The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Redmi 9 Activ and the Redmi 10A. Both offer affordability, but which one provides the better overall experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 10A edges out the Redmi 9 Activ thanks to its slightly more efficient chipset and improved software experience. While both are budget options, the 10A offers a more modern feel and a bit more performance for everyday tasks. Both offer a similar charging experience.
| 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, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 24 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 24 | Available. Released 2022, March 31 |
| 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) | 194 g (6.84 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| 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 | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Purple | Charcoal Black, Sea Blue, Slate Grey |
| Models | - | 220233L2C, 220233L2G, 220233L2I |
| Price | About 110 EUR | € 60.00 / $ 66.55 |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 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) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ
- Slightly larger screen
- Potentially lower price
- Decent battery life
- Older chipset
- Slower charging
- Less modern design
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- More modern design
- Slightly better performance
- Potentially improved camera software
- More up-to-date software
- Slightly smaller screen
- May be slightly more expensive
- Slow charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch display, likely with a resolution of 1600 x 720 (HD+). While the panels are similar in size, the Redmi 10A might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potential improvements in the display technology. Expect adequate viewing angles and sharpness for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 10A typically features a 13MP main camera, while the Redmi 9 Activ also has a 13MP main camera. Image quality will be similar, with decent performance in good lighting conditions. Low-light photography will be a challenge on both devices. The Redmi 10A may have slightly improved software processing for better results.
Performance
The Redmi 9 Activ boasts the Helio G35, which is marginally more powerful than the Helio G25 in the Redmi 10A. However, the difference in real-world performance is subtle. Both phones are best suited for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level performance from either device.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, which is relatively slow by today's standards. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ is a good choice for users prioritizing a slightly larger screen and those who find it at a significantly lower price. The Xiaomi Redmi 10A is ideal for those seeking a more modern design, slightly better performance, and a more up-to-date software experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Redmi 9 Activ has a slightly more powerful chipset, but both phones are best suited for casual games. Don't expect to play demanding titles smoothly.
❓ What is the software experience like on each phone?
The Redmi 10A likely runs a newer version of MIUI, offering a more modern and feature-rich software experience. The Redmi 9 Activ may have an older version.
❓ Are the cameras any good?
Both cameras are adequate for basic photography in good lighting. Low-light performance will be limited on both devices.
