Xiaomi consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Redmi 9i Sport and Redmi 11 Prime 5G are two contenders vying for your attention. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 11 Prime 5G is the clear winner. Its 5G connectivity, significantly faster processor, and improved charging speed outweigh the 9i Sport's potential cost advantage. If 5G and performance are priorities, the 11 Prime 5G is the better choice.
| 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, September 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 28 | Available. Released 2022, September 09 |
| 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 | - |
| 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 |
| 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 | Thunder Black, Chrome Silver, Meadow Green |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight design
- Outdated chipset
- Slow charging
- Lower resolution display
- Limited performance
Xiaomi Redmi 11 Prime 5G
- 5G connectivity
- Faster processor
- Improved display
- Faster charging
- Better camera
- Slightly more expensive
- May have slightly shorter battery life due to 5G usage
Display Comparison
The Redmi 11 Prime 5G typically features a larger display (around 6.6 inches) with a higher resolution (FHD+) compared to the 9i Sport (likely around 6.5 inches and HD+). Expect better image clarity and a more immersive viewing experience on the 11 Prime 5G. Both likely use IPS LCD panels.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely offer multiple rear cameras, the 11 Prime 5G generally boasts a higher resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing capabilities. Expect improved low-light performance and more detailed photos from the 11 Prime 5G. Both likely have a depth sensor and macro lens.
Performance
This is where the 11 Prime 5G shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset is significantly more powerful than the Helio G25. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 11 Prime 5G. The 11 Prime 5G's CPU architecture (Cortex-A76 cores) also contributes to improved performance.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life. However, the 11 Prime 5G's 18W fast charging is a significant advantage over the 9i Sport's 10W charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.
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 11 Prime 5G is perfect for those seeking a more modern experience with 5G connectivity, smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, and faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 9i Sport worth buying in 2024?
Only if you're on an extremely tight budget and don't need 5G or high performance. Otherwise, the Redmi 11 Prime 5G offers significantly better value.
❓ Does the Redmi 11 Prime 5G support 5G in all regions?
5G support depends on your region and carrier compatibility. Check with your provider to ensure compatibility before purchasing.
