The Realme C21 and Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, subtle differences in their chipsets and overall design can significantly impact the user experience. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C21 edges out the Redmi 9i Sport. Its slightly faster Helio G35 chipset, with higher clocked Cortex-A53 cores, provides a more responsive experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. While both offer similar battery life and charging, the C21’s marginal performance advantage makes it the better all-rounder.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 05 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 05 | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | 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 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 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 | 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 | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cross Black, Cross Blue | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | RMX3201 | - |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Realme C21
- Slightly faster processor (Helio G35)
- Potentially smoother multitasking
- Reverse wired charging capability
- 10W charging is slow
- Camera performance likely limited
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- Very affordable price point
- Decent battery life
- Functional for basic tasks
- Slower processor (Helio G25)
- May struggle with demanding apps
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 on basic usability. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, and color accuracy will likely be standard for budget phones.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be modest. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The emphasis isn’t on image quality, but on basic functionality. The 2MP macro cameras often found in this segment are unlikely to deliver significant detail. Image processing will likely prioritize speed over quality, resulting in images that are acceptable for social media sharing but lack detail and dynamic range.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C21 features the Mediatek Helio G35, with an octa-core CPU configuration of 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Redmi 9i Sport uses the Helio G25, with a slightly slower configuration of 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This difference in clock speed translates to a tangible, though not dramatic, performance advantage for the C21. While both are capable of handling basic Android tasks, the C21 will feel more responsive when switching between apps or loading moderately demanding websites. Both rely on the integrated PowerVR GPU, and gaming performance will be limited to less demanding titles at lower settings.
Battery Life
Both phones feature a 10W wired charging capability. While not fast charging by modern standards, it’s adequate for their battery capacities (which are not specified but likely around 5000mAh). Expect a full charge to take around 2.5-3 hours. Real-world battery life will be similar, easily lasting a full day with moderate usage. The efficiency of the Helio G35 in the C21 *might* offer a slight edge in battery endurance, but the difference will be minimal.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C21 if you prioritize a slightly smoother user experience and occasionally play mobile games. The Helio G35 offers a small but noticeable performance boost over the Redmi 9i Sport’s Helio G25. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport if you are looking for the absolute lowest price and primarily need a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media use. The Redmi 9i Sport is a functional device for those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9i Sport struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Redmi 9i Sport should handle basic usage of WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. However, with multiple apps open or during periods of heavy use, you might experience some slowdown due to the Helio G25's limited processing power. The Realme C21 will likely offer a smoother experience in these scenarios.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed acceptable for daily use on either phone?
10W charging is relatively slow compared to modern standards. Both the Realme C21 and Redmi 9i Sport will take around 2.5 to 3 hours to fully charge. It's best to charge overnight to ensure you have a full battery in the morning. This is a common trade-off in the budget segment.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Both phones can *run* PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile, but only at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates. Expect significant lag and a less-than-ideal gaming experience. The Realme C21, with its slightly more powerful Helio G35, will offer marginally better performance, but neither is designed for serious mobile gaming.
