Xiaomi consistently delivers impressive value in the budget phone market. The Redmi 9 Activ and Poco C55 are two contenders vying for your attention. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? This comprehensive comparison will help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Poco C55 is the clear winner. While the Redmi 9 Activ is a decent budget option, the Poco C55's significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset, improved camera capabilities, and slightly better overall features make it a more compelling choice for most users.
| 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, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 24 | 2023, February 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 24 | Available. Released 2023, February 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Panda Glass), eco leather back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | - | Dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| 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, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Purple | Cool Blue, Power Black, Forest Green |
| Models | - | 22127PC95I |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ
- Extremely affordable
- Long battery life
- Decent build quality
- Weak performance
- Basic camera
- Outdated chipset
Xiaomi Poco C55
- Better performance (Helio G85)
- Improved camera
- Sleek design
- More modern features
- Slightly more expensive than Redmi 9 Activ
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. While the Poco C55 might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially improved panel technology, the difference will be minimal for most users. Expect similar viewing experiences for general use.
Camera Comparison
The Poco C55 generally boasts a more capable camera system. While both likely have a 13MP main sensor, the Poco C55's G85 chipset allows for better image processing and potentially additional features like improved night mode. Expect better detail and dynamic range in photos taken with the Poco C55.
Performance
This is where the Poco C55 shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G35 in the Redmi 9 Activ. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Poco C55. The Redmi 9 Activ will struggle with more demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, meaning charging times will be similar.
Buying Guide
The Redmi 9 Activ is best suited for users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and long battery life over performance. The Poco C55 is ideal for those seeking a smoother experience for everyday tasks, light gaming, and better camera quality without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 9 Activ good for gaming?
The Redmi 9 Activ's Helio G35 chipset is not ideal for gaming. It can handle basic games, but more demanding titles will suffer from lag and low frame rates.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Poco C55, being a newer model, is likely to receive longer software support and updates compared to the Redmi 9 Activ.
