The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Redmi 9i Sport and Redmi 10A are two contenders vying for your attention. But with seemingly identical specs, which one truly comes out on top? Let's dive in and find out.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Despite sharing the same core chipset and charging speed, the Redmi 10A generally offers a slightly improved experience due to subtle design refinements and potentially better software optimization. Both are solid budget choices, but the 10A edges out the 9i Sport for overall value.
| 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, 8, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 28 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 28 | Available. Released 2022, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 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 (~81.0% 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 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| 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 | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue | Charcoal Black, Sea Blue, Slate Grey |
| Models | - | 220233L2C, 220233L2G, 220233L2I |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 60.00 / $ 66.55 |
| SAR | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- Compact and lightweight design
- Very affordable price
- Decent battery life
- Basic performance
- Slow charging
- Limited camera capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- Slightly more modern design
- Potentially better software optimization
- Acceptable camera performance
- Still basic performance
- Slow charging
- Limited low-light camera performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution. While the specs are identical, the Redmi 10A often has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potential panel variations or software calibration. Viewing angles are comparable on both.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 10A typically features a 13MP main camera, while the 9i Sport often has a similar configuration. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be limited. The Redmi 10A might have slightly improved image processing algorithms.
Performance
Powered by the Mediatek Helio G25, performance is expected to be similar on both devices. Expect adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level speeds; this is a budget chipset. Software optimization could be a differentiating factor, with the 10A potentially offering a smoother experience.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging is limited to 10W wired charging on both, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport is a good option for users prioritizing a compact design and a very budget-friendly price point. The Redmi 10A is better suited for those seeking a slightly more refined experience, a more modern design, and potentially longer software support, even if the price is marginally higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are the Redmi 9i Sport and Redmi 10A the same phone?
No, while they share the same chipset and battery capacity, the Redmi 10A generally offers a slightly improved design and potentially better software optimization.
❓ Which phone has better performance?
Performance is largely similar due to the shared Helio G25 chipset. However, the Redmi 10A might offer a slightly smoother experience due to potential software optimizations.
