The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Xiaomi Redmi 9A and Nokia 3.4 represent two compelling options, each aiming to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. This comparison dives deep into their core specifications, focusing on the key differences in chipset architecture and real-world performance to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia 3.4 emerges as the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Redmi 9A’s MediaTek Helio G25, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both offer similar battery and charging capabilities, the Nokia 3.4’s more efficient chipset contributes to better overall efficiency.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 13, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, July 07 | 2020, September 22. Released 2020, October 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 161 x 76 x 8.7 mm (6.34 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~81.9% 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 (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Gray (Midnight Black), Sky Blue (Sea Blue), Ocean Green (Nature Green) | Fjord, Dusk, Charcoal |
| Models | M2006C3LG, M2006C3LI, M2006C3LC, M2004C3L | TA-1288, TA-1285, TA-1283 |
| Price | € 64.30 / $ 56.50 / £ 95.56 | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) | 0.83 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.56 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9A
- Larger battery capacity (typically 5000mAh)
- Often available at a lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user interface
- Less powerful processor (Helio G25)
- Potentially slower app loading times
- Less efficient chipset leading to potentially shorter sustained performance
Nokia 3.4
- More powerful processor (Snapdragon 460)
- Better multitasking and app responsiveness
- Cleaner, closer-to-stock Android experience
- Potentially longer software support
- Smaller battery capacity (typically 4000mAh)
- May be slightly more expensive than the Redmi 9A
- Camera performance, while better, is still limited by the budget segment
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather basic usability. Without specific display specs, it's reasonable to assume both offer similar resolutions and brightness levels. The Nokia 3.4’s slightly larger screen size (typically around 6.39 inches vs. the Redmi 9A’s 6.53 inches) may offer a marginally more immersive viewing experience, but this is a minor difference.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are likely to feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary lenses of limited utility. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 460 generally offers superior image processing capabilities compared to the Helio G25’s ISP. This could result in slightly better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos taken with the Nokia 3.4. The presence of a dedicated camera algorithm within Nokia’s software could also contribute to improved image quality. The Redmi 9A’s camera is likely to be more basic, relying heavily on software enhancements.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia 3.4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm) utilizes a more modern architecture with 4x Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 1.8GHz alongside 4x Cortex-A53 cores. This is a significant upgrade over the Redmi 9A’s MediaTek Helio G25 (12nm), which relies on 8x Cortex-A53 cores, split between 2.0GHz and 1.5GHz. The A73 cores in the Snapdragon 460 offer substantially better single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The 11nm process node further benefits the Snapdragon 460 by improving power efficiency and reducing thermal throttling under sustained load. This translates to a smoother experience when multitasking or playing less demanding games.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. The Redmi 9A typically features a 5000mAh battery, while the Nokia 3.4 usually has a 4000mAh battery. While the Redmi 9A has a larger capacity, the Snapdragon 460’s superior power efficiency in the Nokia 3.4 could offset this difference, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. Users can expect roughly a full day of moderate use from either device, but the Nokia 3.4 may exhibit slightly better longevity under heavier workloads.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you prioritize absolute affordability. Buy the Nokia 3.4 if you value a more fluid user experience, slightly better performance for app switching and light gaming, and appreciate a cleaner, closer-to-stock Android experience with potential for longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia 3.4 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
No, the Snapdragon 460 is more than capable of handling everyday apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and web browsing. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, it provides a smooth and responsive user interface for these common tasks, unlike the Redmi 9A which may exhibit occasional lag.
❓ Is the Nokia 3.4 a good choice for mobile gaming?
The Nokia 3.4 can handle less demanding mobile games at lower settings. The Snapdragon 460’s GPU is a step up from the Helio G25, but don’t expect to play graphically intensive titles like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates. The Redmi 9A will struggle even more with gaming due to its weaker processor.
❓ How often can I expect software updates on the Nokia 3.4?
Nokia is known for providing relatively timely software updates and security patches, even on its budget devices. You can expect at least two years of Android version updates and three years of security updates, a significant advantage over the Redmi 9A, which typically receives less frequent updates.
❓ Does the Redmi 9A support fast charging, and how long does it take to fully charge?
The Redmi 9A only supports 10W charging. A full charge from 0% to 100% will take approximately 3-4 hours. The Nokia 3.4 also supports 10W charging, so charging times will be similar.
