Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ vs Redmi 9C: A Detailed Comparison

The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Redmi 9 Activ and Redmi 9C are two contenders vying for your attention. But with remarkably similar specs, which one truly offers the better experience? Let's dive in and find out.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

Both phones share the same core chipset and CPU, resulting in very similar performance. The Redmi 9C generally edges out the Activ due to slightly better camera features and potentially a more refined software experience, making it the marginally better choice for most users, especially considering price differences.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ	Xiaomi Redmi 9C

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 30. Released 2020, August 12
Status	Available. Released 2021, September 24	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in)	164.9 x 77 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.03 x 0.35 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	194 g (6.84 oz)	196 g (6.91 oz)

Display
Resolution	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size	6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio)	6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.1% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm)	Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm)
GPU	PowerVR GE8320	PowerVR GE8320
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	32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 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
Single	5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm	-
Triple	-	13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm	5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 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
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, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity

Battery
Charging	10W wired	10W wired
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Purple	Midnight Gray, Sunrise Orange, Twilight Blue
Models	-	M2006C3MG, M2006C3MT
Price	About 110 EUR	About 80 EUR
SAR	0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body)	0.73 W/kg (head) 0.52 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	-	0.35 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body)

Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ

Extremely affordable
Large 5000mAh battery
Decent display for the price

Basic camera setup
Slow charging
Limited performance

Xiaomi Redmi 9C

Slightly better camera features (often includes macro lens)
Potentially more refined software
Large 5000mAh battery

Slow charging
Limited performance
Can be slightly more expensive than the Activ

Display Comparison

Both devices feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels (HD+). While the specifications are identical, slight variations in color accuracy and brightness may exist depending on panel quality, but these are difficult to discern without direct comparison. Expect adequate viewing angles and decent sharpness for everyday use.

Camera Comparison

The Redmi 9C typically boasts a slightly more versatile camera setup, often including a macro lens in addition to the main, ultrawide, and depth sensors. The Redmi 9 Activ often has a simpler dual-camera setup. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be limited. Video recording capabilities are standard for this price range.

Performance

Powered by the Mediatek Helio G35, both phones offer adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level speeds; these are entry-level devices. Multitasking with several apps simultaneously might result in noticeable slowdowns. The RAM configuration (typically 3GB or 4GB) will significantly impact performance.

Battery Life

Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, which is relatively slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ is a good option for users prioritizing a very basic, functional smartphone at the absolute lowest price point. The Redmi 9C is ideal for those seeking a slightly more feature-rich experience, including a better camera and potentially a more polished software, without breaking the bank.