The Realme C15 and Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, but they diverge in key areas like processing power and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to help you choose the right device for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C15 emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G35 chipset, with higher CPU clock speeds, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Redmi 9i Sport’s Helio G25. While the Redmi 9i Sport is more affordable, the C15’s faster 18W charging significantly improves the user experience.
| 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 28. Released 2020, July 28 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 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 | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% 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 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP B/W, f/2.4
2 MP, f/2.4 | - |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 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, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Marine Blue, Seagull Silver | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | RMX2180 | - |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Realme C15
- Faster processor (Helio G35)
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially smoother multitasking
- May be slightly more expensive
- Likely similar display quality to the Redmi 9i Sport
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- More affordable price point
- Decent battery life (estimated 5000mAh)
- Suitable for basic smartphone tasks
- Slower processor (Helio G25)
- Slower 10W charging
- Less responsive user experience
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Detailed specs like resolution and brightness are missing, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ resolution. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather on basic usability. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be comparable, with both phones relying on basic sensors. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors of limited utility. Image processing will likely prioritize contrast and saturation over accuracy. The Redmi 9i Sport may lean towards more aggressive noise reduction due to its weaker processing power. Don't expect flagship-level image quality from either device.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C15’s MediaTek Helio G35 features an octa-core CPU clocked up to 2.3 GHz, utilizing Cortex-A53 cores. The Redmi 9i Sport’s Helio G25 has an octa-core CPU, but with a lower peak clock speed of 2.0 GHz, also using Cortex-A53 cores. This 300MHz difference, while seemingly small, translates to a tangible performance boost for the C15 in app loading times and general responsiveness. The G35 also benefits from a slightly more efficient architecture. Both phones will struggle with demanding games, but the C15 will offer a marginally better experience. RAM configurations are likely similar, further emphasizing the chipset as the key differentiator.
Battery Life
While battery capacity is not specified, both phones likely house around a 5000mAh battery, standard for this segment. However, the Realme C15’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Redmi 9i Sport’s 10W charging. This translates to a considerably faster 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime and improving overall usability. The faster charging is particularly beneficial for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C15 if you prioritize smoother multitasking, slightly better gaming performance, and faster charging. This phone is ideal for users who frequently switch between apps or enjoy casual mobile games. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport if your primary concern is absolute affordability and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing. The Redmi 9i Sport is a solid option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C15 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Helio G35 is capable of running these games, expect to play on low to medium settings with reduced frame rates. The phone may experience some thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Redmi 9i Sport will struggle even more with these titles.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
The Realme C15, with its 18W charging, should fully charge in approximately 2-2.5 hours. The Redmi 9i Sport, with its 10W charging, will likely take over 3.5-4 hours to reach 100%.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the 300MHz clock speed difference between the Helio G35 and G25, combined with architectural improvements, results in a more responsive experience on the Realme C15. You'll notice quicker app launches and smoother multitasking.
