Introduction: Why the processor is important for a budget smartphone
Choosing a smartphone always starts with learning about its heart, the processor. In the case of the Xiaomi Redmi 9A, it’s the MediaTek Helio G25 chip, which determines not only the speed of the device, but also the capabilities of the device in games, multitasking and energy efficiency. This budget smartphone, released in 2020, is still popular due to the balance of price and functionality. But how good is its processor by today’s standards?
In this article, we’ll take a look at the Helio G25 architecture, compare it to competitors like the Snapdragon 439 or the Helio G35, test it in benchmarks and real-world scenarios, and give you performance optimization tips, and if you’re planning to buy the Redmi 9A or already own it, this information will help you understand what to expect from the device and how to get the most out of it.
Spoiler: The Helio G25 isn't a flagship chip, but it does better than many people expect from a 10,000-dollar smartphone. However, for today's high-setting games or resource-intensive applications, it may not be enough.
Technical characteristics of MediaTek Helio G25
The MediaTek Helio G25 is built on a 12nm processor and belongs to the Gaming Series line, which implies optimization for mobile games. However, don't expect miracles from it - it is a budget solution with an emphasis on energy efficiency.
- 🔧 Architecture: 8 cores ARM Cortex-A53 clock speed up to 2.0 GHz (4 high-performance) + 4 energy efficient).
- 🎮 Graphics: PowerVR video accelerator GE8320 650 MHz.
- 📱 Display support: resolution up to 1600×720 (HD+) frequent 90 Hz (in Redmi) 9A used 60 Hz).
- 📡 modem: 4G LTE Cat-4 (up to 150 Mbps per download).
- 🔋 Energy efficiency: optimized for 5000 mAh batteries (like Redmi) 9A).
The chip features support for MediaTek's HyperEngine technology, which improves video processing and optimizes energy consumption. However, the real difference with conventional chips without this technology is minimal. It's important to note that the Helio G25 doesn't support 5G, Wi-Fi 6 or Bluetooth 5.2, which is a budget-friendly segment limitation.
⚠️ Note: In some regions Xiaomi Redmi 9A It came with a Helio processor. G25T — It's the same model, but with a slightly increased frequency. GPU (680 MHz instead of MHz 650 MHz: The difference in productivity is minimal (1-3% benchmark).
Comparison with competitors: Helio G25 vs Snapdragon 439 vs Helio G35
To see how good the Helio G25 is, compare it to its closest low-end counterparts: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (installed in the Redmi 8A) and the MediaTek Helio G35 (used in the Redmi 9C).
| Characteristics | Helio G25 | Snapdragon 439 | Helio G35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technique | 12 nm | 12 nm | 12 nm |
| Central processing unit | 8× Cortex-A53, 2.0 GHz | 8× Cortex-A53, 2.0 GHz | 8× Cortex-A53, 2.3 GHz |
| Graphic accelerator | PowerVR GE8320, 650 MHz | Adreno 505, 450 MHz | PowerVR GE8320, 680 MHz |
| AnTuTu Assessment (approx.) | 90 000–100 000 | 80 000–90 000 | 100 000–110 000 |
| Support for cameras | Up to 21 MP (single) | Up to 21 MP (single) | Up to 25 MP (single) |
The table shows that the Helio G25 is ahead of the Snapdragon 439 in graphics performance, but inferior to the Helio G35 due to lower GPU and CPU frequency. However, in real tests, the difference between the G25 and the G35 is only 5-10%, which is not critical for everyday tasks. The main advantage of the G25 is better optimization for games due to HyperEngine.
Compared to more modern chips (e.g. Helio) G80 or Snapdragon 662), The gap becomes noticeable: new processors are superior G25 into 2-3 But for the price of Redmi, it's a little bit more efficient. 9A it's expected.
💡
The Helio G25 is the gold standard for budget chips from 2020 to 2021, inferior to today’s solutions, but it’s enough for basic tasks and easy games.
Performance in benchmarks and real tests
Theoretical specs are good, but how does the Helio G25 perform in practice? We tested the Xiaomi Redmi 9A in popular benchmarks and real-world scenarios.
- 📊 AnTuTu 9: 92,000–98,000 points (average score for budget smartphones 2020).
- 🎮 3DMark Sling Shot: 700-800 points (Graphics at Adreno 506 level).
- 📱 Geekbench 5 (Single-Core): 160-180 points.
- 🔋 PCMark (Work 2.0): 4,500–5,000 points (performance in office tasks).
