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 segment, offering essential features at attractive prices. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 9A Sport edges out the A1+ thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and octa-core CPU, resulting in smoother performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. Both offer decent battery life and a similar charging experience, making the 9A Sport the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 28 | 2022, September 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 28 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| 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 | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| 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 | - |
| 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 | - |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | - | 220733SFG |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 78.30 / £ 72.30 / ₹ 6,670 |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Slightly better performance
- Octa-core CPU
- Decent battery life
- Larger screen (marginally)
- Basic camera
- 10W charging is slow
- Plastic build
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Lightweight
- Lower performance
- Quad-core CPU
- Basic camera
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ display, offering a decent viewing experience for media consumption. While the resolution is the same, the 9A Sport might have slightly better color accuracy due to its slightly newer design. However, the difference is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable for most users.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 9A Sport typically features a 13MP main camera, while the Redmi A1+ often has a similar or slightly lower resolution. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions for both, but don't expect flagship-level performance. Low-light performance will be a challenge on both devices.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 9A Sport takes a clear lead. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset with an octa-core CPU provides a noticeable performance boost compared to the Redmi A1+'s Helio A22 with a quad-core CPU. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and better responsiveness on the 9A Sport.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, so expect similar charging times.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is ideal for users who prioritize a bit more processing power for multitasking and occasional gaming. The Redmi A1+ is a great option for those seeking a basic, reliable smartphone primarily for calls, texts, and essential apps, and who are extremely budget-conscious.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi 9A Sport is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset and octa-core CPU.
❓ Are the cameras any good?
Neither phone has exceptional cameras. They are adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions.
❓ How long does the battery last?
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.
