Realme 9i 5G vs Xiaomi Redmi 11: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Contenders
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 9i 5G emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 810, fabricated on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Redmi 11’s Dimensity 700, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. While both offer 18W charging, the Realme’s superior processing power justifies its slight price premium.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Xiaomi Redmi 11 | Realme 9i 5G |
| 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, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 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, 66, 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 | Not announced yet | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | - | 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 | - | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Unspecified | 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 | 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 11, MIUI 13 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | 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 | |
| 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/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 | Gray; other colors | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | - | RMX3612 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi 11
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset
- Likely similar battery life to Realme 9i 5G
- Less powerful chipset compared to Realme 9i 5G
- 7nm process less efficient than 6nm
Realme 9i 5G
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset
- 6nm process for improved efficiency
- Slightly better gaming performance
- May be slightly more expensive than Redmi 11
- 18W charging is relatively slow
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The key difference lies under the hood: display driver efficiency. While specific display specs are unavailable, the Realme 9i 5G’s more efficient Dimensity 810 chipset could potentially allow for slightly better sustained brightness and color accuracy, as less power is diverted to processing, leaving more for the panel. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of budget devices.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price bracket, both phones likely feature a primary sensor around 13-50MP paired with basic auxiliary lenses. The image processing capabilities of the Dimensity 810 in the Realme 9i 5G may offer slightly better noise reduction and dynamic range, but the difference will likely be marginal. The 2MP macro cameras found on both devices are largely marketing features and offer limited practical utility.
Performance
The Realme 9i 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) is the clear winner here. The 6nm fabrication process is more efficient than the Redmi 11’s Dimensity 700 (7nm), resulting in lower power consumption and reduced thermal throttling. The Dimensity 810 also features a slightly higher CPU clock speed (2.4 GHz vs 2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores), contributing to a roughly 10-15% performance increase in CPU-intensive tasks. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. Both phones share the same Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, but the 810’s overall architecture provides a more robust experience.
Battery Life
Both the Redmi 11 and Realme 9i 5G are equipped with 18W wired charging. While the battery capacity is not specified, typical capacities for these devices are around 5000mAh. The Realme 9i 5G’s more efficient Dimensity 810 chipset will likely result in slightly better battery life during moderate usage. The 6nm process reduces power draw, allowing the phone to operate longer on a single charge. However, the 18W charging speed is relatively slow, meaning a full 0-100% charge will take approximately 2-2.5 hours on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 11 if you prioritize a consistently lower price point and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Realme 9i 5G if you value a more responsive user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, and want a device that feels more future-proof thanks to its more powerful chipset and efficient architecture.