Looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport and Redmi A1 are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 9A Sport edges out the Redmi A1 thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and octa-core CPU, resulting in smoother performance for everyday tasks. Both offer excellent value, but the 9A Sport provides a bit more processing power for a similar price.
| 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, 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 | 2022, September 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 28 | Available. Released 2022, September 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 192 g (6.77 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) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 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) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | - | 220733SI, 220733SG, 220733SL, 220743FI, 220733SH |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.85 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Slightly better performance due to octa-core CPU
- Potentially better color accuracy on display
- Decent main camera
- 10W charging is slow
- Plastic build quality
Xiaomi Redmi A1
- Very affordable
- Long battery life
- Simple and easy to use
- Less powerful chipset
- Basic camera performance
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Redmi 9A Sport might offer slightly better color accuracy due to its slightly newer design. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable on both devices.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 9A Sport typically features a 13MP main camera, while the Redmi A1 has an 8MP main camera. Both phones likely include a depth sensor for portrait mode. Image quality is decent in good lighting conditions on both, but low-light performance is expected to be average. Video recording capabilities are similar, likely topping out at 1080p at 30fps.
Performance
The Redmi 9A Sport boasts a Mediatek Helio G25 chipset with an octa-core CPU, while the Redmi A1 uses a Mediatek Helio A22 with a quad-core CPU. This difference translates to noticeably better performance on the 9A Sport, especially when handling multiple apps or slightly more demanding games. The A1 is adequate for basic tasks but may struggle with heavier workloads.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, meaning charging times will be comparable.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is ideal for users who need a little extra performance for light gaming or multitasking. The Redmi A1 is perfect for those primarily focused on basic communication, media consumption, and essential apps, prioritizing simplicity and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi 9A Sport is better suited for light gaming due to its more powerful chipset and octa-core CPU.
❓ Are the cameras on these phones any good?
Both cameras are decent in good lighting, but low-light performance is average. The Redmi 9A Sport's camera is slightly better overall.
❓ How long will the battery last on each phone?
Both phones offer all-day battery life with moderate usage thanks to their 5000mAh batteries.
❓ Which phone is more affordable?
The Redmi A1 is generally the more affordable option.
