Comparisons between Xiaomi terminals is very common. The company has such a large portfolio of terminals that sometimes it is very difficult to differentiate two terminals or opt for one model or another. In our task of facilitating that decision in the purchase, today we are going to buy two terminals such as the Xiaomi Mi A3 and the Mi 9 Lite.
Before continuing, one aspect must be taken into account. Although in Spain they might look like two terminals of two different families within the same brand, the truth is that they share a common DNA. Recall that the Mi A3 we know in Europe is actually the Xiaomi CC9e in China, while the Mi 9 Lite is the standard Xiaomi CC9. Therefore, the technical difference between both terminals makes more sense in understanding this origin.
Comparison between the Xiaomi Mi A3 and the Mi 9 Lite
| – | Xiaomi Mi A3 | Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite |
|---|---|---|
| screen | 6.1 ″ AMOLED HD + 1560 x 720 px / 19.5: 9 / Corning Gorilla Glas 5 | 6.39 inch FHD + (1080 × 2340) AMOLED / 19.5: 9 |
| Size and weight | 153.58 x 71.85 x 8.45 mm / 173.8 grams | 156.8 x 74.5 x 8.67 mm 179 grams |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 |
| RAM | 4GB | 6 GB |
| Storage | 64/128 GB | 64 GB / 128 GB |
| Camera | Rear: Triple 48 MP with f / 1.79 + 8 MP with f / 2.2 + 2 MP with f / 2.4 and LED Flash + PDAF + IA Front: 32 MP with f / 2.0 |
Rear: triple 48 MP (f / 1.79) + 8 MP wide angle + 2 MP deep Front: 32 MP (f / 2.0) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac, dual-band, LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS A-GPS, GLONASS, FM Radio, USB Type C, Fingerprint reader on screen | Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac, dual-band, LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS A-GPS, GLONASS, FM Radio, USB Type C, Fingerprint reader on screen |
| YOU | Android 9 Pie with Android One | Android 9 Pie with MIUI |
| Battery | 4,030 mAh with 18W fast charge | 4,030 with fast charging at 18W |
| Price | From 166 euros | From 267 euros |
Different screens
That said the first big difference is found on the screen. The Mi A3 is not really an evolution of the Mi A2, but a renowned terminal that has gone on sale with a 6.1-inch HD + screen . That is to say that if the firm had launched a real Mi A3 and not a remarked CC9, we would probably be talking about a FullHD + panel, like the one mounted on the Mi A2. For its part, the Mi 9 Lite reaches 6.39 inches with FullHD + resolution.
Both terminals have a practically traced design, and that shows in the dimensions and weight. The Mi A3 is 8.45 millimeters thick and weighs 173 grams, compared to 8.67 millimeters and 179 grams of the Mi 9 Lite.
Snapdragon in both cases
When we lift the hood we find a logical difference, if we think again that one terminal is actually the decaffeinated version of the other. The Mi A3 has a Snapdragon 665 processor , compliant but which we can not ask for too much and that it may grow old soon and stay somewhat fair in the face of 2020 and 2021. The Snapdragon 710 of the Mi 9 Lite is more abundant and will move freely, in addition of being a more long-term bet. The Mi A3 has 4 GB of RAM and 64 or 128 GB of internal memory. The same storage is found in the Mi 9 Lite, but its RAM reaches 6 GB.
The same cameras
In the cameras section we find a traced configuration in both terminals. Both have a triple rear camera with 48 megapixel main sensor, telephoto lens and depth sensor. In addition, the selfie camera housed in the front notch, reaches 32 megapixels in both phones.
OS
There is a big difference also in the operating system. Since the Mi A3 moves with a clean layer of Android One based on Android 9 Pie, and the Mi 9 Lite does the same with MIUI. As for the updates there is nothing to fear, since the two will receive their own ration of Android 10. However the Mi A3 can already try MIUI 11 in case the user does not want Android One. The two terminals nail the same battery with 4,030 mAh and fast charging of 18W.
Prices and conclusion
When taking a look at the prices we see that both terminals are very distant. The Mi A3 can be purchased right now for about 166 euros, while the Mi 9 Lite is available for around 267 euros. This difference of 100 can decant the balance towards one or the other depending on the requirements and the user’s pocket. If the price is not a problem, the Mi 9 Lite is a terminal that will be longer on the agenda and that has a more advanced processor and better display. If the requirements are lower, a Mi A3 will fulfill its mission for a large number of users.
