Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport vs Redmi Note 11: A Head-to-Head Showdown

Xiaomi offers a range of budget-friendly smartphones, and the Redmi 9i Sport and Redmi Note 11 are popular contenders. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi Note 11 is the clear winner. Its superior chipset, faster charging, brighter display, and generally improved features offer a significantly better user experience despite a similar price point. The 9i Sport is a basic option for those on a very tight budget.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport	Xiaomi Redmi Note 11

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
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2021, September 28	2022, January 26
Status	Available. Released 2021, September 28	Available. Released 2022, February 09

Body
Dimensions	164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in)	159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	194 g (6.84 oz)	179 g (6.31 oz)
	Water-repellent coating	IP53, dust and splash resistant

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size	6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio)	6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)	AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)	Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)	Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
GPU	PowerVR GE8320	Adreno 610
OS	Android 10, MIUI 12	Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, HyperOS

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	UFS 2.2

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad	-	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single	13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF	13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	-
Single	5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm	13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with stereo speakers
	-	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE	5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	-	Yes
NFC	No	Yes (market/region dependent)
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, gyro, compass
	-	Virtual proximity sensing

Battery
Charging	10W wired	33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 60 min
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue	Graphite Gray, Twilight Blue, Star Blue
Models	-	2201117TG, 2201117TI, 2201117TY, 2201117TL
Price	About 100 EUR	£ 95.00 / € 97.99 / ₹ 11,950
SAR	-	0.97 W/kg (head) 0.93 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	-	0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body)

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 126h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-	-25.8 LUFS (Very good)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 228044 (v8), 244526 (v9) GeekBench: 1662 (v5.1) GFXBench: 6.8fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport

Extremely affordable
Decent battery life
Lightweight design

Weak performance
Low-resolution display
Slow charging
Basic camera

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11

Smooth performance
Bright and vibrant display
Fast charging (33W)
Improved camera
Modern design

Can be slightly more expensive than the 9i Sport
No expandable storage in some variants

Display Comparison

The Redmi Note 11 boasts a significantly brighter display (736 nits vs. likely around 400 nits for the 9i Sport) and a superior contrast ratio, resulting in more vibrant colors and better visibility in sunlight. The 9i Sport's display is adequate but lacks the visual punch of the Note 11.

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Redmi Note 11's Snapdragon 680 chipset typically allows for better image processing and potentially higher resolution video recording. The 9i Sport's camera is functional but lacks the detail and dynamic range of the Note 11.

Performance

The Snapdragon 680 in the Redmi Note 11 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G25 in the 9i Sport. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the Note 11. Gaming performance will also be significantly better.

Battery Life

Both phones boast impressive endurance ratings (126h), suggesting excellent battery life. However, the Redmi Note 11's 33W fast charging is a game-changer, allowing it to charge much faster than the 9i Sport's 10W charging.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport is best suited for users who prioritize affordability above all else and need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is ideal for users who want a smoother performance, better camera, faster charging, and a more vibrant display without breaking the bank.