The Xiaomi Redmi 9 series offers compelling value in the budget smartphone space. The Redmi 9 Activ and Redmi 9 Power represent two distinct approaches within that segment. The Activ prioritizes affordability, while the Power aims for a more balanced experience with faster charging and a more capable chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Power is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset delivers noticeably smoother performance and better efficiency than the Helio G35 in the Activ. The 18W fast charging is a significant advantage, offsetting the slightly smaller battery capacity and providing a more convenient user experience.
| 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 | 2020, December 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 24 | Available. Released 2020, December 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.38 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 (~83.4% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | 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, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 350 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 8 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Purple | Mighty Black, Fiery Red, Electric Green, Blazing Blue |
| Models | - | M2010J19SI, M2010J19SL |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable for basic smartphone tasks
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful chipset
- Significantly slower performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Struggles with multitasking and gaming
Xiaomi Redmi 9 Power
- Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 662 chipset
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- 2.5W reverse wired charging
- Better multitasking and gaming performance
- Slightly higher price
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life under heavy load (offset by efficiency)
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature similar LCD panels, given their market positioning. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are not provided. The focus here is on internal performance. The lack of high refresh rate panels is standard for this price bracket, meaning visual smoothness will depend more on the chipset's ability to render frames consistently.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is limited. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature similar camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Redmi 9 Power likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), which generally offers better image processing capabilities than MediaTek’s equivalent. This could result in slightly more detailed and vibrant photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means low-light performance will be heavily reliant on software processing.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi 9 Power’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) is a significant step up from the Redmi 9 Activ’s MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm). The Snapdragon 662 utilizes Qualcomm’s Kryo CPU cores – 4x2.0 GHz Gold and 4x1.8 GHz Silver – offering a more refined architecture than the Activ’s homogenous Cortex-A53 setup. The 11nm process node of the Snapdragon 662 also contributes to better power efficiency, translating to longer battery life during demanding tasks. While both are octa-core, the Snapdragon 662’s architecture provides a tangible performance advantage in multitasking and app loading times. Gamers will find the Snapdragon 662 capable of handling less demanding titles at medium settings, while the Helio G35 will struggle with anything beyond basic games.
Battery Life
The Redmi 9 Power’s 18W wired charging is a major advantage over the Redmi 9 Activ’s 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times, reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 662’s superior power efficiency means the Redmi 9 Power can likely achieve comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a slightly smaller battery. The Redmi 9 Power also includes 2.5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for smaller devices – a feature absent on the Activ.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Power if you prioritize smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and faster charging – even if it means spending a little more. The Power is the better all-rounder for the average smartphone user.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G35 in the Redmi 9 Activ struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
While the Helio G35 can handle basic apps like Facebook and WhatsApp, you may experience occasional lag or slowdowns when multitasking or using these apps alongside other background processes. The Snapdragon 662 in the Redmi 9 Power offers a much smoother experience for everyday app usage.
❓ How long does it realistically take to charge the Redmi 9 Power from 0% to 100%?
With the 18W charger (sold separately in some regions), the Redmi 9 Power can charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The Redmi 9 Activ, with its 10W charging, will take significantly longer – likely 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
❓ Can the Redmi 9 Power handle games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Redmi 9 Power can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to play at lower graphics settings (low or medium) to maintain a playable frame rate. The Helio G35 in the Redmi 9 Activ will struggle to provide a smooth gaming experience even at the lowest settings.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Redmi 9 Power useful?
The 2.5W reverse charging is primarily useful for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch in an emergency. It's not designed to quickly charge another phone, but it can be a convenient feature to have.
