Xiaomi offers a range of budget-friendly smartphones, and the Redmi 9i Sport and Redmi 10 5G are two popular contenders. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 10 5G is the clear winner. Its 5G connectivity, significantly faster processor, and improved charging speed offer a substantial upgrade over the Redmi 9i Sport, despite a potentially slightly higher price. The 9i Sport remains a viable option for those prioritizing affordability above all else.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 28 | 2022, March 29 |
| 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 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | 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 |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue | Graphite Gray, Chrome Silver, Aurora Green |
| Models | - | 22041219G, 22041219NY |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- Extremely affordable
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight and compact
- Slow performance
- Low-resolution display
- Slow charging
- Outdated chipset
Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G
- 5G connectivity
- Faster processor
- Improved camera
- Faster charging
- Higher resolution display
- Slightly more expensive
- Design may be less appealing to some
Display Comparison
The Redmi 10 5G typically features a slightly larger display (around 6.59 inches) with a higher resolution (FHD+) compared to the Redmi 9i Sport (around 6.53 inches, HD+). This results in a sharper and more immersive viewing experience on the 10 5G. Both likely use IPS LCD panels, offering decent color accuracy but not exceptional brightness.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer multiple rear cameras, the Redmi 10 5G generally has a more capable main sensor and image processing capabilities. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the 10 5G. Both likely include macro and depth sensors, but their quality varies.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 10 5G shines. The Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset is significantly more powerful than the Helio G25. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 10 5G. The 7nm process of the Dimensity 700 also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the Redmi 10 5G's more efficient chipset and 18W fast charging provide a faster charging experience compared to the 9i Sport's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport is ideal for users on a very tight budget who primarily need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use. The Redmi 10 5G is better suited for users who want a faster experience, 5G connectivity, and a more modern smartphone experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 10 5G worth the extra money?
Yes, if you value performance, 5G connectivity, and a better camera experience. The upgrade is significant.
❓ Can the Redmi 9i Sport handle basic games?
It can handle very simple games, but don't expect smooth performance in demanding titles. The processor struggles with more complex games.
❓ What is the difference between the chipsets?
The Dimensity 700 (Redmi 10 5G) is a much more modern and powerful chipset than the Helio G25 (Redmi 9i Sport), offering significantly better performance and efficiency.
