The Realme C17 and Xiaomi Redmi 9T represent compelling options in the ultra-competitive budget smartphone space. Both devices leverage Qualcomm's Snapdragon platform, but differ in chipset choice and feature sets. This comparison dives deep into the nuances of each device to determine which offers the best value for your money, focusing on performance, display, and battery life.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 9T emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the C17’s Snapdragon 460, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both offer 18W charging and similar battery endurance, the Redmi 9T’s superior processing power justifies its slightly higher price.
| 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, 8, 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 21. Released 2020, September 22 | 2021, January 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 198 g (6.98 oz) |
| | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 - 64GB
UFS 2.2 - 128GB |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.1, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue, Lake Green | Carbon Gray, Twilight Blue, Sunrise Orange, Ocean Green |
| Models | RMX2101 | J19S, M2010J19SG, M2010J19SY |
| Price | About 160 EUR | € 87.56 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.81 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 6GB RAM | - | Rp 2,272,000 |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | $ 168.78 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 150h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1594:1 |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.6 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 177917 (v8)
GeekBench: 1400 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.8fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme C17
- Potentially lower price point
- 18W fast charging
- Acceptable battery life (150h endurance)
- Less powerful Snapdragon 460 chipset
- Likely limited RAM options
- Display brightness not specified, potentially lower than Redmi 9T
Xiaomi Redmi 9T
- More powerful Snapdragon 662 chipset
- Brighter display (437 nits)
- Reverse wired charging
- Slightly higher price
- Similar battery endurance to C17
- Camera specs lack detail
Display Comparison
Both the Realme C17 and Xiaomi Redmi 9T feature displays with a 1594:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Redmi 9T boasts a measured peak brightness of 437 nits, which will provide better visibility outdoors compared to the C17, whose brightness is not specified. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the Redmi 9T’s higher brightness gives it an edge for users who frequently consume content in bright environments.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack detailed camera specifications in the provided data. Given the market positioning, it’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors. However, without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. The Redmi 9T’s availability in configurations with 6GB of RAM suggests a greater capacity for image processing, potentially leading to slightly better results, especially in low-light conditions. The presence of a 64GB storage option also allows for more high-resolution photos and videos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 9T’s Snapdragon 662 (11nm) is a significant step up from the Realme C17’s Snapdragon 460 (11nm). The 662 features Kryo 260 Gold and Silver cores clocked up to 2.0 GHz, compared to the 460’s Kryo 240 cores peaking at 1.8 GHz. This translates to approximately 20-30% faster CPU performance in benchmarks, and a more substantial improvement in GPU performance, making the Redmi 9T more suitable for gaming. The Redmi 9T’s 64GB/4GB or 128GB/6GB RAM options also provide more headroom for multitasking than the C17’s unspecified RAM configuration.
Battery Life
Both the Realme C17 and Xiaomi Redmi 9T support 18W wired charging. The Redmi 9T also offers 2.5W reverse wired charging, a convenient feature for topping up accessories. Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 150 hours, indicating comparable battery life under typical usage. The Redmi 9T’s more efficient Snapdragon 662 might offer slightly better real-world endurance, but the difference is likely minimal.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C17 if your primary needs are basic smartphone functionality – calls, texts, and light social media – and you're prioritizing the absolute lowest price point. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9T if you value a more fluid user experience, occasional gaming, and a slightly brighter, more contrast-rich display. The Redmi 9T is the better all-rounder for users who demand more from their device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9T handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 662 in the Redmi 9T is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it's a significant improvement over the Snapdragon 460 in the C17, which would likely struggle with consistent performance.
❓ Does the Redmi 9T's reverse charging feature work with all devices?
The Redmi 9T’s 2.5W reverse wired charging is compatible with most devices that charge via USB-C or Micro-USB, but the charging speed is very slow. It’s best suited for accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches, rather than fully charging a smartphone.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Snapdragon 460 and 662 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Snapdragon 662 offers a smoother and more responsive experience when multitasking, opening apps, and browsing the web. The C17’s Snapdragon 460 may exhibit slight lag or stuttering during these tasks, especially with multiple apps open.
