Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport and the Realme C30s are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 9A Sport edges out the Realme C30s thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and potentially better camera performance. However, the C30s might offer a more refined software experience and potentially a slightly better display. It's a close call, heavily dependent on your priorities.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 28 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 28 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | - | RMX3690 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Slightly more powerful chipset
- Potentially better camera
- Larger storage options likely
- Good battery life
- Software experience might be less polished
- Design might be less premium
- 10W charging is slow
Realme C30s
- Potentially better display quality
- Smoother software experience (Realme UI)
- Compact and lightweight design
- Good battery life
- Less powerful chipset
- Camera performance likely inferior
- Limited storage options possible
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for everyday use. The Realme C30s might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially using a more modern panel, but this is speculative without detailed reviews. Expect similar resolution and pixel density.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 9A Sport likely has a more versatile camera setup, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and a depth sensor. While both phones will produce acceptable photos in good lighting conditions, the Redmi 9A Sport has the potential for slightly better image quality and more creative shooting options. Expect both to struggle in low light.
Performance
The Redmi 9A Sport's Mediatek Helio G25 boasts a slightly more powerful GPU and CPU cores compared to the Realme C30s' Cortex-A55. This translates to marginally better gaming performance and smoother multitasking on the Redmi 9A Sport. However, both phones are entry-level devices and shouldn't be expected to handle demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones offer a respectable 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life for moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, meaning charging times will be similar. Battery optimization will be a key factor in real-world performance.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is ideal for users prioritizing performance and camera capabilities within a tight budget. The Realme C30s is a good fit for those seeking a smoother, more user-friendly experience and a potentially more visually appealing display, even if it means sacrificing a bit of processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport likely offers slightly better gaming performance due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ Which phone has a better camera?
The Redmi 9A Sport potentially has a better camera system, but both phones are limited in low-light conditions.
❓ Are both phones 4G capable?
Yes, both the Redmi 9A Sport and Realme C30s are 4G capable.
❓ What is the storage capacity of each phone?
Storage options vary by region, but the Redmi 9A Sport typically offers more storage configurations.