The Xiaomi Redmi 9 and Samsung Galaxy A21s represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. Both aim to deliver essential features without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money, focusing on real-world performance and usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 9 emerges as the stronger choice. Its significantly longer 131-hour endurance rating and brighter display, coupled with a more powerful processor, outweigh the Galaxy A21s’ slightly higher peak brightness. The Redmi 9 provides a better overall experience for those prioritizing battery life and performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 10 | 2020, May 15. Released 2020, June 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, June 10 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 77 x 9.1 mm (6.43 x 3.03 x 0.36 in) | 163.7 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 192 g (6.77 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 (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4/6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| 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 | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 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 |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio (no wired headphones required) | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5020 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Gray, Sunset Purple, Ocean Green, Pink/Blue | Black, White, Blue, Red |
| Models | M2004J19G, M2004J19C | SM-A217F, SM-A217F/DS, SM-A217F/DSN, SM-A217M, SM-A217M/DS, SM-A217N |
| Price | $ 105.77 / £ 196.62 / € 115.51 | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.54 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 131h | Endurance rating 119h |
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1624:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1287:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-26.9 LUFS (Good) |
-30.0 LUFS (Average) |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 201829 (v8)
GeekBench: 1325 (v5.1) |
AnTuTu: 107157 (v8)
GeekBench: 1100 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 11fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9
- Superior battery life (131h endurance)
- More powerful processor (Helio G80)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Lower peak display brightness
- Potentially less refined software experience
Samsung Galaxy A21s
- Brighter display (490 nits)
- Samsung One UI software
- 8nm chipset process
- Shorter battery life (119h endurance)
- Less powerful processor (Exynos 850)
- Slower charging (15W)
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A21s boasts a higher peak brightness of 490 nits compared to the Redmi 9’s 328 nits, which will be noticeable in direct sunlight. However, the Redmi 9’s 1624:1 contrast ratio, while nominally specified, suggests deeper blacks and a more vibrant image. The A21s’ 1287:1 contrast ratio is adequate but less impactful. Both displays are likely LCD panels, and neither offers high refresh rates, making the brightness difference the primary distinguishing factor for outdoor visibility. The Redmi 9's lower brightness may be less straining in dark environments.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the market positioning, it’s safe to assume both rely on budget sensors. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A21s is likely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit. Image processing will likely be the key differentiator, with Samsung’s software typically prioritizing vibrant colors and the Redmi 9 aiming for a more natural look. The lack of OIS on either device suggests image stabilization will be primarily software-based.
Performance
The chipset is where the Redmi 9 pulls ahead. Its Mediatek Helio G80, built on a 12nm process, features a more powerful CPU configuration – octa-core with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Galaxy A21s’ Exynos 850 (8nm) which uses 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores for all eight cores. While the Exynos 850 benefits from a smaller 8nm process, the architectural difference in the CPU cores gives the Helio G80 a clear advantage in single-core and multi-core performance, translating to snappier app loading and smoother multitasking. This difference is particularly relevant for gaming.
Battery Life
Battery life is a significant win for the Redmi 9. Its endurance rating of 131 hours substantially exceeds the Galaxy A21s’ 119 hours. This translates to a full day of heavy use, or potentially two days of moderate use, on the Redmi 9. While the A21s supports 15W charging, the Redmi 9’s 18W charging offers a slightly faster top-up. The larger endurance rating of the Redmi 9 suggests more efficient power management, offsetting the relatively small difference in charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9 if you prioritize maximizing battery life and need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming and multitasking. Its Helio G80 chipset offers a noticeable performance edge. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A21s if a slightly brighter screen is paramount, and you prefer the Samsung One UI experience, even if it means sacrificing some battery endurance and processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A21s tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 850 is an efficient chip, its less powerful CPU compared to the Helio G80 in the Redmi 9 means it will likely struggle more with demanding games. Overheating isn't a major concern, but performance throttling is more probable, leading to dropped frames and a less smooth gaming experience.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Galaxy A21s actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited practical benefit. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. It's primarily a marketing feature and won't deliver professional-quality macro photography.
❓ Can the Redmi 9 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile at reasonable frame rates?
The Redmi 9’s Helio G80 chipset is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve consistently smooth frame rates. Expect playable performance, but don’t anticipate maxing out the settings.
❓ How much faster is the 18W charging on the Redmi 9 compared to the 15W charging on the Galaxy A21s?
The difference in charging speed isn't dramatic, but the Redmi 9 will typically charge slightly faster. Expect around a 30-minute difference for a full charge, assuming both phones start at 0%. However, the Redmi 9's superior battery endurance means you'll likely need to charge it less frequently.
