The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Xiaomi Redmi 9i and Samsung Galaxy A02 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point. However, significant differences in their underlying hardware mean one offers a considerably better experience for the money, particularly for users prioritizing performance and longevity.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 9i is the clear winner. Its more modern Mediatek Helio G25 chipset and 4GB of RAM provide a noticeably smoother experience than the aging Mediatek MT6739W in the Galaxy A02, making it better suited for multitasking and app usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 15. Released 2020, September 18 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 270 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Sea Blue, Nature Green | Black, Blue |
| Models | M2006C3LII | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 97.46 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.65 W/kg (head) 1.71 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 32GB 2GB RAM | - | $ 149.99 |
| 32GB 3GB RAM | - | $ 129.99 |
| 64GB 3GB RAM | - | $ 199.99 |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | ₹ 8,200 | - |
| RENEWED | - | £ 113.00 |
Xiaomi Redmi 9i
- Significantly better performance with Helio G25 chipset
- More RAM options (up to 4GB) for smoother multitasking
- More power-efficient chipset for potentially longer battery life
- 10W charging is slow
- Display quality is likely basic
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Potentially lower initial cost (depending on RAM configuration)
- Samsung brand recognition
- Lightweight and compact design
- Outdated and underpowered Mediatek MT6739W chipset
- Limited RAM (2GB/3GB) leads to sluggish performance
- Poor multitasking capabilities
Display Comparison
Neither phone boasts a particularly impressive display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, but details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable. The Galaxy A02’s display is likely lower quality given its overall component tier. The Redmi 9i’s larger target market suggests a slightly better panel, though still basic. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both phones will be limited. While both likely feature a primary rear camera, details on sensor size and aperture are scarce. The Galaxy A02’s available configurations include a 13MP main camera, while the Redmi 9i’s is likely similar. However, the A02 often includes 2MP macro and depth sensors which offer minimal real-world benefit. Image processing will be basic on both, and low-light performance will be poor. The Redmi 9i’s more powerful chipset *may* allow for slightly faster image processing, but don’t expect flagship-level results from either.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 9i pulls decisively ahead. The Mediatek Helio G25 (12nm) is a significantly more capable chipset than the Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W (28nm). The G25’s octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) versus the A02’s quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 translates to a much smoother user experience, especially when multitasking. The 12nm process node of the G25 also offers better power efficiency. The Redmi 9i’s 4GB RAM option (vs the A02’s 2GB/3GB) further enhances multitasking capabilities, preventing frequent app reloading. The A02 will struggle with even moderately demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones feature similar battery capacities (likely around 4000-5000mAh, though specific numbers are unavailable). However, the Redmi 9i’s more efficient chipset and 10W charging will likely result in slightly better real-world battery life. The A02’s older chipset and potentially less optimized software could lead to faster battery drain. Neither phone supports fast charging, so expect several hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9i if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic tasks like calls and messaging. It’s ideal for users who occasionally browse social media, play light games, or need a more responsive experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if your primary needs are extremely basic – making calls, sending texts, and very light web browsing – and you prioritize brand recognition or a slightly lower initial cost (depending on RAM configuration).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Galaxy A02 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W chipset and limited RAM (2GB/3GB) will likely result in noticeable lag and slow loading times when using apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. The Redmi 9i will handle these apps much more smoothly.
❓ Is the Redmi 9i a good option for playing mobile games?
The Redmi 9i is suitable for *light* gaming. The Helio G25 can handle less demanding titles, but don’t expect to play graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile at high settings. The Galaxy A02 is even less capable for gaming due to its significantly weaker chipset.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone?
Both phones support only 10W charging, meaning a full charge will take several hours (likely 3-4 hours) from 0%. Neither phone offers fast charging capabilities.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A02 receive regular software updates?
Samsung's update schedule for the A02 is limited. Given its position as an ultra-budget device, it's unlikely to receive major Android version updates or frequent security patches. The Redmi 9i may receive more consistent updates, though expectations should still be tempered.
