The Xiaomi Redmi 9A and 9A Sport are both incredibly affordable smartphones targeting budget-conscious users. But with subtle differences, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key distinctions to help you make the right decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 9A Sport and Redmi 9A are remarkably similar, sharing the same core chipset and charging speed. The Sport variant often features a slightly refreshed design and potentially minor software tweaks. Ultimately, the choice hinges on aesthetics and price – whichever offers the best deal wins.
| 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 28 | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, July 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 28 | 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) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (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 | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 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 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | 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 Blue | Carbon Gray (Midnight Black), Sky Blue (Sea Blue), Ocean Green (Nature Green) |
| Models | - | M2006C3LG, M2006C3LI, M2006C3LC, M2004C3L |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 64.30 / $ 56.50 / £ 95.56 |
| SAR | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Potentially refreshed design
- Good battery life
- Affordable price
- Decent display
- Slow charging
- Basic performance
- Limited camera features
Xiaomi Redmi 9A
- Excellent value for money
- Good battery life
- Decent display
- Widely available
- Slow charging
- Basic performance
- Limited camera features
- Standard design
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels (HD+). Expect similar viewing experiences in terms of brightness, color accuracy, and sharpness. The Sport variant *might* have a slightly improved coating for better scratch resistance, but this is often unconfirmed.
Camera Comparison
The camera setup is expected to be the same: a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality will be comparable in most lighting conditions. Video recording capabilities are also likely to be similar, offering 1080p at 30fps. The Sport variant *might* have slightly improved image processing algorithms, but the difference will be minimal.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. Both are powered by the Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, which is adequate for basic tasks like browsing, messaging, and light social media use. Don't expect to play demanding games smoothly on either device. RAM and storage configurations are likely to be similar (typically 3GB/32GB or 4GB/64GB).
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, providing excellent battery life. Expect a full day of moderate usage on either device. The 10W wired charging is relatively slow, but the large battery capacity compensates for it.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is ideal for those seeking a slightly more modern aesthetic in a budget phone. If you prioritize a potentially lower price and don't mind a more standard design, the Redmi 9A remains an excellent choice. Both are great for basic tasks, social media, and light entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 9A Sport worth the extra money?
It depends. If you like the updated design, it might be. Otherwise, the standard Redmi 9A offers similar performance at potentially a lower price.
❓ Can I play games on the Redmi 9A or 9A Sport?
You can play basic games, but demanding titles will struggle due to the limited processing power.
❓ What is the battery life like on these phones?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day with moderate usage.
