The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y20i and Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily diverging in their chipset choices and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the vivo Y20i is the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Redmi 9i Sport’s MediaTek Helio G25, despite the latter’s slightly higher clock speeds. The faster 18W charging is also a significant benefit.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 26. Released 2020, September 03 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 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 | 192.3 g (6.77 oz) | 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 | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% 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 Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 10.5 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 3.15 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 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, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (PocketIE) | - |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 450 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 6 h 30 min | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn White, Nebula Blue | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | V2027, V2032 | - |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.61 W/kg (head) 1.81 W/kg (body) | - |
vivo Y20i
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient chipset for better battery life
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially better software optimization
- May be slightly more expensive
- Camera performance likely similar to Redmi 9i Sport
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- Lower price point
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks
- Likely similar battery life (assuming comparable capacity)
- Widely available
- Slower processor and less responsive UI
- Slower 10W charging
- Less efficient chipset
- Potentially more bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can infer they are similar, targeting 720p+ resolution. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather on basic usability. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera accompanied by auxiliary lenses (depth, macro) of limited utility. The image processing capabilities will heavily influence the final image quality, and brand-specific tuning will play a significant role. Given the price point, expect adequate performance in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low-light scenarios. The absence of OIS on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Y20i’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm) utilizes a more modern architecture and fabrication process than the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport’s MediaTek Helio G25 (12nm). While the Helio G25 boasts slightly higher peak clock speeds (2.0 GHz vs 1.8 GHz), the Snapdragon 460’s Kryo cores and smaller node size generally translate to better sustained performance and power efficiency. This means the Y20i is less likely to throttle under load and will offer a smoother experience during multitasking. The CPU configuration of the Redmi 9i Sport, using Cortex-A53 cores across the board, is less efficient than the Snapdragon's mix of Kryo 240 cores.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely house around a 5000mAh battery, standard for this segment. However, the charging speeds differ significantly. The vivo Y20i supports 18W wired charging, while the Redmi 9i Sport is limited to 10W. This translates to a considerably faster 0-100% charge time for the Y20i, a practical advantage for users who value convenience. While a larger battery capacity *could* offset slower charging, the 18W charging on the Y20i provides a more tangible benefit in daily use.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y20i if you need a phone that feels more responsive for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Its more efficient chipset translates to better sustained performance. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and are willing to accept compromises in processing power and charging speed. It’s a functional device for basic communication and minimal app usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 460 in the vivo Y20i handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 460 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (balanced or low) to maintain a stable frame rate. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's capable of providing a playable experience for casual gamers.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Redmi 9i Sport noticeably slow compared to the 18W on the vivo Y20i?
Yes, the difference is significant. 10W charging will take considerably longer to fully charge the Redmi 9i Sport – potentially over 3 hours. The 18W charging on the Y20i can reduce this time to around 2 hours, making it much more convenient for daily use.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging protocols beyond the advertised wattage (e.g., Quick Charge)?
Neither phone is officially advertised to support advanced fast charging protocols like Quick Charge. While they *might* work with compatible chargers, performance is not guaranteed and could be limited to the phone's native charging speed.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates and security patches?
Vivo generally provides more consistent software updates and security patches compared to Xiaomi's Redmi series, particularly in the budget segment. This means the Y20i is likely to remain secure and benefit from software improvements for a longer period.
