Realme 9i vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 11: The Ultimate Budget Showdown

The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme 9i and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 are two of the top contenders. Both offer compelling features at an attractive price point, but which one reigns supreme? This detailed comparison will break down every aspect, helping you make the right choice.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi Note 11 edges out the Realme 9i thanks to its slightly faster charging, potentially brighter display, and exceptional battery endurance. While both share the same Snapdragon 680 chipset, the Redmi Note 11’s overall package provides a more polished experience for the price.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme 9i	Xiaomi Redmi Note 11

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41	-

Launch
Announced	2022, January 10	2022, January 26
Status	Available. Released 2022, January 10	Available. Released 2022, February 09

Body
Build	Glass front (Dragontrail Pro), plastic frame, plastic back	-
Dimensions	164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)	159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	190 g (6.70 oz)	179 g (6.31 oz)
	-	IP53, dust and splash resistant

Display
Protection	Dragontrail Pro Glass	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution	1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size	6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)	6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ)	AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)	Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)	Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
GPU	Adreno 610	Adreno 610
OS	Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4	Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, HyperOS

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
	UFS 2.2 - Vietnam UFS 2.1 - India	UFS 2.2

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad	-	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single	16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm	13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Triple	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	-
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	Panorama	-
Single	16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm	13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers
	-	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE	5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	-	Yes
NFC	Yes (market/region dependent)	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
Radio	No	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, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass
	-	Virtual proximity sensing

Battery
Charging	33W wired, 100% in 70 min	33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 60 min
Type	5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, Blue	Graphite Gray, Twilight Blue, Star Blue
Models	RMX3491	2201117TG, 2201117TI, 2201117TY, 2201117TL
Price	€ 149.90 / $ 209.00 / £ 140.09	£ 95.00 / € 97.99 / ₹ 11,950
SAR	-	0.97 W/kg (head) 0.93 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	-	0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body)

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 126h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-	-25.8 LUFS (Very good)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 228044 (v8), 244526 (v9) GeekBench: 1662 (v5.1) GFXBench: 6.8fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme 9i

Smooth gaming experience
Vibrant display
Stylish design

Slightly slower charging
Average camera performance
Battery life could be better

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11

Exceptional battery life
Brighter display
Fast charging (slightly)
Reliable all-around performer

Camera could be improved
Design is somewhat generic
Software can be bloated

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ display, but the Redmi Note 11 boasts a measured peak brightness of 736 nits, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. The Redmi Note 11 also advertises an 'infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, though this is a nominal value. The Realme 9i's display is still good, but the Redmi Note 11 has a slight edge.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is comparable. Both phones feature a primary 50MP sensor, but the Redmi Note 11 likely benefits from Xiaomi's image processing algorithms. Expect decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance may be a weakness for both.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, both devices offer similar performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. While the chipset is efficient, don't expect flagship-level speeds. Real-world performance will largely depend on software optimization and RAM management.

Battery Life

The Redmi Note 11 shines in this category. Its endurance rating of 126 hours is significantly higher than the Realme 9i. While both support 33W charging, the Redmi Note 11 completes a full charge in approximately 60 minutes, slightly faster than the Realme 9i's 70 minutes.

Buying Guide

The Realme 9i is a great choice for users prioritizing a smooth gaming experience and a vibrant display. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is ideal for those who need exceptional battery life, appreciate a slightly brighter screen, and want a reliable all-around performer.