The Tecno Spark 7 and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they differ in their core processing power and charging capabilities. This comparison dives deep into the nuances of the Mediatek Helio A25 and Helio G25 chipsets to determine which phone offers the best experience for everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is the better choice. While both phones share a similar overall experience, the Redmi 9A Sport’s Helio G25 chipset, with its slightly higher clock speeds, provides a noticeable performance edge in app loading and multitasking. The inclusion of 10W charging is also a practical benefit over the Spark 7’s unspecified charging speed.
| 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 09 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 16 | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 76.1 x 9.5 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.37 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 (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% 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 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.5 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, AF
Secondary unknown camera | - |
| Features | Quad-LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 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 | 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | 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 | Market-dependent versions:· 6000 mAh (Global)· 5000 mAh (Africa only) | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Morpheus Blue, Spruce Green, Magnet Black | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | KF6, KF6j, KF6i, KF6k, PR651h, PR651, PR651E, KF6m, KF6h, KF6n | - |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Tecno Spark 7
- Potentially larger display size (unconfirmed)
- Competitive pricing
- Likely long battery life due to 5000mAh battery
- Slower processor (Helio A25)
- Unspecified charging speed
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Faster processor (Helio G25)
- 10W wired charging
- Potentially better camera software
- Limited RAM options (likely 2GB/3GB)
- Basic camera system
- LCD display technology
Display Comparison
Both the Tecno Spark 7 and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price segment. Without specific brightness or resolution data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, the Redmi 9A Sport’s display is likely tuned for slightly better color reproduction, given Xiaomi’s general display calibration practices. The absence of high refresh rate technology on either device means scrolling and animations will feel standard.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are expected to feature basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both rely on a primary sensor for most shots, supplemented by auxiliary lenses of limited utility. Image processing will likely be similar, focusing on basic scene optimization. The Redmi 9A Sport may benefit from Xiaomi’s more refined camera software algorithms, potentially resulting in slightly more pleasing images in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means low-light photography will be prone to blur.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport’s Mediatek Helio G25 boasts a slightly higher CPU clock speed (2.0 GHz vs 1.8 GHz on the Tecno Spark 7’s Helio A25) for its high-performance cores. While both utilize the same Cortex-A53 architecture, this 200MHz difference translates to a measurable, albeit not dramatic, improvement in responsiveness. The G25 also features a slightly more capable GPU, offering a marginal boost in gaming performance. Both phones are likely paired with 2GB or 3GB of RAM, which will limit multitasking capabilities, but the G25’s processing advantage will mitigate this somewhat.
Battery Life
Both phones likely house batteries in the 5000mAh range, common for this price point. However, the Redmi 9A Sport includes 10W wired charging, a significant advantage over the Tecno Spark 7, which lacks specified charging capabilities. This means the Redmi 9A Sport will recharge noticeably faster, reducing downtime. While both phones should easily last a full day with moderate usage, the faster charging of the Redmi 9A Sport provides a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 7 if you prioritize a potentially larger display (though specifics are missing) and are comfortable with a more basic user experience. It’s a viable option for users who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport if you value slightly improved performance for smoother multitasking and app usage, and appreciate the convenience of 10W wired charging for quicker top-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9A Sport handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G25 can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at low to medium settings with reduced frame rates. The limited RAM and processing power will likely result in occasional stuttering, especially during intense firefights. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not ideal for competitive play.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio A25 and G25 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is noticeable, though not dramatic. The Redmi 9A Sport with the Helio G25 will feel slightly snappier when opening apps, switching between them, and browsing the web. The A25 in the Spark 7 will handle these tasks, but with a slight delay.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Redmi 9A Sport with the 10W charger?
With the included 10W charger, the Redmi 9A Sport will take approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%. While not the fastest charging available, it's a significant improvement over the Tecno Spark 7's unspecified charging time.
❓ Do either of these phones support fast charging standards like Quick Charge or Power Delivery?
No, neither the Tecno Spark 7 nor the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport support fast charging standards like Quick Charge or Power Delivery. They are limited to standard 5W or 10W charging.
