The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ and the Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches, with Xiaomi opting for a MediaTek Helio G35 chipset and Realme choosing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 460. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and faster charging, the Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 460, built on an 11nm process, offers a more efficient and generally smoother experience than the Redmi 9 Activ’s Helio G35, despite the latter’s slightly higher clocked cores. The 18W charging is a significant advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 24 | 2020, October 28. Released 2020, October 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 24 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP B/W, f/2.4
2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Purple | Power Silver, Power Blue |
| Models | - | RMX2195 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.62 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ
- Potentially slightly longer battery life due to possible larger battery capacity.
- Lower price point (likely, depending on retailer).
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Slower charging speed (10W).
- Less efficient and potentially less responsive chipset (Helio G35).
Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition
- Faster charging (18W).
- More efficient and responsive chipset (Snapdragon 460).
- Better thermal management for sustained performance.
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life (depending on battery capacity).
- May be slightly more expensive than the Redmi 9 Activ.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on efficiency. Without specific display specs, we can infer that both prioritize battery life over brightness or color accuracy. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the cost-conscious design of both phones.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but image quality will be heavily dependent on software processing. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the Realme C15’s Qualcomm ISP generally offers better image processing capabilities than the MediaTek equivalent found in the Redmi 9 Activ. Expect similar performance in good lighting conditions, but the Realme C15 should perform better in low-light scenarios. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C15’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm) benefits from a more modern manufacturing process than the Redmi 9 Activ’s MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm). While the Helio G35 has slightly higher clocked Cortex-A53 cores (2.3GHz vs 1.8GHz), the Snapdragon 460’s Kryo 240 cores, combined with the smaller 11nm node, generally translate to better sustained performance and thermal management. This means the Realme C15 is less likely to throttle under load, offering a more consistent experience during prolonged use. The Snapdragon 460 also has a more modern GPU, providing a slight edge in graphics performance.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature batteries in the 5000mAh range, common for this segment. However, the Realme C15’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Redmi 9 Activ’s 10W charging. This translates to a much faster 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime. While the Redmi 9 Activ’s battery capacity might be marginally higher, the faster charging of the Realme C15 effectively mitigates any potential difference in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ if you primarily need a phone for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. Buy the Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition if you want a more responsive experience for everyday use, including occasional gaming, and value the convenience of faster 18W charging. The Realme C15 is better suited for users who anticipate a slightly heavier workload.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 460 in the Realme C15 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 460 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (balanced or low) to maintain a stable frame rate. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's capable of providing a playable experience for casual gamers. The Helio G35 in the Redmi 9 Activ will likely struggle more with consistent performance in demanding titles.
❓ How much faster is the 18W charging on the Realme C15 compared to the 10W charging on the Redmi 9 Activ?
The 18W charging on the Realme C15 will significantly reduce charging times. While exact figures depend on battery capacity and usage, you can expect a full charge to take approximately 2-3 hours with the Realme C15, compared to 4-5 hours with the Redmi 9 Activ. This difference is particularly noticeable for users who frequently need to top up their battery throughout the day.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the Helio G35 and Snapdragon 460 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Snapdragon 460 provides a smoother and more responsive experience when navigating the user interface, opening apps, and multitasking. The Helio G35 may exhibit occasional lag or stuttering, especially when running multiple apps simultaneously.
