The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Redmi 8A Pro and the Redmi 9A Sport. Both offer essential features at affordable prices, but which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 8A Pro edges out the 9A Sport thanks to its faster charging, reverse charging capability, and slightly more powerful chipset. While the 9A Sport is a solid budget option, the 8A Pro provides a more well-rounded experience for the price.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 02. Released 2020, April 02 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm (6.16 x 2.97 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 | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.8% 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 (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), planned upgrade to Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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 | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM Radio, built-in antenna | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sky White, Sea Blue, Midnight Grey | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro
- Faster Charging (18W)
- Reverse Wired Charging (2.5W)
- Slightly More Powerful Chipset
- Good Value for Money
- Camera Performance Could Be Better
- Design is Basic
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Very Affordable
- Large Battery Capacity
- Decent Display
- Lightweight Design
- Slower Charging (10W)
- Less Powerful Chipset
- Camera Quality is Average
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels (HD+). While the panels are similar in size and resolution, the 8A Pro might offer slightly better color accuracy due to potentially better calibration. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable across both devices.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 8A Pro typically features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor, while the Redmi 9A Sport usually has an 13MP main camera. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions on both devices. Low-light performance is expected to be similar, with noticeable noise and limited detail. Both phones offer basic camera features like HDR and portrait mode.
Performance
The Redmi 8A Pro boasts a Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439, while the 9A Sport utilizes a Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25. The Snapdragon 439 generally offers a slight performance advantage in everyday tasks and light gaming. The 8A Pro's CPU clock speeds are marginally higher, contributing to this edge. However, both phones are best suited for basic usage and will struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
The Redmi 9A Sport often has a larger battery capacity (typically 5000mAh) compared to the Redmi 8A Pro (typically 5000mAh). While capacity is similar, the 9A Sport's less powerful chipset might translate to slightly better battery life under moderate usage. The 8A Pro's 18W fast charging is a significant advantage over the 9A Sport's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro is ideal for users prioritizing faster charging, reverse charging for accessories, and a bit more processing power for smoother multitasking. The Redmi 9A Sport is a great choice for those seeking a very budget-friendly device with a large battery and a focus on essential features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi 8A Pro has a slightly more powerful chipset, making it marginally better for light gaming. However, neither phone is ideal for demanding games.
❓ Can I use the Redmi 8A Pro to charge other devices?
Yes, the Redmi 8A Pro supports reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge accessories like earbuds or smartwatches.
