The Xiaomi Poco C31 and Redmi 9C are both budget-friendly smartphones vying for your attention. Both offer a compelling entry point into the Xiaomi ecosystem, but subtle differences can make a big impact on your daily usage. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you determine which phone is the right fit for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Ultimately, the Poco C31 and Redmi 9C are remarkably similar due to sharing the same chipset. The Redmi 9C often edges out slightly due to potentially better software optimization and availability of slightly newer software versions. Both are solid choices for basic usage, but consider price and availability as key factors.
| 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, 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 | 2021, September 30 | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, August 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 02 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 77 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.1% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 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 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Royal Blue, Shadow Gray | Midnight Gray, Sunrise Orange, Twilight Blue |
| Models | MZB0A0MIN, MZB0A0KIN, 211033MI, 22031116AI | M2006C3MG, M2006C3MT |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 0.73 W/kg (head) 0.52 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Poco C31
- Larger display (slightly)
- Modern design
- Decent battery life
- Potentially less optimized software
- Slow charging
- Basic camera performance
Xiaomi Redmi 9C
- Better software optimization (potentially)
- Improved front camera
- Good availability
- Decent battery life
- Slightly older design
- Slow charging
- Basic camera performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels (HD+). While the specifications are identical, the Poco C31 might offer slightly better viewing angles due to its design. However, both displays are adequate for everyday use and media consumption, though not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
The Poco C31 typically features a 13MP main camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. The Redmi 9C also has a 13MP main camera, but often includes an 8MP front camera versus the Poco C31's 5MP front camera. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Redmi 9C's front camera advantage is a notable difference.
Performance
Powered by the Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, both phones offer similar performance. Expect adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Demanding games and multitasking will likely result in noticeable slowdowns. Software optimization plays a crucial role here, and the Redmi 9C might have a slight edge depending on the software version.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, which is relatively slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take around 3-4 hours.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Poco C31 is ideal for users prioritizing a larger display and a slightly more modern design, and who are comfortable with a potentially less optimized software experience. The Xiaomi Redmi 9C is a better choice for those seeking a slightly more polished software experience, potentially better availability, and a slightly more refined overall package, especially if price is a deciding factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones 5G compatible?
No, neither the Poco C31 nor the Redmi 9C support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G LTE devices.
❓ Which phone has more RAM?
Both phones are typically available with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, so it depends on the specific configuration you purchase.
