The budget 5G smartphone market is heating up, and the Xiaomi Redmi 11 Prime 5G and Realme 9i 5G are two strong contenders. Both offer 5G connectivity at an attractive price point, but which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9i 5G edges out the Redmi 11 Prime 5G thanks to its slightly more powerful Dimensity 810 chipset and generally better software optimization. While both offer good value, the Realme provides a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks and gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 06 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 09 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 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 | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, 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 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, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 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 |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Thunder Black, Chrome Silver, Meadow Green | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | - | RMX3612 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi 11 Prime 5G
- Potentially versatile camera system
- Larger screen for media consumption
- Competitive price
- Slightly less powerful chipset
- Slower charging
- Software experience may vary
Realme 9i 5G
- More powerful Dimensity 810 chipset
- Smoother performance
- Generally better software optimization
- Sleek design
- Camera might not be as versatile
- 18W charging is slow
- Screen may not be as bright
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display, likely with a resolution around 1080 x 2400 pixels. Expect similar viewing experiences, though panel quality (AMOLED vs LCD) could differ. The Redmi 11 Prime 5G might have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs 120Hz on the Realme), leading to smoother scrolling. Brightness and color accuracy will be key differentiators to look for in reviews.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 11 Prime 5G likely features a versatile camera setup, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor (e.g., 50MP) and a depth sensor. The Realme 9i 5G might focus on image processing and software enhancements. Real-world camera performance will depend heavily on software optimization and low-light capabilities. Expect both to offer decent image quality for the price.
Performance
The Realme 9i 5G holds a clear advantage here. Its Dimensity 810 chipset is a step up from the Redmi 11 Prime 5G's Dimensity 700. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. While both are capable of handling everyday tasks, the Realme offers a more fluid experience.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, which is relatively slow by modern standards. Battery optimization will play a crucial role in determining which phone lasts longer.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 11 Prime 5G is a good choice for users prioritizing a larger screen and potentially slightly better camera versatility (depending on specific models and software). The Realme 9i 5G is ideal for those seeking a more responsive performance and a generally smoother user experience, especially for multitasking and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme 9i 5G is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 810 chipset. It will handle games more smoothly and with better frame rates.
❓ Does either phone have NFC?
Both the Redmi 11 Prime 5G and Realme 9i 5G typically include NFC for contactless payments, but it's best to confirm the specific variant you're purchasing.
