The Realme C3 and Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport represent the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price point. However, key differences in their chipsets and processing power dictate which device is better suited for specific user needs. This comparison will dissect those differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C3 offers a more compelling experience thanks to its superior Helio G70 chipset. While both phones share a 10W charging rate, the C3’s more powerful CPU provides a noticeable performance boost for multitasking and gaming, making 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 - Global | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 19. Released 2020, February 20 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75 x 9 mm (6.47 x 2.95 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 | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| 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 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Triple | 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.25µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (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, 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 | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Frozen Blue, Blazing Red | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Realme C3 (3 cameras)
- More powerful Helio G70 chipset for smoother performance
- Potentially better image processing due to stronger CPU
- More responsive user experience
- 10W charging is slow
- Camera quality likely limited by sensor and price point
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- Extremely affordable price point
- Suitable for basic communication tasks
- Likely similar battery life for light usage
- Significantly weaker Helio G25 chipset
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps
- Limited gaming capabilities
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 infer 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, prioritizing affordability over an immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple-camera setup, but the specifics beyond the number of lenses are unknown. Given the price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The Realme C3’s more powerful processor *could* allow for slightly more sophisticated image processing, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. However, without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. It’s safe to assume both phones will struggle in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both is likely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
This is where the Realme C3 pulls ahead significantly. The MediaTek Helio G70 (12nm) features a dual-core Cortex-A75 setup alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, offering a substantial performance advantage over the Redmi 9i Sport’s Helio G25 (12nm). The G25 utilizes four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz and another four at 1.5 GHz. The A75 cores in the G70 provide a much stronger single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and responsiveness. This translates to a smoother experience when switching between apps and handling more demanding tasks. The G70 is designed for light gaming, while the G25 is geared towards basic functionality.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2.5-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but typical for this segment is around 5000mAh. The Realme C3’s more efficient Helio G70 chipset *may* translate to slightly better battery life under moderate usage, as it’s designed to balance performance and power consumption. However, heavy gaming on the C3 will naturally drain the battery faster than basic usage on the Redmi 9i Sport.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C3 if you prioritize smoother performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, and value a more responsive user experience. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you’re looking for the absolute lowest price point, accepting a trade-off in processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9i Sport struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Redmi 9i Sport can run these apps, you may experience noticeable lag when switching between them or when the apps are performing background tasks. The Helio G25 is designed for basic functionality, and multitasking can strain its resources.
❓ Can the Realme C3 handle casual gaming like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Realme C3, with its Helio G70, can handle PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at low to medium settings. However, don't expect a high frame rate or a consistently smooth experience. The phone may experience some thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Is the camera quality on either phone good enough for social media?
Both phones can capture acceptable photos for social media in good lighting conditions. However, expect limited detail and dynamic range, especially in challenging lighting. The 2MP macro lenses on both devices are unlikely to produce impressive results.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge either phone?
With the 10W charging, expect approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to fully charge both the Realme C3 and the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport from 0% to 100%. This is a relatively slow charging speed compared to modern smartphones.
