The Xiaomi Redmi 9A, released in July 2020, is one of the most affordable smartphones in Xiaomi’s lineup. Designed to cater to budget-conscious users.
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm |
| Weight | 196 g |
| Display | 6.53-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1600 pixels, 269 ppi |
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G25 (12nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 |
| RAM & Storage | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Expandable Storage | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Main Camera | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF |
| Front Camera | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, 10W charging |
| Operating System | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| SIM Slots | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, FM radio |
| Ports | microUSB 2.0, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Colors | Carbon Gray, Sky Blue, Ocean Green |
| Price | $66.60 for Redmi 9A 4 64GB |
| Order from AliExpress |
Buy from AliExpress
Don’t forget to buy from our links, that’s help us to give more valuable content
|
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Review
Redmi 9A offers essential features without the premium price tag. Let’s dive into a detailed review of its specifications, strengths, and weaknesses.
Design and Build Quality
The Redmi 9A boasts a sturdy and simple design with dimensions of 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm and a weight of 196 g. While the plastic back and frame are expected at this price point, the phone feels durable in hand. Its curved edges make it comfortable to hold, though the weight may feel slightly heavier compared to similar devices.
The phone is available in three attractive colors:
- Carbon Gray (Midnight Black)
- Sky Blue (Sea Blue)
- Ocean Green (Nature Green)
The design is minimalist, but the lack of a fingerprint sensor might be a disappointment for some users.
Display
The Redmi 9A features a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 81%, providing an immersive experience for its price range.
With a pixel density of 269 ppi, the display delivers decent sharpness, but it’s not as crisp as higher-resolution panels. The 400 nits brightness ensures usability in indoor environments, though outdoor visibility under direct sunlight can be challenging.
While the colors are vibrant, the lack of Full HD resolution limits the display quality for streaming or gaming enthusiasts.
Performance
Under the hood, the Redmi 9A is powered by the MediaTek Helio G25 chipset, built on the 12nm process. The processor comprises an octa-core CPU (4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) and a PowerVR GE8320 GPU.
This hardware combination is aimed at light users, and it performs well for basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and casual gaming. However, demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact will struggle, even at lower settings.
The phone comes in several memory variants:
- 32GB 2GB RAM
- 32GB 3GB RAM
- 64GB 4GB RAM
- 128GB 4GB RAM
- 128GB 6GB RAM
While eMMC 5.1 storage is standard for this price, it’s slower than UFS storage options found in pricier phones. Thankfully, the dedicated microSDXC card slot allows for storage expansion.
Camera Performance
Rear Camera
The Redmi 9A is equipped with a single 13 MP rear camera with an aperture of f/2.2. It includes features like PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) and an LED flash, ensuring acceptable performance in well-lit environments. The camera supports HDR and records videos at 1080p@30/60fps.
In daylight, the camera captures decent photos with acceptable detail and color reproduction. However, in low-light conditions, noise becomes evident, and details are significantly reduced.
Front Camera
The 5 MP front camera, with an aperture of f/2.2, is adequate for basic selfies and video calls. While it supports HDR and 1080p video recording, don’t expect professional-level quality. The front camera struggles in dim lighting, but it performs well enough for casual use.
Redmi 9A battery
One of the Redmi 9A’s biggest strengths is its 5,000 mAh battery. Combined with the energy-efficient Helio G25 chipset and a 720p display, this phone delivers excellent battery life. Most users can expect up to two days of moderate use on a single charge.
Charging is limited to 10W wired, which means recharging the large battery takes time. This could be inconvenient for users who need quick top-ups.
Software
The phone ships with Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, and runs Xiaomi’s MIUI 12. While MIUI is feature-rich and customizable, it comes with some pre-installed apps and ads, which might be bothersome for some users. However, Xiaomi’s regular updates and optimizations make the software experience fairly smooth.
Connectivity and Features
- SIM Slots: Dual Nano-SIM support
- Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS (with GLONASS and BDS), and FM Radio
- Ports: microUSB 2.0 and 3.5mm headphone jack
- Sensors: Accelerometer and proximity
Unfortunately, the phone lacks NFC and a fingerprint sensor, which are becoming standard even in budget devices. The use of a microUSB port instead of USB-C also feels outdated.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable price of just $66.60, making it accessible to almost everyone.
- Large 6.53-inch display, suitable for multimedia consumption.
- Massive 5,000 mAh battery with excellent longevity.
- Expandable storage via a dedicated microSDXC slot.
- Lightweight MIUI software with regular updates.
Cons
- Limited performance for gaming or multitasking due to the basic Helio G25 chipset.
- No fingerprint sensor, relying only on PIN or pattern for security.
- Dated microUSB port and slow charging speed.
- Average camera performance, especially in low light.
- Lack of NFC, which some budget competitors include.
Who Is This Phone For?
The Redmi 9A is ideal for:
- First-time smartphone users.
- Seniors or children who need a reliable and simple device.
- Budget-conscious individuals seeking a phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media.
It’s not recommended for power users, gamers, or those who rely heavily on their phone for professional use.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A offers great value for its price of $66.60, especially with its impressive battery life and decent display. However, it’s important to manage expectations — this phone is designed for basic tasks and may struggle with more demanding usage.
For those looking for a reliable entry-level device with minimal investment, the Redmi 9A is a worthy contender. But if you need better performance, faster charging, or enhanced camera capabilities, consider investing in a higher-tier device.