The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Realme 6i (India) and the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport. But which one delivers the best experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 6i (India) is the clear winner. Its significantly more powerful Helio G90T chipset, faster charging, and likely better camera performance make it a superior choice despite potentially similar pricing. The Redmi 9i Sport offers basic functionality at a potentially lower cost.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 24. Released 2020, July 31 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm (6.38 x 2.94 x 0.35 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 | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, PD, 100% in 55 min | 10W wired |
| Type | 4300 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Eclipse Black, Lunar White | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | RMX2002 | - |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Realme 6i (India)
- Significantly faster performance
- Faster charging (30W)
- Likely better camera quality
- More features (potentially ultrawide lens)
- Better gaming experience
- Potentially slightly higher price
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- Lower price (potentially)
- Decent battery life
- Basic smartphone functionality
- Slow performance
- Slow charging (10W)
- Inferior camera quality
- Limited gaming capabilities
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with an HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but not exceptional color accuracy. The Realme 6i might have slightly better brightness due to its higher price point, but this is speculative without specific display specs.
Camera Comparison
The Realme 6i is expected to have a superior camera system. While both likely feature a primary 13MP sensor, the G90T's image signal processor (ISP) will likely result in better image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance. The Realme 6i likely has additional camera features like a dedicated macro lens and potentially a wider ultrawide lens.
Performance
This is where the Realme 6i truly shines. The Helio G90T is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G25. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a much better gaming experience on the Realme 6i. The Redmi 9i Sport will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life. However, the Realme 6i's 30W fast charging is a massive advantage, allowing for significantly quicker top-ups compared to the Redmi 9i Sport's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme 6i (India)? Users seeking a smooth gaming experience, faster performance for everyday tasks, and quicker charging. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport? Those prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic smartphone functionality, like calls, texts, and light social media use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 6i worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance and camera quality are important to you. The Realme 6i offers a much better overall experience.
❓ Can the Redmi 9i Sport handle basic games?
It can handle very simple games, but don't expect smooth performance in demanding titles.
❓ What is the difference between the Helio G90T and Helio G25?
The Helio G90T is a significantly more powerful chipset with a faster CPU and GPU, resulting in much better performance.
