Xiaomi offers a range of budget-friendly smartphones, and the Redmi 9 Activ and Redmi Note 10 are popular contenders. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 10 is the clear winner. While the Redmi 9 Activ offers affordability, the Note 10 boasts a significantly better display, faster processor, superior camera, and much quicker charging. It's a worthwhile upgrade 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 24 | 2021, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 24 | Available. Released 2021, March 16 |
| 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) | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 178.8 g (6.31 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant (market/region dependent) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED, 450 nits (typ), 1100 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 612 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 14 |
| 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 |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| 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, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 25 min, 100% in 74 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Purple | Shadow Black (Onyx Gray), Frost White (Pebble White), Aqua Green (Lake Green) |
| Models | - | M2101K7AI, M2101K7AG |
| Price | About 110 EUR | € 159.99 |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 0.97 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 110h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.2 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 218788 (v8)
GeekBench: 2860 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ
- Extremely affordable
- Long battery life
- Decent for basic tasks
- Slow performance
- Low-resolution display
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Fast charging (33W)
- Improved performance
- Better camera
- Sleek design
- Slightly more expensive than the 9 Activ
- No expandable storage (depending on variant)
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 10’s 6.43-inch Super AMOLED display with 682 nits brightness and infinite contrast ratio blows the Redmi 9 Activ’s IPS LCD out of the water. Colors are more vibrant, blacks are deeper, and viewing angles are superior. The Note 10 also features a higher resolution, resulting in sharper images.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 10’s camera system is a significant upgrade. While both offer decent image quality in good lighting, the Note 10 excels in low-light conditions and offers more versatile shooting options. The Note 10's processing algorithms also produce more pleasing results.
Performance
The Snapdragon 678 in the Redmi Note 10 provides a noticeable performance boost over the Helio G35 in the Redmi 9 Activ. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and gaming is more enjoyable on the Note 10. The Note 10's 11nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both phones offer excellent battery life, achieving an endurance rating of 110 hours. However, the Redmi Note 10’s 33W fast charging is a game-changer, allowing it to charge significantly faster than the Redmi 9 Activ’s 10W charging.
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 premium features. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is perfect for those seeking a well-rounded smartphone experience with a vibrant display, capable camera, and fast charging, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 9 Activ worth buying in 2024?
Only if you're on an extremely tight budget and primarily need a phone for basic calling and texting. Otherwise, the Redmi Note 10 offers significantly better value.
❓ How much faster is the Redmi Note 10's charging?
The Redmi Note 10 charges at 33W, while the Redmi 9 Activ charges at 10W. This means the Note 10 can charge to 50% in approximately 25 minutes and 100% in around 74 minutes, compared to significantly longer times for the 9 Activ.
