The Xiaomi Poco C31 and Redmi 9C NFC 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 head-to-head comparison to see which phone comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same core chipset and charging speed. The Redmi 9C NFC edges out the Poco C31 thanks to its NFC capabilities and slightly better camera performance. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether NFC functionality is a priority for you.
| 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, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 30 | 2020, August 27. Released 2020, August 27 |
| 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 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 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 (~81.0% 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, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| 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 | - |
| 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 | Yes |
| 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, Sunshine Yellow, Twilight Blue |
| Models | MZB0A0MIN, MZB0A0KIN, 211033MI, 22031116AI | M2006C3MNG |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.37 W/kg (head) 1.14 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Poco C31
- Large 6.53-inch display
- Affordable price
- Decent battery life
- Stylish design
- Slow charging
- Mediocre camera performance
- Limited NFC functionality (none)
- Plastic build
Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC
- NFC support
- Slightly better camera
- Good battery life
- Affordable price
- Slow charging
- Basic performance
- Plastic build
- 720p display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution. While the panels are similar in size and resolution, the Redmi 9C NFC often exhibits slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The Poco C31's display is adequate but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 9C NFC generally offers a slightly better camera experience. While both have a 13MP main sensor, the Redmi 9C NFC's image processing tends to produce more vibrant and detailed photos. The Poco C31's camera is acceptable but can struggle in low-light conditions. Both have similar ultrawide and depth sensors.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. Both devices are powered by the Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, which is sufficient for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level performance from either phone; they're designed for budget-conscious users.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging is limited to 10W wired charging on both devices, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Poco C31 is ideal for users prioritizing a large display and basic functionality on a tight budget. The Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC is a better choice for those needing NFC for contactless payments or data transfer and appreciate a slightly improved camera system.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Poco C31 have NFC?
No, the Xiaomi Poco C31 does not have NFC capabilities.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones offer similar gaming performance. Neither is ideal for demanding games, but they can handle lighter titles.
❓ What is the difference in camera quality?
The Redmi 9C NFC generally produces slightly better photos with more vibrant colors and better detail, especially in good lighting conditions.