In real-life tests:
- 📱 Everyday tasks: Social networks, instant messengers, YouTube in 720p They work without lag. Apps open in 1-2 seconds.
- 🎮 Games: 🟢 PUBG Mobile — 30 FPS on the "Balanced" settings (graphics "HD"). 🟢 Call of Duty: Mobile — 40–50 FPS mid-set. 🔴 Genshin Impact – does not start or runs with a strong lag (5–10) FPS).
- 📸 Camera: Photo processing takes 2-3 seconds, video in 1080p brakeless.
The main problem with the Helio G25 is that it overheats at long loads, and after 20 to 30 minutes of playing, the chip temperature reaches 60 to 65°C, which leads to trottling (automatic performance decline), which is not critical in everyday use, but gamers should consider.
⚠️ Note: If you have noticed that Redmi 9A It warms up strongly even in simple applications, check the background processes in Settings → Annexes → Running. Often the cause of overheating is the optimizers or viruses, not the processor itself.
How to check the temperature of the processor?
Optimizing performance: how to speed up the Redmi 9A
Even with a budget processor, you can improve the responsiveness of a smartphone.
Disable animation in the developer settings
Limit the background activity of applications
Use the "Light Mode" in MIUI
Clean the cache once a week
Update to the latest version-->
Developer settings:
Activate them by clicking 7 times on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
- Turn off animation: Developer settings → Window/Switch animation scale = Off.
- Limit processes: Developer settings → Background process limit = Max. 2 process.
Energy conservation:
Go to Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode and select Balanced. This will limit the background activity of the applications, but will not affect the performance in active mode.
Cleaning of the system:
Use the built-in Security app (shield icon) to clean up cache and debris, do this every 3-5 days, especially if you notice a slowdown.
Update of the SO:
Xiaomi regularly releases optimizations for the Helio G25. Check out the updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update. The latest version of MIUI for the Redmi 9A is MIUI 14 (based on Android 10).
⚠️ Note: Do not install custom firmware (such as LineageOS) on Redmi 9A — This can lead to unstable operation of the processor due to the lack of drivers for Helio. G25.
💡
If the smartphone is slowing down after the update, reset the cache via Recovery. To do this, turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume up and select Wipe Cache Partition.
Xiaomi’s Smartphones: Which is Better than the Redmi 9A?
If the Helio G25 doesn’t suit you, consider Xiaomi’s alternatives with more powerful processors.Compared with the Redmi 9A’s other budget models, the company said:
| Model | Processor | AnTuTu | Price (2026) | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 9A | Helio G25 | 95 000 | ~8 000 ₽ | The cheapest, biggest battery. |
| Redmi 9C | Helio G35 | 105 000 | ~9 500 ₽ | Best Performance, NFC |
| Redmi 10A | Helio G25 | 95 000 | ~9 000 ₽ | Newer display, better camera |
| Poco C31 | Helio G35 | 105 000 | ~10 000 ₽ | Optimized for gaming, 13 MP camera |
If you need a smartphone solely for calls, social networks and easy games, Redmi 9A — It's a good choice. You have to pay 1,000 to 2,000 extra for better performance. ₽ and take the Redmi 9C POCO C31 helio G35.
For those who want maximum performance on a budget, look out for the Redmi Note 10 with the Snapdragon 678 (price tag) ~15 000 ₽). This chip is 2.5 times more powerful than Helio G25.
💡
The Redmi 9A is the best choice for basic tasks, but if you need a margin of performance, consider models with the Helio G35 or Snapdragon 600 series.
Frequent Processor Problems and Solutions
Owners of the Redmi 9A sometimes face problems related to the Helio G25.
1. The smartphone is severely inhibited:
- 🔹 Reason: RAM overload (in Redmi) 9A just 2-3 GB).
- 🔹 Solution: Close background applications through Recent → Close everything or use the "Light Mode" in the MIUI.
2. Games are relegated or lag:
- 🔹 Reason: Lack of power GPU overheating.
- 🔹 Solution: Lower your graphics settings in the game or use a cooling case.
The battery is running out fast:
- 🔹 Cause: Background activity of the processor due to optimizers or viruses.
- 🔹 Solution: Check battery consumption in Settings → Battery. → Using the battery and disabling voracious apps.
The telephone is spontaneously reloaded:
- 🔹 Cause: Processor overheating or firmware failure.
- 🔹 Solution: Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → Additionally. → Resetting settings) or contact the service center.
⚠️ Note: If after resetting the processor problems remain, this may indicate a hardware defect (for example, chip dump from the board.