The Xiaomi Redmi series is renowned for offering incredible value for money. The Redmi 9i Sport and Redmi 9A are two of the most affordable options, but which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison will break down their features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same core chipset and charging speed. The Redmi 9i Sport likely offers a slightly improved design and potentially more RAM/storage, making it the marginally better choice if available at a similar price. However, the 9A remains a fantastic budget option.
| 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 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 28 | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, July 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 28 | Discontinued |
| 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) | 196 g (6.91 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 10, upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| 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 | 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 Gray (Midnight Black), Sky Blue (Sea Blue), Ocean Green (Nature Green) |
| Models | - | M2006C3LG, M2006C3LI, M2006C3LC, M2004C3L |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 64.30 / $ 56.50 / £ 95.56 |
| SAR | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- Potentially improved design
- Possible higher RAM/storage options
- Slightly better camera (potentially)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited by the Helio G25 chipset
Xiaomi Redmi 9A
- Extremely affordable
- Reliable basic smartphone experience
- Long battery life
- Basic design
- Limited performance
- Slow charging
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels (HD+). Expect similar viewing experiences, though the 9i Sport might have a slightly more refined panel or coating. Brightness and color accuracy will be typical for budget phones.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 9A typically features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. The Redmi 9i Sport may have a slightly improved main sensor or additional features. Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps.
Performance
Powered by the Mediatek Helio G25, performance will be adequate for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect blazing speeds or demanding game performance. RAM and storage configurations are key differentiators here; the 9i Sport may offer more.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life under moderate usage. The 10W charging speed is a limitation, so expect longer charging times. Battery optimization will play a crucial role in real-world performance.
Buying Guide
The Redmi 9i Sport is ideal for users who want a slightly more modern design and potentially better memory configurations without breaking the bank. The Redmi 9A is perfect for those seeking the absolute lowest price point and a reliable, no-frills smartphone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Redmi 9i Sport and Redmi 9A?
The core specs are very similar. The Redmi 9i Sport likely has a slightly improved design and potentially more RAM/storage. The Redmi 9A is the more budget-friendly option.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for demanding games. Both are limited by the Helio G25 chipset. Light, casual games will run acceptably on both.
