The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Redmi 10A and Redmi 9A are two contenders vying for your attention. But with remarkably similar specs, is there a clear winner? Let's dive in and find out.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 10A offers a slightly improved design and potentially better software support, though the core performance is virtually identical to the Redmi 9A. If you can find the 10A for a similar price, it's the marginally better choice, otherwise, the 9A remains a solid budget option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 29 | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, July 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 31 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 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) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal Black, Sea Blue, Slate Grey | Carbon Gray (Midnight Black), Sky Blue (Sea Blue), Ocean Green (Nature Green) |
| Models | 220233L2C, 220233L2G, 220233L2I | M2006C3LG, M2006C3LI, M2006C3LC, M2004C3L |
| Price | € 60.00 / $ 66.55 | € 64.30 / $ 56.50 / £ 95.56 |
| SAR | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- Slightly more modern design
- Potentially longer software support
- Improved image processing (potentially)
- Performance virtually identical to Redmi 9A
- 10W charging is slow
Xiaomi Redmi 9A
- Extremely affordable
- Reliable and functional
- All-day battery life
- Basic performance
- Outdated design
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution. While the panels are similar, the Redmi 10A might have slightly improved color accuracy due to potential software optimizations, but this is often negligible in real-world use. Expect similar viewing experiences on both.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 10A typically features a 13MP main camera, while the Redmi 9A also has a 13MP main camera. The 10A may have a slightly improved image processing algorithm, potentially resulting in marginally better photos in certain lighting conditions. Both phones offer basic camera functionality.
Performance
Powered by the same Mediatek Helio G25 chipset and octa-core CPU, performance is essentially identical. Don't expect blazing speeds; these phones are designed for basic tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and light social media use. Gaming will be limited to less demanding titles.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, meaning charging will take a considerable amount of time.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 10A is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly more modern design and potentially longer software updates. The Redmi 9A is a great pick for those seeking the absolute lowest price point and a reliable, no-frills smartphone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 10A worth the extra money over the Redmi 9A?
It depends. If the price difference is minimal, the 10A's slightly improved design and potential for longer software updates make it a worthwhile upgrade. However, if the 9A is significantly cheaper, it remains a fantastic budget option.
❓ Can I play games on these phones?
You can play less demanding games, but don't expect high frame rates or smooth performance on graphically intensive titles. These phones are best suited for basic usage and light gaming.
