The Tecno Pop 5 and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they take different approaches. The Pop 5 prioritizes affordability above all else, while the Redmi 9A Sport attempts to offer a more balanced experience with a more powerful chipset.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, with its octa-core CPU, provides a significantly smoother and more responsive experience than the Tecno Pop 5’s quad-core Cortex-A7. While both phones are limited, the Redmi 9A Sport offers a better chance of handling everyday tasks and even light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 26 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 26 | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 157.7 x 75.7 x 9.6 mm (6.21 x 2.98 x 0.38 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 | - | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~76.5% 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 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP
VGA | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | Unspecified | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | Unspecified | 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 | 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Lake Green, Obsidian Black, Ice Blue | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | BD2, BD2p, BD3, BD1, BD2d | - |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Tecno Pop 5
- Likely the most affordable option available.
- Simple and easy to use for basic tasks.
- May have longer standby time due to less powerful processor.
- Extremely limited performance.
- Poor multitasking capabilities.
- Likely a low-resolution display.
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance.
- Better multitasking capabilities.
- 10W charging offers reasonable charging speed.
- Still limited by its budget nature.
- Camera quality will be basic.
- 10W charging is relatively slow.
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-quality display. The Tecno Pop 5’s display specifications are not provided, suggesting a basic LCD panel. The Redmi 9A Sport also utilizes an LCD, but details regarding its brightness and color accuracy are unavailable. Given the price point, expect limited viewing angles and color reproduction on both. The absence of any mention of features like higher refresh rates or protective glass is standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without specific sensor details for the Tecno Pop 5, it’s safe to assume a basic camera setup. The Redmi 9A Sport’s camera specifications are also not detailed, but Xiaomi typically includes a primary sensor and potentially a depth sensor. Image quality will likely be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and lack of detail in low light. The prevalence of 2MP macro cameras in this segment is likely, but their utility is questionable.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 9A Sport truly shines. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53). This is a substantial upgrade over the Tecno Pop 5’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. The Helio G25’s architecture allows for better multitasking and faster app loading times. The Cortex-A53 cores, while not the latest, are significantly more capable than the older Cortex-A7 found in the Pop 5. The 12nm process also contributes to improved power efficiency compared to older node technologies.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. The Redmi 9A Sport includes 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow but adequate for overnight charging. While the battery capacity of both devices is unknown, the more efficient Helio G25 chipset in the Redmi 9A Sport will likely result in longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Pop 5. The slower charging speed on the Redmi 9A Sport is a trade-off for the improved processor efficiency.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 5 if you absolutely need the cheapest possible smartphone for basic communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage. It’s a viable option for first-time smartphone users or as a temporary device. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport if you prioritize a more usable experience, even on a tight budget. The improved processor makes a noticeable difference in app loading times, multitasking, and overall responsiveness, making it suitable for users who want a bit more from their phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9A Sport be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the Redmi 9A Sport’s Mediatek Helio G25 chipset is capable of running social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp without significant lag. The octa-core CPU and improved processing power compared to the Tecno Pop 5 will provide a much smoother experience.
❓ Is the Redmi 9A Sport suitable for playing mobile games?
The Redmi 9A Sport can handle some light mobile gaming, but don’t expect high frame rates or demanding graphics settings. Games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile may be playable on low settings, but more graphically intensive games will likely struggle. The Tecno Pop 5 is unlikely to provide a playable experience for most modern mobile games.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Redmi 9A Sport with the 10W charger?
With the included 10W charger, it will likely take around 3-4 hours to fully charge the Redmi 9A Sport from 0% to 100%. While not fast charging, it’s sufficient for overnight charging.
