The Tecno Spark 40 and Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Spark 40 aims to deliver a more robust performance experience, while the Redmi 9i Sport focuses on affordability. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and faster charging, the Tecno Spark 40 is the clear winner. Its Helio G81 chipset and 45W charging significantly outperform the Redmi 9i Sport’s Helio G25 and 10W charging, making it better suited for gaming and everyday multitasking. However, the Redmi 9i Sport remains a viable option for basic users on a tight budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, July 02 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, July | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 77 x 7.7 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.30 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 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm)Mediatek Helio G91 (12 nm) - NFC model | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 15, HIOS 15 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 55 min to 100% | 10W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ink Black, Titanium Grey, Veil White, Mirage Blue | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | KM5 | - |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Tecno Spark 40
- Significantly faster processor (Helio G81)
- 45W fast charging for quick top-ups
- Better suited for gaming and multitasking
- May be slightly more expensive than the Redmi 9i Sport
- Detailed display specs are unknown
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- Extremely affordable price point
- Decent for basic communication tasks
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Slow 10W charging
- Underpowered processor (Helio G25)
- Struggles with demanding apps and games
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing. The focus here is on internal performance, as display quality is likely similar. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, given the budget nature of the devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse, but it's safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. The focus should not be on image quality, as both will likely deliver passable results in good lighting. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely inconsequential. The main sensor resolution is unknown, but the chipset difference suggests the Spark 40 will have a faster image signal processor (ISP), potentially leading to slightly better image processing and faster capture times.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 40’s Mediatek Helio G81 (12nm) features an octa-core configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This is a substantial upgrade over the Redmi 9i Sport’s Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12nm) which uses 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Cortex-A75 cores in the G81 offer significantly better single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness. The G25’s all-A53 configuration will struggle with demanding tasks. The G81 also benefits from a more capable GPU, making it the better choice for mobile gaming. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural differences translate to a noticeable performance gap.
Battery Life
The Redmi 9i Sport’s 10W charging is a significant drawback. Expect a very slow charge time, likely exceeding 3 hours for a full charge. The Tecno Spark 40’s 45W charging is a game-changer in this segment, promising a full charge in approximately 55 minutes. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the Spark 40 mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery, offering more convenient top-ups throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 40 if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, streaming, and multitasking without significant slowdowns, and if fast charging is a priority. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport if you primarily need a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and are looking for the absolute lowest price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 40 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G81 in the Tecno Spark 40 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to use lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Redmi 9i Sport’s Helio G25 will struggle significantly with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
❓ How long does it *really* take to charge the Redmi 9i Sport from 0% to 100%?
With its 10W charging, the Redmi 9i Sport will take a very long time to charge – realistically, over 3.5 to 4 hours from 0% to 100%. This is a major inconvenience compared to the Tecno Spark 40’s 45W fast charging.
❓ Is the NFC functionality available on all variants of the Tecno Spark 40?
The context data indicates that NFC is only available on specific models of the Tecno Spark 40. Be sure to check the product specifications before purchasing if NFC is a requirement for you.
