Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport and Redmi A2 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering essential features at attractive prices. But which one delivers the best value for your money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi A2 edges out the 9A Sport thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and marginally better performance. Both offer similar battery life and camera capabilities, making the A2 the slightly more compelling choice for most users seeking a budget-friendly Xiaomi.
| 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 | 2023, March 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 28 | Available. Released 2023, March 24 |
| 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) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI |
| 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 |
| | 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 | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green |
| Models | - | 23028RN4DG, 23026RN54G |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 59.00 / £ 54.95 |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Familiar design
- Decent battery life
- Affordable price
- Older chipset
- Slightly lower performance
- Basic camera
Xiaomi Redmi A2
- Slightly better performance
- Modern design
- Good value for money
- Basic camera
- 10W charging is slow
- HD+ display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Redmi A2 might offer slightly improved color accuracy due to its newer design. Viewing angles and brightness are expected to be comparable.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature a 13MP main camera and a depth sensor. Image quality is expected to be similar, with decent performance in well-lit conditions. Low-light photography will likely be a challenge on both phones. The Redmi A2 may have slightly improved image processing due to its newer chipset.
Performance
The Redmi A2's Helio G36 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the 9A Sport's Helio G25. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the A2. Both phones are adequate for basic tasks like browsing and social media, but the A2 handles more demanding apps better.
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, meaning a full charge will take around 2-3 hours.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is ideal for users prioritizing a familiar design and basic functionality. The Redmi A2 is a better choice for those seeking a bit more processing power and a slightly more modern design, without significantly increasing the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Redmi A2, thanks to its Helio G36 chipset, offers noticeably better gaming performance than the Redmi 9A Sport.
❓ Are the cameras on these phones any good?
Both cameras are adequate for basic photography in good lighting conditions. Don't expect exceptional image quality, especially in low light.
