The Xiaomi Redmi series is renowned for offering incredible value for money. The Redmi 9 Activ and Redmi 9A are two of the most affordable options, but which one is the better choice for your needs? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 9 Activ edges out the 9A thanks to its slightly more powerful Helio G35 chipset, resulting in smoother performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. Both offer excellent battery life and a budget-friendly price, but the Activ's improved processing gives it a slight advantage.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 24 | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, July 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 24 | 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 (4x2.3 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 10, upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 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 |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 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 | 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 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-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Purple | Carbon Gray (Midnight Black), Sky Blue (Sea Blue), Ocean Green (Nature Green) |
| Models | - | M2006C3LG, M2006C3LI, M2006C3LC, M2004C3L |
| Price | About 110 EUR | € 64.30 / $ 56.50 / £ 95.56 |
| 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) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ
- Slightly better performance (Helio G35)
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Dual-camera setup
- Affordable price
- Slow 10W charging
- HD+ display resolution
- Plastic build
Xiaomi Redmi 9A
- Extremely affordable
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Simple and user-friendly
- Decent battery life
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G25)
- Slow 10W charging
- HD+ display resolution
- Plastic build
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1600 x 720 (HD+). While the panels are similar in size and resolution, the Redmi 9 Activ might offer slightly better color accuracy due to its marginally more advanced chipset, though this difference is likely minimal in real-world usage. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a dual-camera setup on the rear. The Redmi 9 Activ typically includes a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The Redmi 9A also has a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is generally similar, with decent performance in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is expected to be average on both devices. The front-facing camera on both is 5MP.
Performance
The Redmi 9 Activ boasts the Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, a step up from the Redmi 9A's Helio G25. This translates to a noticeable improvement in performance, especially when handling multiple apps or playing less demanding games. The Activ's CPU clocks are slightly higher, contributing to the smoother experience. The 9A is perfectly adequate for basic tasks, but the Activ is the better choice for those seeking a bit more responsiveness.
Battery Life
Both the Redmi 9 Activ and Redmi 9A are equipped with a large 5000mAh battery, promising excellent battery life. Expect all-day usage with moderate use on either device. Charging is handled via 10W wired charging on both, which is relatively slow by modern standards.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ is ideal for users who want a bit more performance for basic multitasking, social media, and light gaming without breaking the bank. The Redmi 9A is perfect for those prioritizing essential features like long battery life and a simple user experience at the absolute lowest price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 9 Activ worth the extra money compared to the 9A?
If you value slightly better performance for multitasking and light gaming, the Redmi 9 Activ is worth the small price difference. If you're on the tightest budget and only need basic functionality, the 9A remains a compelling option.
❓ How long does the battery last on these phones?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day with moderate usage thanks to their 5000mAh batteries.
