The sub-₹15,000 (approximately $180 USD) smartphone segment in India is fiercely competitive. The Xiaomi Redmi 10, with its focus on efficient 4G connectivity, clashes with the Realme 9i 5G, which prioritizes next-generation network access. This comparison dissects the core differences between these devices, focusing on performance, battery life, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and battery life, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 (India) emerges as the stronger choice. While the Realme 9i 5G boasts 5G connectivity, the Snapdragon 680’s efficiency and optimized architecture provide a smoother, more reliable experience for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
| 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, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 17 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 24 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 169.6 x 76.6 x 9.1 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 203 g (7.16 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 106.2 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 13 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Unspecified MP, 46mm (telephoto)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Pacific Blue, Caribbean Green | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | 220333QAG | RMX3612 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (India)
- Superior power efficiency with Snapdragon 680
- Potentially longer battery life
- Smoother sustained performance due to optimized architecture
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- May have slightly slower peak performance in short bursts
Realme 9i 5G
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Potentially faster image processing
- Higher peak CPU clock speeds
- Less power-efficient chipset
- Potential for thermal throttling during extended use
- Shorter battery life compared to Redmi 10
Display Comparison
Both devices are likely to feature similar LCD panels, given their price point. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are missing. The focus here is on the chipset impact on display smoothness. The Snapdragon 680, paired with optimized software, may deliver a slightly more responsive UI experience than the Dimensity 810, even if the panels are identical.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera around the 13-50MP range. The image processing algorithms will be key differentiators. Xiaomi’s software often leans towards vibrant, saturated colors, while Realme tends to aim for a more natural look. The Dimensity 810’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) *may* offer slightly faster processing speeds, but this advantage is likely minimal in real-world scenarios. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic and offers limited practical value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 9i 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 810 (6nm) utilizes a dual-core Cortex-A76 setup alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, geared towards bursty performance. Conversely, the Xiaomi Redmi 10’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) employs an octa-core Kryo 265 configuration, prioritizing sustained performance. While the Dimensity 810 boasts higher peak clock speeds (2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz), the Snapdragon 680’s architecture is generally more efficient, leading to less thermal throttling during prolonged gaming sessions. This benefits users who engage in extended gaming or multitasking.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds (approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge). The Redmi 10’s Snapdragon 680 is demonstrably more power-efficient. This translates to longer battery life during typical usage, potentially adding several hours of screen-on time compared to the Realme 9i 5G. The 5G modem in the Realme 9i 5G consumes more power, even when not actively connected to a 5G network.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10 (India) if you need a phone with consistently reliable performance, excellent battery life, and don't heavily rely on 5G connectivity. It's ideal for students, professionals, and users who prioritize a stable experience. Buy the Realme 9i 5G if 5G access is a non-negotiable requirement and you're willing to potentially trade off some battery life and sustained performance for future-proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 9i 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The MediaTek Dimensity 810 is known to generate more heat under sustained load compared to the Snapdragon 680. While it won't necessarily become unusable, you may experience noticeable frame drops and throttling after 30-45 minutes of intensive gaming. The Redmi 10 is likely to maintain more consistent performance over longer periods.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Realme 9i 5G actually useful in India right now?
5G coverage in India is still expanding. While 5G is available in major cities, its availability remains limited in many areas. If you live in a region with limited 5G infrastructure, the benefit of the Realme 9i 5G’s 5G modem is significantly reduced. The Redmi 10’s optimized 4G experience may be more practical for most users.
❓ How much faster is the Realme 9i 5G's charging compared to the Redmi 10?
Both phones support 18W charging, so the charging speeds are expected to be very similar. Expect approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge from 0% on both devices. The difference will be negligible.
