The ultra-budget smartphone segment is fiercely competitive. Both the Wiko Sunny5 and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price. However, significant differences in their internal hardware mean one offers a considerably smoother experience than the other, despite their similar price points.
🏆 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 substantial performance advantage over the Wiko Sunny5’s quad-core Cortex-A7, making it better suited for multitasking and app usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September. Released 2020, September | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161 x 77.6 x 9 mm (6.34 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.99 inches, 92.6 cm2 (~74.1% 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 | Mali-T820 MP1 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go Edition) | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB 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 | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 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 | 4.2, A2DP | 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 | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gold, Green | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.57 W/kg (head) 1.69 W/kg (body) | - |
Wiko Sunny5
- Potentially more compact size (speculation based on brand history)
- Simpler user interface (potentially)
- Lower price (potentially, depending on retailer)
- Significantly weaker processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor gaming performance
- Likely lower quality camera
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Faster and more efficient processor (Helio G25)
- Larger 5000mAh battery
- Better multitasking performance
- More responsive user experience
- Slower 10W charging
- Basic camera system
- Larger size may not suit all users
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Details regarding the Wiko Sunny5’s panel are scarce, suggesting a basic LCD. The Redmi 9A Sport also utilizes an LCD, but its larger 6.53-inch size offers more screen real estate. Both likely feature similar resolutions (HD+), and neither is expected to deliver vibrant colors or high brightness levels. The absence of features like high refresh rates or Gorilla Glass is standard for this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. Details on the Wiko Sunny5’s camera are limited, but it likely features a single, low-resolution sensor. The Redmi 9A Sport typically features a 13MP main camera, which, while not exceptional, will capture more detailed images than the Wiko Sunny5. Both phones likely include a 2MP depth sensor, but these are largely marketing features and offer minimal real-world benefit. Image processing will be limited on both, resulting in soft images, especially in low light. Don't expect flagship-level camera quality from either device.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 9A Sport truly shines. The Mediatek Helio G25, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core CPU comprised of four 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and four 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This is a significant leap over the Wiko Sunny5’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. The Cortex-A53 architecture, while not cutting-edge, is far more efficient and capable than the older Cortex-A7. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Redmi 9A Sport. The 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Redmi 9A Sport can handle less demanding titles with playable frame rates.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the Wiko Sunny5, but given its price point, it's likely around 3000-4000mAh. The Redmi 9A Sport packs a 5000mAh battery, providing significantly longer battery life. While the Redmi 9A Sport only supports 10W wired charging, the larger battery capacity means users will likely only need to charge it every other day with moderate usage. The Wiko Sunny5, with a smaller battery, will likely require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Wiko Sunny5 if your primary need is a basic, functional phone for calls, texts, and extremely light app usage, and you prioritize simplicity above all else. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport if you want a more responsive experience, even for basic tasks, and anticipate using multiple apps or occasionally playing less demanding mobile games. The Redmi 9A Sport offers a better long-term user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9A Sport struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
While the Redmi 9A Sport isn't a powerhouse, the Helio G25 chipset is capable of running Facebook and Instagram smoothly. You might experience some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously, but for typical social media usage, it should perform adequately.
❓ Is the Redmi 9A Sport suitable for playing games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Redmi 9A Sport is not ideal for demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile. You can *attempt* to play them, but you'll likely need to use the lowest graphics settings and still experience significant frame rate drops and lag. It's better suited for less graphically intensive games.
❓ How long will the Redmi 9A Sport's battery last with typical usage?
With typical usage (calls, texts, social media, occasional web browsing), the Redmi 9A Sport's 5000mAh battery should easily last a full day, and potentially even two days. Heavy users will likely get a full day of use, but may need to top up the battery in the evening.
❓ Does the Wiko Sunny5 receive regular software updates?
Wiko is not known for providing extensive software support for its budget devices. It's unlikely the Sunny5 will receive frequent security updates or major Android version upgrades. The Redmi 9A Sport, while also not a software update champion, generally receives more consistent updates than Wiko devices.