The Xiaomi Redmi 9AT and Redmi 9i Sport occupy the ultra-budget smartphone segment, often appearing side-by-side in retail listings. With remarkably similar specifications, discerning a clear winner requires a granular examination of their nuances and target audiences. This comparison aims to uncover whether the 'Sport' moniker translates to a tangible advantage, or if the 9AT remains the more sensible choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality, the Redmi 9i Sport offers a negligible advantage, primarily stemming from potential regional availability and minor software optimizations. However, given the identical core hardware and 10W charging, the Redmi 9AT represents a compelling value proposition if available at a lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 09. Released 2020, September 09 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 194 g (6.84 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 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (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 | 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 | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Gray, Sky Blue, Ocean Green | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | M2006C3LVG | - |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.87 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.78 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 9AT
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Identical chipset to the 9i Sport
- Slow 10W charging
- Unspecified display quality
- Limited camera capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- Potentially more recent software updates
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Identical chipset to the 9AT
- Slow 10W charging
- Unspecified display quality
- Limited camera capabilities
Display Comparison
Both the Redmi 9AT and 9i Sport feature unspecified display resolutions and panel types, typical of this price bracket. Given the shared chipset, the display experience will be largely identical. Expect a 6.53-inch display, but without detailed specifications like peak brightness or color gamut coverage, it's safe to assume both displays prioritize power efficiency over visual fidelity. The lack of higher refresh rates is standard, focusing on maximizing battery life.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be a weak point on both devices. While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, the context data doesn't provide specifics beyond the chipset. Expect a primary sensor, potentially accompanied by depth or macro lenses. The image processing capabilities of the Helio G25 are limited, so image quality will be heavily reliant on lighting conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera is a common tactic in this segment, but its practical utility is questionable due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization.
Performance
The heart of both devices is the Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) chipset, paired with an Octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53). This means performance will be virtually indistinguishable between the two. The Helio G25 is designed for entry-level gaming and everyday tasks; demanding applications will likely exhibit noticeable lag. The 12nm process node suggests moderate thermal efficiency, but sustained heavy workloads could lead to throttling. RAM configurations are not specified, but are likely to be similar, further minimizing performance differences.
Battery Life
Both the Redmi 9AT and 9i Sport are equipped with 10W wired charging. This slow charging speed means a full charge will take a significant amount of time, likely exceeding 3 hours. Battery capacity is not specified, but is likely in the 5000mAh range, common for budget smartphones aiming for all-day battery life with moderate usage. The slow charging speed, combined with the unspecified battery capacity, suggests a focus on longevity over quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9AT if you need a reliably functional smartphone for essential tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and are prioritizing the lowest possible price. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport if you prefer a slightly newer model with potentially more consistent software updates, and are willing to pay a small premium for that assurance. Both are suitable for first-time smartphone users or as a durable backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G25 chipset struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Mediatek Helio G25 is an entry-level chipset. While it can *run* PUBG Mobile, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame rate drops, especially during intense action. It's not designed for demanding gaming experiences.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed a significant drawback?
Yes, 10W charging is quite slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take over 3 hours. This is acceptable for overnight charging, but inconvenient if you need a quick power boost during the day. Prioritize charging overnight to mitigate this limitation.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the 9AT and 9i Sport?
Both devices likely run Xiaomi's MIUI based on Android. The 9i Sport, being a potentially newer model, may receive software updates for a longer period. However, the core MIUI experience will be largely the same, including pre-installed apps and customization options.
