Infinix Smart 9 vs Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Contenders
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G emerges as the better choice. Its more modern Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, built on a 6nm process, delivers a noticeable performance uplift over the Infinix Smart 9’s Helio G81, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive experience. The faster 18W charging with PD support is also a significant advantage.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Infinix Smart 9 | Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 23 | 2023, December 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 77.1 x 8.4 mm (6.52 x 3.04 x 0.33 in) | 168.1 x 77.9 x 8.2 mm (6.62 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 192 g or 195 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition), XOS 14 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), 1/3.07", 1.12µm, AF Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 1.12µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.96", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired Reverse wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Metallic Black, Neo Titanium, Mint Green, Sandstone Gold | Starry Black, Twilight Blue, Starry Silver, Starlight Black, Startrail Green, Startrail Silver |
| Models | X6532 | 23124RN87G, 23124RN87I, 23124RN87C |
| Price | About 70 EUR | $ 198.99 / £ 119.00 / € 116.99 / ₹ 10,895 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body) |
Infinix Smart 9
- Potentially lower price point
- Reverse wired charging offers added convenience
- Likely similar battery capacity to Redmi 13C 5G
- Older Mediatek Helio G81 chipset
- Slower 10W charging
- Less efficient CPU architecture
Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset
- Faster 18W charging with PD support
- More efficient 6nm fabrication process
- Potentially slightly higher price
- Software experience can be ad-heavy (typical Xiaomi)
- May lack reverse wired charging
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, details like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The Redmi 13C 5G’s potential advantage lies in Xiaomi’s generally better display calibration, though this is speculative without direct testing. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, minimizing immersive viewing.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on budget sensors. Details on sensor size and aperture are unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both will feature a primary camera paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility (likely a 2MP macro and depth sensor). Image processing will be a key differentiator, and Xiaomi generally offers more refined algorithms. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the Infinix Smart 9’s Mediatek Helio G81. The Dimensity 6100+ utilizes more efficient Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the G81’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to approximately 15-20% better CPU performance in benchmarks and real-world usage. The 6nm fabrication process also contributes to improved thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained loads. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the Dimensity 6100+ benefits from a more modern memory controller.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both will likely fall in the 5000mAh range, typical for this segment. The Redmi 13C 5G’s 18W charging with Power Delivery (PD) is a significant advantage over the Smart 9’s slower 10W charging. PD support ensures wider compatibility with chargers and potentially faster charging speeds. While a larger battery on the Smart 9 could offset the slower charging, the Dimensity 6100+’s efficiency may negate that advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Smart 9 if your primary need is a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media, and you prioritize a lower upfront cost. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G if you value a smoother, more responsive user experience, particularly when multitasking or using 5G data, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging and potentially better software support.