4G LTE.
