The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Cubot J9 and Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC represent two approaches to delivering essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. While both aim for affordability, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware, impacting performance and user experience. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC is the superior choice. Its Helio G35 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process and featuring an octa-core CPU, delivers a noticeably smoother experience than the Cubot J9’s aging MT6580. While the J9 offers a lower entry price, the Redmi 9C NFC’s improved performance and NFC functionality justify the extra cost.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020. Released 2020 | 2020, August 27. Released 2020, August 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 156.2 x 74.6 x 9.4 mm (6.15 x 2.94 x 0.37 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP
0.3 MP | - |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 4200 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, Green | Midnight Gray, Sunshine Yellow, Twilight Blue |
| Models | - | M2006C3MNG |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.37 W/kg (head) 1.14 W/kg (body) |
Cubot J9
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward interface
- Significantly slower performance
- Lacks NFC functionality
- Outdated chipset architecture
Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC
- Faster and more responsive performance
- NFC support for contactless payments
- More efficient chipset
- Slightly higher price
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- Still a budget-level camera experience
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, the lack of detailed display specifications prevents a precise comparison of brightness or color accuracy. The Redmi 9C NFC’s larger market share suggests a potentially better-optimized panel, but this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, with both devices featuring basic camera setups. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but both will likely rely on primary sensors with modest resolutions. The Redmi 9C NFC’s image processing algorithms, benefiting from Xiaomi’s software expertise, may offer slightly better results in favorable lighting conditions. The presence of NFC on the Redmi 9C NFC is a feature absent on the Cubot J9, offering contactless payment and pairing capabilities.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Cubot J9’s Mediatek MT6580, a quad-core processor built on a 28nm process, is demonstrably slower and less efficient than the Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC’s Mediatek Helio G35. The Helio G35’s octa-core configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) provides a substantial boost in multi-tasking and application loading times. The 12nm process node of the Helio G35 also translates to improved thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling under sustained load. Users intending to play even casual games will find the Redmi 9C NFC a far more enjoyable experience.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While specific mAh capacities are not provided, both devices likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Redmi 9C NFC’s 10W wired charging is a standard offering in this price bracket. The more efficient Helio G35 chipset may contribute to slightly longer battery life compared to the Cubot J9, despite potentially similar battery capacities. The 28nm process of the MT6580 is less efficient, meaning more power draw for the same tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot J9 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. You're willing to accept significant performance limitations. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, occasional gaming, and the convenience of NFC for mobile payments and quick connections. The Redmi 9C NFC is the better all-rounder for the vast majority of users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9C NFC struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Helio G35 isn't a powerhouse, it's capable of running apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly. You might experience occasional slowdowns with multiple apps open simultaneously, but for typical social media usage, it should be adequate. The Cubot J9's MT6580 will likely exhibit more noticeable lag.
❓ Can the Redmi 9C NFC handle basic mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Redmi 9C NFC can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you'll need to lower the graphics settings to the lowest possible levels to achieve playable frame rates. Expect a less-than-ideal gaming experience. The Cubot J9's MT6580 is unlikely to provide a satisfactory gaming experience with these titles.
❓ Is the lack of NFC on the Cubot J9 a significant drawback?
For users who frequently use mobile payments (Google Pay, etc.) or rely on quick pairing with Bluetooth devices, the lack of NFC on the Cubot J9 is a significant drawback. NFC adds a level of convenience that is absent on the J9.
❓ How much faster is the Redmi 9C NFC in everyday tasks compared to the Cubot J9?
The Redmi 9C NFC will feel noticeably faster in everyday tasks like opening apps, browsing the web, and switching between applications. The octa-core Helio G35 provides a substantial performance advantage over the quad-core MT6580, resulting in a smoother and more responsive user experience.
