The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Redmi 9i Sport and the standard Redmi 9i. But what are the key differences, and which one offers the best bang for your buck?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 9i edges out the Sport due to its inclusion of 64GB storage and 4GB RAM, providing a significantly better user experience for apps and media. While both share the same processor and charging, the Redmi 9i's added memory makes it the more practical 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 / 1900 / 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 | 2020, September 15. Released 2020, September 18 |
| 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) | 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, 270 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, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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@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 | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue | Midnight Black, Sea Blue, Nature Green |
| Models | - | M2006C3LII |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | ₹ 8,200 |
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- Lightweight design
- Decent battery life
- Affordable price
- Limited storage (likely 32GB)
- Likely 3GB RAM
- Slow charging
Xiaomi Redmi 9i
- 64GB storage
- 4GB RAM
- Good value for money
- Decent battery life
- Slow charging
- Average performance
- Plastic build
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, if any, are likely minimal and not significant factors for most users.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to have a triple rear 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. Low-light performance will be average on both devices. The front-facing camera is likely a 5MP sensor on both.
Performance
Powered by the same Mediatek Helio G25 chipset and octa-core CPU, performance will be virtually identical. Expect adequate performance for basic tasks but struggles with demanding games or heavy multitasking. The 4GB RAM in the Redmi 9i will provide a slightly smoother experience compared to the Sport's likely 3GB RAM.
Battery Life
Both devices are expected to house a 5000mAh battery. With the same processor and display, battery life should be similar, offering a full day of moderate usage. The 10W wired charging is a drawback, as it will take a considerable amount of time to fully charge the battery.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport is best suited for users prioritizing a lightweight device for basic tasks like calls, texts, and occasional social media browsing. The Redmi 9i is ideal for those needing more storage for photos, videos, and apps, and who want a smoother multitasking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in storage between the Redmi 9i Sport and Redmi 9i?
The Redmi 9i typically comes with 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM, while the Redmi 9i Sport likely has 32GB of storage and 3GB of RAM.
❓ Are the cameras on both phones the same?
Both phones are expected to have a similar triple-camera setup with a 13MP main sensor, 8MP ultrawide, and 2MP depth sensor. Image quality should be comparable.
