The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers excellent value for money. Two popular contenders in the budget segment are the Redmi 9 Activ and the Redmi 9. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 9 is the clear winner. While the Redmi 9 Activ offers a more affordable entry point, the Redmi 9 boasts a significantly more powerful chipset, faster charging, and a generally improved overall experience, justifying the slightly higher price.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 24 | 2020, June 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 24 | Available. Released 2020, June 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 163.3 x 77 x 9.1 mm (6.43 x 3.03 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 198 g (6.98 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| 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 MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| 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, 128GB 6GB 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, 28mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 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 |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Wireless FM radio (no wired headphones required) |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5020 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Purple | Carbon Gray, Sunset Purple, Ocean Green, Pink/Blue |
| Models | - | M2004J19G, M2004J19C |
| Price | About 110 EUR | $ 105.77 / £ 196.62 / € 115.51 |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 131h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1624:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.9 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 201829 (v8)
GeekBench: 1325 (v5.1) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ
- Very affordable
- Long battery life
- Decent build quality
- Weak processor
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
Xiaomi Redmi 9
- Faster processor (Helio G80)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Better camera
- Improved performance
- Slightly more expensive
- Battery life marginally less than Activ (though still excellent)
Display Comparison
The Redmi 9 features a slightly brighter display (328 nits vs likely lower on the Activ) and a similar contrast ratio (1624:1). Both phones likely use IPS LCD panels, offering decent viewing angles. The Redmi 9's display is generally considered to be slightly better due to the higher brightness.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Redmi 9's G80 chipset typically allows for better image processing and potentially higher resolution video recording. The Redmi 9 likely has a more versatile camera setup with potentially more lenses (e.g., ultrawide). The Redmi 9 Activ's camera is adequate for casual snapshots.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 9 shines. Its Helio G80 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Redmi 9 Activ's Helio G35. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Redmi 9. The G35 is adequate for basic tasks but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones boast impressive battery life, with the Redmi 9 achieving an endurance rating of 131 hours. The Redmi 9 Activ likely offers similar endurance due to its less power-hungry chipset, but the Redmi 9's faster 18W charging provides a significant advantage when it's time to top up.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ is ideal for users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and long battery life over performance. The Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a better choice for those who want a smoother experience, better camera capabilities, and faster charging without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 9 Activ worth buying if I'm on a very tight budget?
If your budget is extremely limited and you primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light browsing, the Redmi 9 Activ can be a viable option. However, be prepared for slower performance.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi 9 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G80 chipset. It will handle games much more smoothly than the Redmi 9 Activ.
