The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers affordable smartphones, and the 9i Sport and 9 Activ are no exception. Both offer compelling features for budget-conscious buyers, but subtle differences can make a big impact. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 9 Activ edges out the 9i Sport thanks to its slightly more powerful Helio G35 chipset, resulting in smoother performance for everyday tasks and gaming. Both offer similar battery life and camera capabilities, making the Activ the marginally better choice for most users.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 28 | 2021, September 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 28 | Available. Released 2021, September 24 |
| 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 а/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 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-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Purple |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- Clean and simple user interface
- Decent battery life
- Affordable price
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower performance
- Basic camera features
Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ
- Slightly better performance
- Smooth multitasking
- Good value for money
- Still a budget phone
- 10W charging is slow
- Camera is adequate, not exceptional
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels (Full HD+). Expect similar color accuracy and viewing angles. Differences in brightness and color calibration might exist, but are unlikely to be significant.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are expected to feature a triple-camera setup, likely including a 13MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality will be comparable in well-lit conditions, but the Activ's slightly more powerful processor might offer marginally better image processing. Both will likely have a 8MP front-facing camera.
Performance
The Redmi 9 Activ's Helio G35 chipset offers a noticeable performance boost over the 9i Sport's Helio G25. The higher clock speeds of the CPU cores translate to snappier app loading times, smoother scrolling, and improved responsiveness. While neither phone is a powerhouse, the Activ handles multitasking slightly better.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to house a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, meaning charging times will be similar.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport is ideal for users prioritizing a clean, simple experience and basic functionality. It's a good option for first-time smartphone users or those needing a secondary device. The Redmi 9 Activ is better suited for users who want a bit more performance for multitasking, light gaming, and general responsiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 9 Activ worth the extra money compared to the 9i Sport?
Yes, the slightly better performance of the Helio G35 chipset in the Redmi 9 Activ makes it a worthwhile upgrade if you value responsiveness and smoother multitasking.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Redmi 9 Activ offers slightly better gaming performance due to its more powerful chipset, although both phones are best suited for casual games.
