The Tecno Pop 5X and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a remarkably low cost, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware approaches. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a basic smartphone for calls, messaging, and light social media, the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, with its octa-core configuration and 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Tecno Pop 5X’s Unisoc SC9832E, making it more responsive for everyday tasks.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 27 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 27 | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 166 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm (6.54 x 2.99 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 | 150 g (5.29 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 (~81.5% 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 1.4 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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/2.0 | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Triple | 8 MP
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 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 | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Shine, Crystal Blue, Dazzle Black | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Tecno Pop 5X
- Likely the most affordable option
- Functional for basic communication
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful processor
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor gaming performance
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Slightly improved gaming experience
- Slightly higher price point
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- Camera quality is still limited
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. However, the lack of detailed display specifications necessitates a focus on the chipset’s ability to drive the UI smoothly. The Redmi 9A Sport’s more powerful GPU, integrated within the Helio G25, will likely result in slightly smoother scrolling and animations, even if the resolution and panel quality are similar. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within their budget constraints.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Given the market segment, expect basic sensors and image processing. While specific sensor details are unavailable, it’s safe to assume both phones will rely heavily on software algorithms to enhance image quality. The Redmi 9A Sport’s more capable chipset *may* allow for slightly faster image processing, but don’t expect flagship-level results. The presence of a dedicated night mode on the Redmi 9A Sport (a common feature on Mediatek-powered devices) could offer a marginal improvement in low-light conditions, but overall camera quality should be considered secondary.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Unisoc SC9832E in the Tecno Pop 5X is a quad-core processor built on a 28nm process. This older manufacturing node and lower core count translate to significantly lower performance compared to the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport’s Mediatek Helio G25. The G25 features an octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process. This means the Redmi 9A Sport will handle multitasking, app loading, and general navigation with greater ease. The G25’s integrated GPU also provides a better experience for basic gaming, though neither phone is suited for demanding titles.
Battery Life
Battery life will be heavily dependent on usage patterns. While specific mAh capacities are not provided, both phones likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this class. The Redmi 9A Sport’s 10W wired charging is a standard offering, and while not fast, it’s adequate for topping up the battery overnight. The Tecno Pop 5X’s charging speed is unknown, but likely similar. The more efficient 12nm process of the Helio G25 in the Redmi 9A Sport *could* translate to slightly better battery endurance under moderate load, offsetting any potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 5X if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your usage is limited to the most basic functions – calls, texts, and very light app usage. It’s a functional device for those with minimal smartphone needs. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport if you want a more fluid user experience, even for simple tasks, and anticipate using the phone for slightly more demanding activities like browsing, social media, or occasional light gaming. The performance uplift justifies the small price difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9A Sport struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While not a powerhouse, the Helio G25 in the Redmi 9A Sport is sufficient to run apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly. You might experience some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously, but for typical social media usage, it should be adequate. The Tecno Pop 5X will likely exhibit more noticeable lag even with fewer apps running.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9832E chipset in the Tecno Pop 5X suitable for playing any games?
The Unisoc SC9832E is not designed for gaming. While you might be able to play very basic 2D games, even simple 3D titles will likely be unplayable due to low frame rates and frequent stuttering. The Redmi 9A Sport offers a slightly better gaming experience, but it's still limited to very light gaming.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically offer, and can it be expanded?
Both phones typically come with 32GB of internal storage, which is quite limited. Fortunately, both support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 512GB or even 1TB of additional storage for photos, videos, and apps. This is crucial given the limited internal space.
❓ What kind of software experience can I expect on each device?
The Tecno Pop 5X likely runs a customized version of Android Go, designed for low-end hardware. The Redmi 9A Sport runs Xiaomi’s MIUI, a heavily customized Android skin. MIUI is feature-rich but can be resource-intensive, though optimized for the Helio G25. Expect more bloatware on the Redmi 9A Sport, but also more customization options.
