Realme X7 Max 5G vs. Xiaomi Mi CC9: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The Xiaomi Mi CC9, released in 2019, represented a strong value proposition in its time. However, the Realme X7 Max 5G, arriving later, brings a substantial generational leap in processing power and charging technology. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device best suits your needs in today's market.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Realme X7 Max 5G is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 1200 chipset delivers significantly faster performance than the Snapdragon 710 in the Mi CC9, coupled with blazing-fast 50W charging. While the Mi CC9 remains a viable option for basic tasks, the X7 Max offers a far more future-proof and enjoyable experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Mi CC9 Realme X7 Max 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands-1, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA-
Launch
Announced2019, July. Released 2019, July2021, May 31
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, June 04
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions156.8 x 74.5 x 8.7 mm (6.17 x 2.93 x 0.34 in)158.5 x 73.3 x 8.4 mm (6.24 x 2.89 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight179 g (6.31 oz)179 g (6.31 oz)
 -Splash resistant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Dragontrail Glass
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, HDR, 430 nits (typ)Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM710 Snapdragon 710 (10 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 616Mali-G77 MC9
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 11Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single-16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/480fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired50W wired, 50% in 16 min 2.5W reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 4030 mAh, non-removable4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, WhiteMercury Silver, Asteroid Black, Milky Way
PriceAbout 260 EURAbout 310 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 110h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.1 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 605819 (v8), 680671 (v9) GeekBench: 13105 (v4.4), 2614 (v5.1) GFXBench: 44fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Mi CC9

  • Lower initial cost
  • Compact and lightweight design (likely)
  • Adequate for basic smartphone tasks

  • Outdated chipset (Snapdragon 710)
  • Slow charging (18W)
  • Limited 5G connectivity

Realme X7 Max 5G

  • Flagship-level performance (Dimensity 1200)
  • Ultra-fast 50W charging
  • 5G connectivity
  • Brighter display

  • Higher initial cost
  • Potentially larger and heavier design
  • May require more frequent software updates

Display Comparison

The Realme X7 Max 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 640 nits, a significant advantage over the Mi CC9, which lacks specific brightness data but is expected to be lower given its age and chipset. While both devices likely feature standard LCD panels, the X7 Max’s higher brightness translates to better visibility in outdoor conditions. Contrast ratio is listed as infinite (nominal) for the X7 Max, typical of LCDs, but the Mi CC9’s contrast ratio is unknown. The X7 Max’s display is likely to offer a more vibrant and readable experience.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. The Realme X7 Max 5G likely benefits from the more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated within the Dimensity 1200, enabling faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The Mi CC9’s camera system, while adequate for its time, will struggle to match the X7 Max’s capabilities. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison, but the X7 Max’s chipset advantage suggests superior image quality.

Performance

The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Realme X7 Max 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6nm) is a flagship-level chipset featuring an octa-core configuration with a prime Cortex-A78 core clocked at 3.0 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Xiaomi Mi CC9’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 (10nm), which utilizes a more modest octa-core setup peaking at 2.2 GHz. The Dimensity 1200’s 6nm process node offers improved power efficiency and thermal performance, meaning sustained performance will be higher on the X7 Max. The X7 Max’s CPU architecture, with its newer Cortex-A78 cores, provides a significant uplift in both single-core and multi-core performance.

Battery Life

Both phones have an endurance rating of 110h, suggesting similar overall battery life despite the Mi CC9’s unknown battery capacity. However, the Realme X7 Max 5G’s 50W wired charging is a game-changer. It can charge to 50% in just 16 minutes, a stark contrast to the Mi CC9’s slower 18W charging. The X7 Max also offers 2.5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Mi CC9. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the X7 Max significantly reduces downtime.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Mi CC9 if you prioritize a lower initial cost and only need a phone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It's a good choice for users on a very tight budget. Buy the Realme X7 Max 5G if you value performance, fast charging, and 5G connectivity. This phone is ideal for gamers, content creators, and anyone who wants a smooth and responsive experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Dimensity 1200 in the Realme X7 Max 5G prone to overheating during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 1200 is a powerful chipset, but Mediatek has implemented thermal management features to mitigate overheating. While some heat generation is expected during demanding tasks, the 6nm process node and efficient cooling solutions in the X7 Max 5G generally prevent significant throttling, allowing for sustained performance.
❓ Does the Realme X7 Max 5G support high refresh rate gaming, like 90fps or 120fps in popular titles like PUBG Mobile?
The Realme X7 Max 5G’s powerful GPU and display capabilities allow it to achieve high frame rates in many games. While specific support varies by game and settings, it’s capable of running PUBG Mobile at 60fps and potentially higher with optimized settings. Check game-specific compatibility lists for optimal performance.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 710 in the Xiaomi Mi CC9 handle multitasking compared to the Dimensity 1200?
The Snapdragon 710 is adequate for basic multitasking, but it will struggle with numerous apps running simultaneously. The Dimensity 1200, with its more powerful CPU and larger memory bandwidth, handles multitasking with ease, allowing for seamless switching between applications without noticeable lag.
❓ Is the 2.5W reverse wired charging on the Realme X7 Max 5G useful for charging accessories like earbuds?
Yes, the 2.5W reverse wired charging is a convenient feature for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. While it's not a fast charging solution, it can provide a small boost in battery life when you're away from a power outlet.