The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Redmi 9A Sport and Redmi 9C are two contenders vying for your attention. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 9C edges out the 9A Sport thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and marginally better performance. Both offer excellent value, but the 9C's improved processor makes it the preferable option for smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading. Both have 10W charging, a significant drawback.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 28 | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, August 12 |
| 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 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.03 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 (~81.1% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 10, 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 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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 | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), 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 | Midnight Gray, Sunrise Orange, Twilight Blue |
| Models | - | M2006C3MG, M2006C3MT |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.73 W/kg (head) 0.52 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Excellent battery life
- Affordable price
- Decent display
- Lightweight design
- Slow charging (10W)
- Less powerful chipset
- Basic camera features
- Plastic build
Xiaomi Redmi 9C
- Slightly better performance
- Triple camera setup (often)
- Affordable price
- Decent display
- Slow charging (10W)
- Plastic build
- Limited low-light camera performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels (HD+). While the resolution is the same, slight variations in color accuracy and brightness might be noticeable, but overall, the display experience is comparable. Neither phone has a high refresh rate.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 9C typically features a triple camera setup (13MP main, 2MP depth, 2MP macro) while the 9A Sport often has a dual camera setup (13MP main, 2MP depth). The Redmi 9C's additional macro lens provides slightly more versatility. Image quality is generally decent in good lighting conditions for both, but low-light performance is limited.
Performance
The Redmi 9C's Helio G35 chipset offers a noticeable performance boost over the 9A Sport's Helio G25. This translates to smoother app navigation, slightly faster loading times, and a more responsive user experience. While neither phone is a powerhouse, the G35 provides a more enjoyable experience for everyday tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the slower 10W charging on both devices means it will take a considerable amount of time to fully recharge.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is ideal for users prioritizing basic functionality, long battery life, and a very tight budget. The Redmi 9C is a better choice for those who want a bit more performance for light gaming and multitasking without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 9A Sport good for gaming?
The Redmi 9A Sport can handle basic games, but don't expect high frame rates or smooth performance in demanding titles. The Redmi 9C is slightly better suited for light gaming.
❓ How long does the battery last on these phones?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. However, charging is slow due to the 10W charging speed.
