The Xiaomi Redmi 9 and Oppo A53s 5G represent two distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Redmi 9 prioritizes longevity and established reliability, while the A53s 5G aims to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price point. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and a proven track record, the Xiaomi Redmi 9 is the better choice. Its 131-hour endurance rating significantly surpasses what the Oppo A53s 5G can offer, despite the latter’s 5G capabilities. However, users heavily invested in 5G networks will find the A53s 5G a compelling option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 10 | 2021, April 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, June 10 | Available. Released 2021, May 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 77 x 9.1 mm (6.43 x 3.03 x 0.36 in) | 164 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 189.6 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| 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, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio (no wired headphones required) | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5020 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Gray, Sunset Purple, Ocean Green, Pink/Blue | Crystal Blue, Ink Black |
| Models | M2004J19G, M2004J19C | CPH2321 |
| Price | $ 105.77 / £ 196.62 / € 115.51 | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 131h | - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1624:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-26.9 LUFS (Good) | - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 201829 (v8)
GeekBench: 1325 (v5.1) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 9
- Exceptional 131-hour battery life
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Proven reliability and established user base
- Less powerful processor compared to the A53s 5G
- Lacks 5G connectivity
Oppo A53s 5G
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset
- Potentially better image processing capabilities
- Significantly shorter battery life
- Slower 10W wired charging
- May experience more thermal throttling under heavy load
Display Comparison
The Redmi 9’s display boasts a measured peak brightness of 328 nits and a 1624:1 contrast ratio, providing a reasonably viewable experience in most conditions. While the A53s 5G’s display specifications are not provided, it’s reasonable to assume it falls within a similar range given its market segment. The Redmi 9’s contrast ratio suggests a decent level of black depth, though neither phone is likely to compete with higher-end displays featuring OLED technology. The lack of information on the A53s 5G’s panel type makes a direct comparison difficult, but the Redmi 9’s measured brightness provides a concrete benchmark.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Given the budget nature of both phones, it’s unlikely either features a particularly advanced camera system. Focusing on the chipset, the Dimensity 700 in the A53s 5G includes an ISP capable of handling higher resolution sensors and more complex image processing algorithms. However, without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to definitively assess camera performance. It’s safe to assume both phones will perform adequately in well-lit conditions, but struggle in low-light scenarios. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is likely more of a marketing feature than a significant photographic advantage.
Performance
The Oppo A53s 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) chipset represents a significant architectural leap over the Redmi 9’s Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm). The Dimensity 700 utilizes more efficient 7nm fabrication, resulting in improved power efficiency and thermal performance. Furthermore, the A53s 5G’s CPU features Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the Redmi 9’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to faster application loading times and smoother multitasking on the A53s 5G. The 5G modem integrated into the Dimensity 700 is a key differentiator, enabling access to next-generation cellular networks. However, the Redmi 9’s Helio G80 is still capable of handling everyday tasks and light gaming.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Redmi 9’s standout feature is its exceptional battery endurance, rated at 131 hours. This is a direct result of the power-efficient Helio G80 chipset and a likely larger battery capacity (though not specified). The Oppo A53s 5G, with its more power-hungry Dimensity 700 and 5G modem, will inevitably have a shorter battery life. While the A53s 5G supports 10W charging, the Redmi 9 offers 18W wired charging, allowing for faster top-ups when needed. The trade-off is clear: the Redmi 9 prioritizes longevity, while the A53s 5G prioritizes speed and connectivity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9 if you need a phone that will reliably last a full day (and likely more) on a single charge, and if 5G connectivity isn't a critical requirement. It's ideal for users who prioritize practicality and value. Buy the Oppo A53s 5G if you absolutely need 5G access and are willing to compromise on battery life. This phone suits users who frequently stream content or download large files on the go and live in areas with strong 5G coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A53s 5G overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Mediatek Dimensity 700 is a capable chipset, but its 7nm process, while efficient, still generates heat under sustained load. Given the A53s 5G’s likely plastic construction and limited thermal dissipation capabilities, some degree of throttling is possible during prolonged gaming. The Redmi 9’s Helio G80, while less powerful, may exhibit less throttling due to its lower thermal output.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Redmi 9 significantly faster than the 10W charging on the A53s 5G?
Yes, 18W charging is noticeably faster than 10W charging. While neither phone offers incredibly rapid charging speeds, the Redmi 9 will replenish its battery more quickly, minimizing downtime. Expect a more substantial charge percentage gain in a shorter period with the Redmi 9.
❓ How much of a real-world difference will the 5G connectivity of the A53s 5G make?
The benefit of 5G depends entirely on your location and network coverage. If you live in an area with robust 5G infrastructure, you’ll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds, as well as lower latency. However, if 5G coverage is limited, you’ll primarily be using 4G LTE, negating the advantage of the A53s 5G’s 5G modem.
