The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme 9i 5G and Xiaomi Redmi 10 Prime are two strong contenders vying for your attention. Both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and a decent smartphone experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their key specifications to reveal which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 9i 5G emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Redmi 10 Prime’s Helio G88. While both offer 18W charging, the 9i 5G’s superior processing power makes it a more future-proof option.
| 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 | 2021, September 03 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 07 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.6 x 9.6 mm (6.38 x 2.98 x 0.38 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| | Dust & splash proof | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | 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 |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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 | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
9W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Astral White, Bifrost Blue, Phantom Black | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | 21061119BI | RMX3612 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Prime
- Potentially slightly better battery life due to less power-hungry chipset.
- Established Xiaomi ecosystem and software support.
- Competitive price point.
- Less powerful processor compared to the Realme 9i 5G.
- Likely struggles with demanding games and multitasking.
- Older 12nm manufacturing process.
Realme 9i 5G
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset for smoother performance.
- 6nm manufacturing process for improved efficiency.
- Better gaming experience.
- More future-proof 5G connectivity.
- Battery life may be slightly shorter than the Redmi 10 Prime.
- Realme UI may not appeal to all users.
- Potentially less established brand recognition in some markets.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood: display driver efficiency. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the Realme 9i 5G’s more advanced chipset can potentially drive the display more efficiently, leading to slightly better battery life during media consumption. Bezels are expected to be comparable, and color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature a primary camera and multiple auxiliary lenses (likely including a depth and macro sensor). The image processing capabilities of the Dimensity 810 in the Realme 9i 5G likely offer better noise reduction and dynamic range compared to the Helio G88 in the Redmi 10 Prime. The Redmi 10 Prime’s ISP will likely be less sophisticated, resulting in less detailed images, especially in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical value.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Realme 9i 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the Redmi 10 Prime’s Helio G88 (12nm). The 6nm process translates to improved power efficiency and thermal management. The Dimensity 810’s CPU, with 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, outperforms the Redmi’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores in both single-core and multi-core tasks. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Realme 9i 5G. The Redmi 10 Prime will handle everyday tasks adequately, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds (around 2 hours for a full charge). While the Redmi 10 Prime’s less powerful chipset *could* translate to slightly better battery life in certain scenarios, the difference is unlikely to be substantial. The Realme 9i 5G’s more efficient 6nm process partially offsets the higher power draw of its more powerful processor. Real-world battery life will heavily depend on usage patterns, but the 9i 5G’s performance advantage won’t come at a massive battery life penalty.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10 Prime if you prioritize a potentially longer-lasting battery due to the less power-hungry chipset, and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Realme 9i 5G if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing your device with a more capable 5G processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 9i 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Mediatek Dimensity 810’s 6nm process is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While some throttling is inevitable during extended gaming, the 9i 5G is less likely to overheat significantly compared to devices with less efficient chipsets like the Redmi 10 Prime’s Helio G88.
❓ Is the 18W charging on either phone considered fast charging in 2024?
18W charging is relatively slow by 2024 standards. Expect a full charge to take around 2 hours. While not 'fast' in the modern sense, it's adequate for overnight charging and provides a reasonable top-up during the day.
❓ Can the Redmi 10 Prime handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Redmi 10 Prime can *run* PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. Expect noticeable lag and stuttering, especially in intense firefights. The Realme 9i 5G will provide a significantly smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ What kind of storage and RAM options are typically available for these phones?
Both phones are commonly found with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. The Realme 9i 5G sometimes offers a 8GB RAM option. Both support microSD card expansion for additional storage, but performance may be limited when using slower microSD cards.
