The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme 9i and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R are two strong contenders. While both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches to achieving this. The Realme 9i leverages Qualcomm’s efficient Snapdragon 680, while the Redmi Note 11R opts for MediaTek’s Dimensity 700. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent, all-day battery life and efficient performance for everyday tasks, the Realme 9i emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, coupled with 33W fast charging, provides a smoother, more reliable experience than the Redmi Note 11R’s Dimensity 700 and slower 18W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 10 | 2022, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 10 | Available. Released 2022, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Dragontrail Pro), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Dragontrail Pro Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 - Vietnam
UFS 2.1 - India | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | - |
| 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 | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 70 min | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Blue, Gray |
| Models | RMX3491 | 22095RA98C |
| Price | € 149.90 / $ 209.00 / £ 140.09 | About 160 EUR |
Realme 9i
- Faster 33W charging for quicker top-ups
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 processor for longer battery life
- Potentially better sustained performance due to 6nm process
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Display likely average for the price range
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R
- Supports 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Dimensity 700 offers a theoretical performance boost in short bursts
- Competitive price point
- Slower 18W charging
- Less efficient Dimensity 700 may lead to shorter battery life
- Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The Realme 9i’s display specs are not provided, but given its positioning, it’s likely a 6.6-inch FHD+ panel. The Redmi Note 11R also features a 6.58-inch FHD+ display. The key difference isn’t display quality, but the underlying processors impacting UI smoothness. While both are adequate for media consumption, neither will impress display enthusiasts.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar, with both phones relying on budget sensors. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The Redmi Note 11R’s camera setup is unknown, but the Realme 9i typically features a 50MP main sensor. Image processing will play a significant role, and Xiaomi’s software often leans towards more saturated colors, while Realme aims for a more natural look. The presence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices adds little practical value.
Performance
This is where the core difference lies. The Realme 9i’s Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is built for efficiency, featuring a Kryo CPU architecture optimized for sustained performance. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R’s Dimensity 700 (7nm) offers a theoretical performance edge with its Cortex-A76 cores, but the 7nm process isn’t as refined as the 6nm Snapdragon. This translates to potentially higher sustained performance in the Realme 9i, especially in longer gaming sessions, due to better thermal management. The Dimensity 700’s advantage is 5G connectivity, which the Snapdragon 680 lacks. However, 5G availability and user need are crucial considerations.
Battery Life
The Realme 9i’s 33W charging is a significant advantage over the Redmi Note 11R’s 18W charging. This means a full charge in approximately 70 minutes for the Realme 9i versus a considerably longer time for the Redmi Note 11R. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either, the Snapdragon 680’s efficiency will likely result in longer real-world battery life for the Realme 9i, even with a potentially smaller battery capacity. This is a crucial benefit for users who prioritize all-day usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 9i if you need a phone that reliably lasts a full day on a single charge and excels at everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and light gaming. Its efficient processor and faster charging are ideal for users who don't want to constantly worry about battery life. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R if you prioritize 5G connectivity and occasionally engage in more demanding tasks, understanding that you’ll likely trade some battery life and charging speed for that added capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 700 in the Redmi Note 11R overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 700, while capable, isn't known for exceptional thermal management. The 7nm process isn't as efficient as the 6nm Snapdragon 680. Expect some throttling during extended gaming, potentially leading to frame drops and a warmer device. The Realme 9i is likely to maintain more consistent performance over longer periods.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Redmi Note 11R actually useful if 5G coverage is limited in my area?
If 5G coverage is spotty or unavailable, the 5G capability of the Redmi Note 11R offers little practical benefit. You'll primarily be using 4G LTE, in which case the Realme 9i’s Snapdragon 680 provides a more optimized experience with better efficiency and battery life.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Realme 9i compared to the 18W charging on the Redmi Note 11R in real-world use?
The Realme 9i’s 33W charging can realistically shave off 30-45 minutes of charging time compared to the Redmi Note 11R’s 18W. A full charge from 0% to 100% will take approximately 70 minutes on the Realme 9i, while the Redmi Note 11R will likely take well over 90 minutes, potentially exceeding two hours.
