The Xiaomi Redmi 9A, released in late 2020, was a budget-friendly smartphone that offered basic functionality at a rock-bottom price. Released with a price tag of around USD 118, it showcased a large battery, a simple display, and a stripped-down feature set.
But how does the Redmi 9A fare in 2024? Let’s dig into its specs, features, and competition to see if it’s still a worthy budget pick.
Specs at a glance:
Here’s a quick refresher on its crucial features for your reference.
- Display: 6.53″ HD+ (1600 x 720) LCD
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G25
- RAM: 2GB/3GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Rear Camera: 13MP
- Front Camera: 5MP
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Operating System: Android 10 (upgradeable to MIUI 12.5)
Standout features:
Here are some of the standout features of Xiaomi’s budget offering.
Massive battery life: The Redmi 9A’s biggest selling point is its 5000mAh battery. This powerhouse can easily last a full day, or even two, on a single charge with moderate usage, according to reviews on GSMArena and other popular phone reviewing sites.
Large display for entertainment: The 6.53″ HD+ display offers a decent viewing experience for watching videos or browsing the web.
Affordable price: Even in 2024, the Redmi 9A remains highly affordable, making it a good choice for first-time smartphone users or those on a tight budget.
Unique selling points (USPs):
What’s a product without USPs? Fortunately, this phone doesn’t disappoint in this department either. Let’s look at some of them below.
Simple and clean design: The Redmi 9A boasts a clean, minimalist design that doesn’t overwhelm users with unnecessary features.
Lightweight construction: At just 194 grams, the phone is extremely lightweight and comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Excellent battery life
- Large display for the price
- Affordable
- Simple and lightweight design
Cons:
- Underpowered processor struggles with demanding tasks
- Limited storage space (especially the 2GB RAM variant)
- Average camera quality
- Outdated software (Android 10 with MIUI 12.5 update)
The Competition:
The budget smartphone market is crowded, and the Redmi 9A faces stiff competition in 2024. Here’s a look at two of its main rivals:
Realme C31: Released in 2023, the Realme C31 has a slightly faster processor (Unisoc T612), a more contemporary design with a waterdrop notch, and a triple-lens rear camera system. However, it has a slightly smaller battery (5000mAh) and a similar price tag.
Nokia G21: Launched in early 2024, the Nokia G21 offers a stock Android experience (Android 12) and promises two years of software updates. It also boasts a triple-lens rear camera system and a slightly larger display (6.5-inch).
However, the processor (Unisoc T606) is comparable to the Redmi 9A, and the battery capacity is lower (5050mAh).
Why are we still rooting for the Redmi 9A?
Despite its age, the Redmi 9A still holds some weight in the budget phone market. Here’s why:
Unbeatable battery life: If battery life is your top priority, the Redmi 9A remains the king. The Realme C31 and Nokia G21 offer slightly smaller capacities, and user reviews often highlight the Redmi’s superior battery endurance.
Rock-Bottom price: Even if you’re on an extremely tight budget, you can still buy this phone for an incredibly low price, making it an attractive option for basic phone use.
The Verdict: An incredible budget phone
The Redmi 9A remains a functional entry-level phone in 2024. However, it has limitations. The outdated software and underpowered processor become apparent compared to newer budget offerings.
Here’s who the Redmi 9A might be a good fit for:
- Users who prioritize long battery life above all else.
- First-time smartphone users or those on an extremely tight budget.
- Users who only need a phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing.
Here’s who might want to look elsewhere:
- Users who need a phone for gaming or multitasking.
- Users who want a phone with a modern design or a more versatile camera system.
- Users who value the latest software updates and security patches.
- The final decision depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Additional Considerations:
Availability: In 2024, the Redmi 9A might be discontinued or have limited availability in some regions. Ensure you can find a new unit before committing.
Software updates: While the Redmi 9A was updated to MIUI 12.5, it’s unlikely to receive any major updates. This could be a concern for security and compatibility in the long run.
Used market: Consider exploring the used smartphone market for the Redmi 9A or a similar phone. You might find an even better deal on a slightly used model.
Overall, the Redmi 9A remains a viable option for budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and affordability. However, its limitations should be considered, especially when compared to newer budget offerings with more features and up-to-date software.
FAQs:
1. Is the Redmi 9A still getting software updates?
It was updated to MIUI 12.5, but it likely won’t receive any major updates. As a result, it might miss out on the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes.
2. How does the Redmi 9A compare to the Realme C31?
The Realme C31 offers a slightly faster processor and a triple-lens rear camera but has a similar battery capacity and price tag. Choose the Realme C31 if you prioritize a more modern design or a triple-lens camera. Stick with the Redmi 9A for superior battery life.
3. How does the Redmi 9A compare to the Nokia G21?
The Nokia G21 boasts a stock Android experience with guaranteed software updates for two years. It also has a triple-lens camera and a larger display. However, the processor is comparable to the Redmi 9A, and the battery has a slightly lower capacity.
If software updates and a stock Android experience are important, choose the Nokia G21. Otherwise, the Redmi 9A might be the more affordable option with a similar battery life.
5. Should I buy a new or used Redmi 9A?
If you can find a brand new Redmi 9A with a warranty, that’s ideal. However, the phone might be discontinued or have limited availability in some regions. Exploring the used market can be a great way to save money on this budget phone.
