The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Redmi 10A and Redmi 9C are two contenders vying for your attention. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 9C edges out the 10A thanks to its slightly faster processor and marginally better performance. While both offer similar battery life and camera capabilities, the 9C's improved chipset makes it the preferable option for smoother everyday use, especially for light 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 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 29 | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, August 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 31 | 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, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF | - |
| Triple | - | 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 | 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 | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 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-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal Black, Sea Blue, Slate Grey | Midnight Gray, Sunrise Orange, Twilight Blue |
| Models | 220233L2C, 220233L2G, 220233L2I | M2006C3MG, M2006C3MT |
| Price | € 60.00 / $ 66.55 | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) | 0.73 W/kg (head) 0.52 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- Large 6.53-inch display
- Long-lasting 5000mAh battery
- Affordable price
- Slower Helio G25 chipset
- Basic camera performance
- 10W charging is slow
Xiaomi Redmi 9C
- Slightly faster Helio G35 chipset
- Good value for money
- Decent battery life
- Plastic build quality
- Average camera performance
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels (HD+). While the panels are similar in size and resolution, the Redmi 9C might offer slightly better color accuracy due to its slightly newer design. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature a triple rear camera setup: a 13MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is generally comparable in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance is adequate but not exceptional on either phone. The front-facing camera is a 5MP unit on both.
Performance
The Redmi 9C boasts the Helio G35 chipset, which offers a noticeable performance boost over the Redmi 10A's Helio G25. This translates to smoother app loading times, quicker multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The G35's slightly higher clock speeds contribute to this advantage. Both phones have 3GB/4GB RAM options.
Battery Life
Both the Redmi 10A and Redmi 9C are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take around 2-3 hours.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 10A is ideal for users prioritizing a large display and basic functionality for calls, texts, and light media consumption. The Redmi 9C is a better choice for those seeking a slightly more responsive experience and a bit more power for multitasking and casual gaming, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Redmi 9C's Helio G35 chipset provides slightly better gaming performance compared to the Redmi 10A's Helio G25. However, neither phone is designed for demanding games.
❓ Are the cameras significantly different?
No, the cameras are quite similar. Both offer a triple-camera setup with comparable specs and image quality in most conditions.